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I, Sarah Nicole Skelnik, hopped on top of a giant elephant today. Don't believe me? See for yourself! Today was the first day I felt a little under the weather. I'm pretty sure the culprit was not eating for 2 weeks at MICA campus then going to Jaipur's 5 star hotel dining room and filling up on the buffet.
On the road to Agra. Before we depart on our next adventure, the unreliable ATM and chemist had to be visited. Sinus infection, stomach problems, my unfortunate 24 hour headache have been bittersweet additions to this heavy, yet inspiring trip.
Yesterday was fun-filled, and maybe even a little bit too filled with excursions and tours of temples, bathing pools and palaces. Starting at 7:45 a.m. was prime for touring since the Indian sun was hiding behind the morning. However, around 2 p.m. dizziness surrounded me, which was probably caused by a mix of dehydration and lack of a wholesome diet. Don’t get me wrong, yesterday was an absolute blast. From an elephant ride with Rennie to drinking Kingfisher in the Raj Mahal Palace resort, it was a day none of us will ever forget.
Elephants and Other Adventures
Imagine a fort at the top of a giant hill, and as you look down a giant herd of 10 foot, 4 ton, brightly painted elephants. We had to climb steps up to the place where we would climb on top of this beautiful, rare creature. Wishing his name was Babar (haha, Kyle), his keeper said his name was Yao-something. It was a very Asian name and I couldn’t even pronounce it, yet remember it. With every step of the elephant below us, our entire seat would shift until I had Rennie almost in my lap. Wonderful pictures were taken along the way by my new friend, Lucky—the youngest paparazzi I know. Around 10-years old, I think (it’s hard to tell children’s ages here because they’re so malnourished) his day job consisted of taking wonderful pictures that captured the ride. I bargained with him and only bought 1 out of his 5 photographs for 50 rupees, roughly a little over a dollar--forever priceless.
After our elephant adventure, we were all feeling rather daring, so we proceeded to the monkey palace, where I actually fed a monkey! His little, human like hand reached out as I did, then gently took a peanut from me as if I were handing it to anyone. They took over the temple, thus where Monkey Palace received its obvious name. Baby monkeys clung to their mother’s necks, and I was reminded of Lou dog. Although they had no real resemblance, they were teeny tiny, brown and absolutely adorable—just like Lou. Cascading the steps, we heard laughing and playful shouting. However, we would soon find out it was a bathing pool for all ages—some women, mainly old and shameless, actually stripped down, too. (Not pretty). We went right back down those steps pretty quickly. Most of us felt very uncomfortable in this setting.
During the day, shopping was always part of the routine. Markets are found on nearly ever block, but we were directed to an art/jewelry/textile market by our tour guide, VJ. As we walked into the market, art and jewelry were on display with their designers sitting behind their masterpieces. With great pride, an artist who was honored by the Prime Minister and Price Charles, with photos to prove it, sat a few of us down to look through his work. Pure Indian art, with culture that jumped right off of the rice paper. The artist used gold leaf paint, which is real 24-carat combined with a mix of other elements to make the piece shimmer. (Later, while visiting the King’s palace, the walls and entire ceiling were covered with this same illumination, 24-carat gold paint). Exquisite.
A full day ended with pool side drink service at the Jai Mahal Palace, our hotel for the past 2 nights. Off to dinner to soak it all in before an early rise and tour bus ride to Agra, our next adventure city. There, we will finally see the one, the only, majestic Taj Mahal.
Pack up. Breakfast. Check out of Raj Mahal Palace. On the tour bus. Agra, here we come.
Arrived in Agra. iPhone does not work. Not sad because I’m wearing my awesome new ring and Glee just so happens to be on TV in our room. Dinner with the SMU crew at 7:30.
It will be an early 5 a.m. morning to see the Taj in all of its glory.
To adventures at the Taj.
