Caught train to Jaipur, Rajasthan, a/c sleeper. Both in different, but adjoining carriages. Not too happy about that. Decided to have word with ticket inspector. Not a problem, in fact had the whole four berth compartment to ourselves! Nice man.
2 a/c much nicer than 1st class non a/c. Don't tend to stick to the plastic covered bed as much, as it is cooler. Sealed, tinted windows. Compartments have curtains for some privacy. Remind us of the kind of curtains giving bed privacy in hospital. Getting used to sleeping on trains, or at least having long cat naps. We will be having a long stint on a train soon, 31 hours, when we head to Darjeeling.
Usual hassle at the train station. Up to the 'prepaid taxi/tuk tuk' stand. Quite useful. You tell the official in the kiosk where you want to go. He tells you the price, gives you a ticket with that price on, you pay him. A tuk tuk then takes you. Give him the ticket, and he redeems the payment. Every one happy!! If you try to do it privately it becomes a tiresome haggle, and you are at a disadvantage because you don't know the distances. Still about 20% commission on top.
Very nice guest house. Bit more expensive, but we both agree that we need a bit of comfort, and some decent food. This place rated 8th out of 264. Called the Rajpunta. Family run. Best food we have had in India. But...... Yep there is always at least one downside, (this is India after all!!). Place is right next to one of the main railway lines. 60 trains coming and 60 trains going, in other words 120 trains in every 24 hours, or 1 train every 12 minutes. Big express trains, with very loud horns and pulling at least 15 - 20 plus carriages!!
Surprisingly we got used to them, and after a while only noticed the ones that vibrated the guest house. lol.
Saw:- Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantra, Amber Fort. Tuk tuk to Amber Fort 5000 irp, local bus 17 irp each. We took the bus!
Yvonne brought a table cloth with elephants on it, and Mike brought a Rajasthani shirt.
Leave you with a few pictures of Jaipur. Man with Mike is the owner of the guesthouse, although his son, daughter and wife run it.
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