If at first you don’t succeed try, and try again.

Day one in country was pretty intense!

Bizarrely, the sounds of India reminded me of the beach in Tel Aviv, where the peaceful sound of the ocean is accentuated (marred) by the sounds of non-stop paddle ball, played by everyone. Except it wasnt the ocean, it was smelly city, and it wasn’t paddle ball, but constant honking.

The horn honking is insane. you honk if If you’re going to hit me, if I’m going to hit you, if you’re in someone’s way, if someone’s in your way, if you’re turning, if you’re going the wrong way down the road, if someone else is going the wrong way down the road. It’s wild, and somehow it works. You also need to cross the street in this chaos, which also somehow works!

I walked for 11 hours, had a mediocre tea at a cafe with absolutely incredible views of the pink city of Jaipur, directly across the street from a lovely palace called Hawa Mahal.

I ate vegetarian food for three meals in a row. I did not expire. Wonder of wonders. In a largely vegetarian society that doesn’t eat beef, I suspect this will be an adventure.

Day 2 - a terrible sleep, but much less overwhelmed by the noise and smells. Went to see the most famous of Jaipur sights - the Amber palace / Amer Fort. Outstanding, and lovely views of the city. I went wandering as I usually do, and stumbled on an underground tunnel. When exiting I noticed there were two choices, so of course I took the other one - which let to a longish hike up to a higher Fort/palace - Jaigarh Fort. It was way less busy and way higher up - with stunning views. Then down, down, down to see my first step well. Lovely!

Day 3 - at the airport, off to Jodhpur, heading for a homestay. As instructed, I arrived at the airport almost two hours ahead, but now realize 45 minutes would have been plenty!

Deplaned, drove to a lovely homestay outside of the city. Eating my vegetarian cooking lesson.