Within minutes of stepping onto the Jaipur, India sidewalk these street performers found us – they seemed to walk the roads looking for willing tourists. The snake charmers kept their serpents in baskets with cloths covering the top and once they intercepted a receptive audience, they sat down, revealed the snakes and began to play a flute-like musical instrument. Their somewhat hypnotic song persuaded the cobras to emerge from the baskets and they eventually extend their hoods.
They asked for 1000 rupees, but they got 250. Not bad for 10 minutes entertainment.
Snake Charmers @ Jaipur, India
We managed to sneak in a quick sight-seeing excursion early in the morning before heading off to meetings in Jaipur. The destination? An ancient fort built in Amber, Rajasthan appropriately named Amber Fort – only about 8 miles from Jaipur. Perfect escape.
As we approached the fort my colleague commented, “Imagine trying to attack that.” Simple enough observation, but thought-provoking none the less. Back in 1592, during the fort’s initial construction, it probably did seem somewhat impenetrable.
Amber Fort
Inside the fort there was a lush, green garden that seemed very out of place in the dry, arid surrounding landscape.
Amber Fort Palace Garden
The inside walls and ceilings were adorned with intricate designs and beautiful colors influenced by both Hindu and Muslim styles of ornamentation.
Amber Fort Palace Artwork
An interior room in the palace was covered with thousands of small mirrors embedded in the wall and ceiling mosaics.
Amber Fort Mirrored Walls & Ceiling
What’s the equation to calculate horsepower into camelpower? I’m thinking about 2.4 horses equal one camel. Yes? Anyway, considered this potential equation when I saw a camel working a construction job in Jaipur, India. Given the busy, noisy surrounding traffic I was surprised how calm and laid-back it behaved… just standing there chewing its cud.
Blue Collar Camel @ Jaipur, India
