Each stop just seems to get better on this trip. This time, we're staying in an actual palace - The Rambaugh Palace. Another flower lei opportunity, but this time there were two women tossing rose petals over our heads as we ascended the stairs to the lobby. The patio floors were decorated with fresh flower petals crafted into patterns. I now have a new idea for decorating for our next pool party!
We are staying in one of the most beautiful palaces in one of the most beautiful cities in India, Jaipur. This evening was one of our grand celebrations, and boy was it. This was straight out of colonial India when the British still controlled the country.
First stop, men receiving turban head wraps and women, scarves. David was in heaven because in addition to wine and beer, gin and tonics were offered on the patio. In the courtyard below, seven painted elephants, camels and white horses stood for our photo ops. While the women were snapping photos of animals, the men were entertained by lovely women dancers. Next was our own private fireworks display. After sufficient time to enjoy our beverages, a bagpipe band led the animals and dancers along with us in tow to the back field in anticipation of our elephant polo match. I'm really not kidding.
Canapes were passed while we watched our fellow travelers mount elephants and play a chucker. David practically ran to get his shot atop an elephant. I even took a try at it. This was unbelievably fun. We really felt like royalty sitting under our white tent, in white clothed chairs, sipping our gin and tonics while enjoying a little polo.
Finally were led to yet another outdoor venue with white clothed tables, a band playing American classics (think Elvis, Bob Segger and The Beatles) with Indian accents, and a grand buffet of Indian foods for our pleasure. There was waitstaff to attend to our every need. Dinner was followed by dancing under the stars.
What a glorious, if a little over the top, evening!
We are staying in one of the most beautiful palaces in one of the most beautiful cities in India, Jaipur. This evening was one of our grand celebrations, and boy was it. This was straight out of colonial India when the British still controlled the country.
First stop, men receiving turban head wraps and women, scarves. David was in heaven because in addition to wine and beer, gin and tonics were offered on the patio. In the courtyard below, seven painted elephants, camels and white horses stood for our photo ops. While the women were snapping photos of animals, the men were entertained by lovely women dancers. Next was our own private fireworks display. After sufficient time to enjoy our beverages, a bagpipe band led the animals and dancers along with us in tow to the back field in anticipation of our elephant polo match. I'm really not kidding.
Canapes were passed while we watched our fellow travelers mount elephants and play a chucker. David practically ran to get his shot atop an elephant. I even took a try at it. This was unbelievably fun. We really felt like royalty sitting under our white tent, in white clothed chairs, sipping our gin and tonics while enjoying a little polo.
Finally were led to yet another outdoor venue with white clothed tables, a band playing American classics (think Elvis, Bob Segger and The Beatles) with Indian accents, and a grand buffet of Indian foods for our pleasure. There was waitstaff to attend to our every need. Dinner was followed by dancing under the stars.
What a glorious, if a little over the top, evening!
