At 2pm we had another great surprise – Sameer was not alone but accompanied by his wife 
Hanah and cute-as-a-button daughter. The plan was to head into the Old Jaipur part of the city, with all the bazaars, and do some shopping. Sameer and Hanah’s local knowledge (having both grown up in Jaipur) and bargaining power would be great assets – and so it proved to be.
Despite the bazaar consisting of some 2,000-odd shops spread through a lattice of streets I’d guess we only passed about 50 or so in an hour or two. Slow to start, Maria really got into her element in the fabric shops, where – with Hanah’s assistance - she was picking and choosing. The bargaining was done by Hanah and Sameer and for this we were very thankful – our experiences with Delhi sharks had (temporarily at least) left us with a very jaded view of the bargaining approach to purchases.
After an hour or two of shopping we dropped into a famous local bakery/sweet-shop for a refreshing (but ohh so filling) sweet that Sameer had recommended (very unusual flavours – several savoury {deep fried?} balls covered by a sweet milky-like sauce.
Then it was back into the car with Sameer and Hanah directing the driver about the city and pointing out various landmarks and other features. It was really nice, not only to get a better sense of the city; but simply to be able to chat together as we drove around. One highlight of this part of the day was that we visiting the famous/large Jain temple around dusk and hence were able to witness (standing inside the temple with the worshippers) the end of day ritual. There was a real frission of excitement as the curtains covering the alter area were suddenly pulled back. The repetitive symbal clashing and bells interweaving together in and out of (from a western ear’s) harmony was really evocative.
Hanah and cute-as-a-button daughter. The plan was to head into the Old Jaipur part of the city, with all the bazaars, and do some shopping. Sameer and Hanah’s local knowledge (having both grown up in Jaipur) and bargaining power would be great assets – and so it proved to be.Despite the bazaar consisting of some 2,000-odd shops spread through a lattice of streets I’d guess we only passed about 50 or so in an hour or two. Slow to start, Maria really got into her element in the fabric shops, where – with Hanah’s assistance - she was picking and choosing. The bargaining was done by Hanah and Sameer and for this we were very thankful – our experiences with Delhi sharks had (temporarily at least) left us with a very jaded view of the bargaining approach to purchases.
After an hour or two of shopping we dropped into a famous local bakery/sweet-shop for a refreshing (but ohh so filling) sweet that Sameer had recommended (very unusual flavours – several savoury {deep fried?} balls covered by a sweet milky-like sauce.
Then it was back into the car with Sameer and Hanah directing the driver about the city and pointing out various landmarks and other features. It was really nice, not only to get a better sense of the city; but simply to be able to chat together as we drove around. One highlight of this part of the day was that we visiting the famous/large Jain temple around dusk and hence were able to witness (standing inside the temple with the worshippers) the end of day ritual. There was a real frission of excitement as the curtains covering the alter area were suddenly pulled back. The repetitive symbal clashing and bells interweaving together in and out of (from a western ear’s) harmony was really evocative.
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