A few days back, as I gazed out at the moon, my mind went back to the pet peacock at Bissau Palace that used to perch on the same branch of the same tree every night. The moon shone behind the peacock and it looked up at the sky in love and expectation. That sight was so eerily stirring that I just can’t seem to get it out of my head.
Next, it was the colours. The sarees at RTDC, the salwaars at Bapu Bazaar, the stone-studded bangles at Maniharon ka rasta – everything was an explosion of colours. The rainbow would pale in comparison. Retail therapy is the best in the world. Don’t shell out the psych-expert’s fees – just shop with it and all your troubles would melt away!
I am a foodie and I love to cook, at least the dishes that I enjoy gorging on! But, even I have never made or tasted a lassi like the one served up by the Lassiwallah at MI Road. All the cream in it was a sensual sinful indulgence. He does need to open a branch here, in Mumbai, as I don’t think I would be able to replicate his taste.
Another very very very important thing that I learnt from the trip is ‘though it looks easy and fun, travelling on an elephant is one of the scariest things that I have done in the recent years’ (Apart from the rock climbing and rappling bit!) I still at times shudder when reminded of those long ears caressing my calves… Eeeek!
Jaipur had something for everyone. Sanju loved the zoo and the animals, Aaru loved the music, dance and the puppet shows, I loved the culture, architecture and the people and Hubby was happily clicking photos of the various Jaipur buses! And to top it all, the kids had their beloved grandparents to share all their adventures. Sanju was happiest to bond with his favourite Chitthi and Chittappa. And, Jaipur rocks!
Lastly, Jaipur was inspirational. It has not only gotten me writing but has also taken me back to my easel after so many years. Thank God for that!
