SURP 827 2024

The team arrived in Agra on Christmas Eve. We picked a homestay within walking distance of the Taj Mahal. We knew it would be colder in the north but figured, as Canadians, we would be fine. Unfortunately, what we didn’t anticipate was an open air hotel. Without proper insulation, the team was a bit cold (and grumpy).  Point for the homestay- we did have a rooftop view of the Taj! Point against the homestay, the roof had monkeys. After being hissed at by a rather large offender, Spencer would not venture out without his designated monkey stick.    The same night, we went to the Salt Cafe, a hip spot in the centre of Agra. We enjoyed a bucket of beer (obviously Kingfisher) and delicious food. We also fit 6 people in one tuk tuk, a personal best.  On Christmas Day, the team exchanged gifts, played cards and went for lunch at a small restaurant known for tea. We also shopped at FabIndia again! Feeling spent, we tried to order dominos pizza. We spent an embarrassing amou...

The first stop on our 2nd day in Jaipur was to the Hawa Mahal which is also known as the Palace of Winds. Built in 1799, the Hawa Mahal is built entirely in red sandstone and is considered to be the world’s tallest building constructed without a foundation. The team had a great time exploring and peeking through some of the 953 windows. Spencer, Maeve and Tara even spotted a man on the street below that had a cobra in a basket.  Next, the team (except Spencer who did some urban exploring outside) went on a guided tour of the City Palace of Jaipur. Originally constructed in 1729, the palace is still used as a royal residence. Our tour guide informed us that if we wish, we can find the current prince/polo player extraordinaire on Instagram. The private tour was great and a nice change from the crowds. Here we learnt about traditional pashmina scarfs and saw a demonstration of painting with fine-hair brushes.  After and just across the street. It was time for the Jantar Mantar, w...

On Saturday Dec. 21 after a long travel day and finally finishing our last set of domestic flights, the team checked into the Moustache hostel in Jaipur.  Despite its quirks and green water swimming pool,  we were delighted to get cozy into our little bunks for a good night’s sleep before our first day exploring the city known as the “Pink City” for its trademark building colour.  Our very first stop was to the one that Dan’s been waiting for since our initial trip planning days, the Jal Mahal!! The Jal Mahal, meaning water palace, was originally constructed around 1699 which sits in the middle of a lake. Although we could not go to the palace, we enjoyed taking pictures from afar.  Next the team braved the crowds and many stairs to visit the Amber Fort located high on a hill. The fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its artistic style. It features large ramparts, a series of gates, cobbled path, mirror work and many maze like passageways.  Afte...