SOUTH ASIA BLOG October 15th, 2024 - JAIPUR

 

10/15/24– I’m glad we opt for the hotel breakfast, which is served buffet style. I try several different dishes as a taster to see what I may or may not like and surprising find it quite good for the most part. They even have ice coffee (well “cold” coffee as they put it).

We spend a few hours this morning going over our next hotel change, as we don’t want a repeat of what we call “The Jaipur Incident”, and find a very nice one for our next destination.. Excellent!

At noon, I get an Uber to go to Amer Fort while Sharece stays back at the hotel. As I get in, the driver insists I sit up front, which should’ve been my first red flag, and on the way he repeatedly tries to sell me on him as a guide or stopping at places along the way. I show him the destination on Uber and state that is all I need, thank you.

Once we arrive, he practically demands 500 INR from me for whatever reason. I show him the app again and say the amount I paid to Uber is for this location, I owe you nothing. He continues to ask when I say I’ll call Uber to sort this out as I leave the car. Not a moment later he drives off. What is it with these drivers?

Walking toward the entrance, I’m hounded by Tuk Tuk drivers begging me to use their service to get to the top. As I continue on I hear one mention it’s too far to walk, but I know better as it’s only ten minutes (although upstairs). Good thing Sharece isn’t with me for this.

The Fort is quite large, which is why it may be a good thing that guides are plentiful, but I’m in no mood to be slowed down. After buying my entrance ticket, I brave the heat, charge up more stairs and whip out my camera for whatever shots I can take. Surprisingly, I don’t have to wait too long for people to move out of my way for pictures and there’s plenty of shade around to escape the 90 degree heat. Hey, at least it’s dry heat.

        

Turkish baths, elaborate doorways and views out to the mountains are all on display as I follow where my camera leads me. I spend a good two hours roaming around before finding the exit (not before asking another to take a photo of me since my travel partner in crime is not here).

Upon exiting, I call an Uber to take me back and realize quickly that it’s the same guy who dropped me off earlier. Was he waiting this whole time for me to come out? Not dealing with that I cancel the ride, find a Tuk Tuk, negotiate a fare and take it twenty-five minutes back to the hotel. I’m quite impressed with how cool the breeze feels as he passes others (even an elephant) as if on a mission.

Back at the hotel, we order room service (cheap) and go to the rooftop to enjoy a nightcap. I have to admit, Jaipur is quite interesting to me as a whole. Once you get past the culture shock it really is a beautiful city to explore. Just need to be mindful of the many, MANY people who try to take advantage of you.

Side note: Our ride tomorrow from Jaipur to Agra cancels on me last minute stating they can’t pick us up. I contact the booking agent for a refund and while going through this ordeal the driver contacts me again stating he made a mistake and can take us now. Sorry bud, refund will be coming and already booked with another company for cheaper.

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