The doings of making Dreams Come True: Jaipur India, our beginning to the Golden Triangle

Finally we embark on our journey of the Golden Triangle. This is the place everyone thinks of when traveling to India. The Triangle comprises of Agra (home of the Taj Mahal), Delhi (the thriving capital city of India) and Jaipur (home of the Red Palace & Amber Fort).

We stayed at the "peacock hotel" I loved it, it felt like how I pictured places in India to be. You know like during the era when the British occupied India. One of my favorite things are the bowls of water with flowers in them, not only do they look gorgeous but the smell is wonderful.

Upon checking into the hotel we meet Salim, he was very helpful and friendly and by the end of the night we decided to hire him as our tour guide/driver. By the end of the 2 days we became "family" Matt was like his son, and I was like a daughter. Our first stop of the morning was Lassiwalla, if you want to try Lassi(or give it a 2nd try) this is the place. When done right this dairy beverage is delicious, but it is quite easy to mess up in the making, but I find most are deliciously passable. If your American, get the sweetened version, you will thank me later.

We stopped to look at the Jal Mahal Palace and Amber fort. A snake charmer came over and started his act. We were very intrigued, and the charmer even let us play the flute, touch the cobra! At the end the charmer wanted a crazy amount but Salim set us straight on how much to pay. Sadly the pictures of me where lost when someone left their phone in an Auto, guess I will just have to go back to Jaipur and charm some more Cobras.

The Amber Fort was a great stop, but be prepared to walk up stairs or get their early and ride an elephant.

On second thought if you don't like elephants, people, architecture or good views, don't stop here because that is all this place has to offer.

Heading out we went to visit some beautiful tombs and monuments for past kings, I am telling you these intricate designs are absolutely beautiful. I love the architecture and how they have carved stories from the deceased's life into the stone.

Shortly after we did stop at a scientific/astronomy park, it was cool but I didn't understand any of it.. I did Aries, which is my sign.

The culminating moment was when Salim took us to ride the elephants! Life long dream come true! These elephants take tourists up to the Amber fort in the morning and then are taken back to the park. I got to ride an elephant bareback, the real kicker is how we got up onto the elephants. Contrary to what I had originally believed, we climbed up on the elephants via the foot/trunk. Once the elephant had lifted its foot high enough we scurried up the trunk onto their back. This is a lot tricker than you think, once you get to their fore head it is straight up and down. We all made it on without incident, and proceeded on a parade thru the "forest" with our Mahouts (the elephant guides).

Our last stop of the day was Monkey Palace (you can imagine my delight at this decision.) If you want an adventure watching your back and your companions back, this is the place for you. DO NOT carry food, cameras or bags loosely. These guys aka Monkeys are quick and strong, once they have hold of your stuff it is history. Between speed, agility and the other monkey gang members you stand very little chance. The monkeys are most active in the morning and evening, but even when you think they are all sleeping during midday they will be watching you.

PS the monkeys at the top end are aggressive.... don't make eye contact unless you are prepared to battle for your life. On the upside there are some nice monks there.

The Red Palace of Jaipur.

Such beautiful designs and architecture on the gate to the city.

Once back at the Peacock palace/hotel we watched the World cup in the lobby (the only place with a TV) with a bunch of other americans and foreigners. What a blast, who new soccer could be so entertaining.

Matt's new friend who wanted Matt's deodorant so the boy would smell good for his girlfriend. Hilarious exchange!

At the end of the day, we got on a overnight bus to Agra and the Taj Majal, this time with flat beds. Since there were 5 of us and 3 beds I bravely took the single bed, with Hudson and Matt across the aisle from me to keep me safe all night long.

Below is how you climb onto an elephant… or at least how I do.