Day 4 of the LIVE RICHER series in India
Today I had a choice. I had to choose between exploring the city where I’m staying (Jaipur), or the spa. I chose…..exploration! Jaipur, India aka The Pink City got its nickname because when it was preparing for a visit from the Prince of Whales, the most inexpensive paint available for the city to use was pink, so the whole city was painted with it. Recently, the government has switched over to a rust color because it’s even more inexpensive. How Budgetnista!
When I heard that story, I couldn’t wait to see more of Jaipur and today I got a chance. Me and the ladies from the Nomadness Travel Tribe first went to the Jaipur Palace. It was so beautiful!
For an entrance fee of $5, we toured the grounds, took pictures with the guards and got to dance with the royal dance troupe.
The ladies of the Nomad•ness Travel Tribe and I are constantly asked to take pictures by the people here in India. People literally have been following us, staring, and snapping away like the paparazzi. It’s a bit overwhelming at times, but I kind-of understand.
I know we must look so unique in this largely monolithic society, especially me with my chocolate skin and locs. Most people are respectful and ask us like this super cute family.
When the ladies and I ask why those that approach want a picture, the response we get is almost always the same; a shy smile and “you’re so beautiful”. 🙂
- Roz learned how to charm a snake.
- The Indian women here are always so helpful. These ladies get their saris fixed.
- dancing with the palace troupe
- posted up with Marie and the palace guards
Next we headed to the Astronomy Conservatory. For an $1.50 entrance fee, we were able to see giant sundials that told the time within 2 seconds of accuracy and other amazing astronomy instruments carved from stone. 
For our third stop we headed to an animal sanctuary called, The Money Temple. This historic place is hundreds of years old and is considered sacred grounds.
Yogis and priests live among the monkeys, peacocks, wild boars, leopards and myriad of other animals protected on the grounds.
Entrance to this oasis was free, but if you wanted to take pictures there was a $1, fee…yes, ONE DOLLAR!
We were fortunate to have The Monkey Man as our guide. He has been featured in National Geographic and many documentaries highlighting his amazing work with the monkeys at the temple.
- monkeying around
- uh oh…. i ran out of bananas.
- The lovely ladies of Nomadness Travel Tribe
Our last stop was the beautiful Burla Mandir Temple. Like the Taj Mahal, this temple is made entirely out of white marble. It is serenely beautiful.
I remember getting a quote for a marble counter top and thinking who paying that?! I can only imagine how much a marble temple would set me back…:)
Day 5 of the LIVE RICHER series in India
What do camel riding and shopping have in common? If you guessed the Pushkar Desert in India, you were clearly on my excursion.
The ladies of Nomadness Travel Trip and I ventured into the desert today. We rode camels and shopped, shopped, shopped. Pushkar, India is know for its vendors and for the amazing deals to be found there. 
- camel ride selfie
After the camel safari, I headed to the market and bought silk, sari scarves as gifts for $3.33 each! I also bought 2 new pair of harem pants for myself at $2.50/each and prayer beads for friends that ranged from $0.30 to $3!
- I bought some really beautiful silk, sari scarves from this shop.
It was fun practicing my African haggling skills inherited from my mother, at the market. The vendors were super nice and gave me a run for my money.
The LIVE RICHER Lesson:
Although I’ve had such a wide variety of experiences in India so far, there’s been one consistent theme. I noticed that in many parts of Indian culture; architecture, art, clothes etc, attention to detail is paramount. When decided upon, there is no detail too small to escape their notice.
I’ve seen men “cut” the grass by hand using their fingers as their only tool. In my hotel they clean around the clock. Every wall, corner and even the ceilings are decorated in such fine detail that it blows my mind. Even the elderly maintain classic beauty that eludes many cultures.
Women’s body’s are celebrated no matter the shape or size in their bias cut and beautifully colored saris. Seeing how this culture takes great pride in cultivating beauty via the details, is a reminder to my own inner goddess to do the same; remain purposefully beautiful inside and out.
- jumping for joy at the Monkey Temple
Live richer,
Tiffany
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