I have one full week in Jaipur to figure out where to find the best jewelry markets, and figure out how to import to the US. Jaipur, I've heard, the THE PLACE to buy jewelry. Yesterday, I saw a few shops that had some nice pieces, but I was too tired to even attempt bargaining or asking to see what they had stock piled in the back of the shop. Today, I start again, fresh and brand new.
Yesterday, I saw some sights earlier in the day. I went to Jantar Mahar, which is an astologial observatory, built about 300 years ago. There are enourmous instruments that measure time and monitor the celestial bodies. There is the HUGEST sundial there, which accurately tells the time down to 2 seconds! Also, an apparatus to locate the north star, and another so you can tell where the sun is in the zodiac. Very amazing place...I hired a guide for 100 rupees (like $2) to show me the different contraptions.
I also went to the Hawa Mahal, the "Wind Palace"... a gorgeous pink, ornate building in Jaipur. From the street, you can see the intricate stone facade. There is a way into the building so you can look out down onto the street....it took me like 2 hours just to find my way into the building! I asked someone how to get in, and they pointed in the direction of the entrance, "Just go in there, go up, then down, then up." Okay...actually, he should have said something like this, "Go in there, go up, turn right, go down, turn left, go past the Krishna temple, turn again, go up and up and up." Anyhow, my 2 hour detour was fun and I snapped some amazing photos of Indian women and children along the way.
The women are sooooo breathtaking!! And y'all know that I'm not one to objectify women, but you just can't help but be struck by the beauty of so many Indian women. Not only are they just very pretty to begin with, but they are like precious jewels when you see what they wear. The richest women wear the brightest, most eye-catching vibrant colored saris, flowing fabric set with sequins, mirrors, gold thread, or embriodery, inticately decorated. Tons of shiny, glittery bangles on their wrists, kohl around the eyes, huge nose rings. Set against the brown, dirty, dusty, dingy backdrop the the city, they really stand out like royalty. As spectacular as peacocks. And they smile back at me warmly when I smile at them, and they are happy to have me photograph their children if I ask.
