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Other entries in Jaipur City

Massages, Moonsoons, and More Monkeys

Well, Well, Well,

Where did we leave off? Upon leaving Pushkar we had a 5 hour bus journey to the beautiful valley city of Jaipur - 2.3 million people. The title of this journal entry pretty much sums up our time here of 3 days.

It all began with a day of visiting mountain top forts that sat 11 km above the city with great views of this sprawling surburbia. A friend of ours knew of a rickshaw driver (from a previous trip) who was willing to drive us around for the day, which saved alot of haggling for a good price. The forts were nice but the journey home was not!!!!

On the descent down the mountain our first monsoon experience began. Torrential downpours drenched us in the back of the rickshaw. As soon as we made it down the mountain, our driver suggests we visit his brother's gem factory for some tea and to dry off while we wait out the rain - Sure thing I thought, that is just what we need.

It is rather a funny thing the monsoon. It has almost the same effect among the people as snow in the western world. People quit work, drink tea or if your lucky to be rained in with some beer drinkers, beer is the order of the day. The kids dance and run around outside rejoicing that water has finally come!

While we sat drying and sipping tea we were cordially invited to tour the rest of the factory which we obliged. Inside there are many cases of jewelry, mostley gems set upon silver rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings - 2 floors of this. While we browse the temptation and currency exchange takes over. Decidedly, I convince Kat to purchase a quality turquoise necklace as a family heirloom for the astonishing price of 3,000 Rupees (65.00 US). While our English friend dropped 4,000 on a couple pairs of earrings. I guess the monsoon does bring good fortune for the Indian people. Besides there were photos of Sting frontman Gordon Summner, the Beastie Boys and Christie Tarrington, all repeat customers, with the owner who was right in front of us. So, I figured if it was good enough for them it was good enough for us.

Four hours later we finally make it back to the hotel with some memorable monsoon stories. The next day we decide to tour the Monkey temple high up above the town where we were able to hand feed monkeys. A little scary at first thought but they were such gentle creatures. Afterwards we went for a Ayervedic Kerala massage. Having had massages in the western world, mainly deep tissue, swedish massage, let me say this was quite different.

Firstly, I was told to put on a see through mesh brief in preparation of the encounter. Then, being a Hindhu nation it was girl on girl and boy on boy to avoid any misconduct. Fine I thought, maybe he will have more strentgh to work out the kinks. But I was quickly proved wrong as I learned, first hand a Kerala massage is more about the oils and high friction full body rubbing. Sadly it was the worst massage I have ever had. I felt more sticky and oily afterwards than I had felt when I was at my sweatiest; and to think I took a shower before hand, Damn it! But Kat and her sister did enjoy their experience as if any femal would not mind an hour of full body attention anyway.

So many lessons you learn, each day is a new, unforgettable experience!

Stay Tuned,

W and K

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