weekend in Jaipur

I was pumped to travel to another city in India, until we landed. The city is more rural than Mumbai, so it was definitely extra dirty with a funky stench.On a positive note, our hotel was beautiful. Their were murals on the walls, hand painted with the tiniest details.

Our group essentially took the whole top floor. Kingfisher Strong (cheap Indian beer) finally grew on me so the combination of that and some high quality Smirnoff Vodka, did me good. We all partied on the roof top then moved to the lower level to join the Indian dancers. My drunk self felt like I was really getting into the rhythm of the beat, but watching videos, tells my sober self different. Our beer run became eventful as three large cows were chilling in the street. I tried to pet one since they seemed to like me, but that was not wise. I need to keep in mind that they are not similar to puppies or any domestic pet for that matter. They just look like they would want to be petted. 

Negative effect from buying from a sketchy liquor is the quality of bottles. I had tiny shards of glass stabbing my hands. When I started to bleed, I freaked a little, causing me to drop my other mixed drink, and shattering that glass cup. The amount of things our group broke was easily over 10 items. Wearing Havanajs was dumb as broken glass left small gashes in my feet. Did not think it was a big deal until I realized how dirty everything was. I was just asking for an infection. Whatever, YOLO right?

AND the highlight of the trip goes to:

:):):):)

So happy I can cross that off my bucket list! I asked how much an elephant would cost and he said around 300,000 rupees which converts into about $4,700. Might need to make an investment down the road ;). However, I don't think they treat them that well. It's basically just a tourist attraction. I did get to pet her though.Her tiny black hairs felt like spikes, so insanely coarse. But she love it, as she rubbed her head into the wall like my dog does when I give her a rub down. 

At least I learned how to bargain a bit on this trip. The rule is to take 1/4 of the price and keep arguing until you walk away. Then you know you'll receive the lowest price. My friend got an elephant statue down from 750 to 100 rupees. Its an art that I need to master within the next two weeks. It was frustrating how the street vendors would not give up. It was either the light skin/ hair combo or the white group of 20 that clearly gave away we were tourist and a big target for $$$$. Rule of thumb, do not make eye contact or acknowledge their existence. Even a simple, "no, no thank you," will open the floor for negotiation.  

(The king would light a candle that reflected off these tiny mirrors to imitate the starry night sky for his queens)