The Pocket-sized Gem of Jaipur, Jaipur, India

Our introduction to India has included everything we expected and more. Mind-boggling numbers of people, extreme poverty, and free-spirited cows who think it’s ok to stroll around in the middle of a traffic jam. And of course, plenty of hawkers, touts and others only too willing to help you part with your money, By fair or foul means.

And that goes for the authorities too. Frankly, the way they’ve hiked entrance prices to historic sites and buildings for “foreigners” is a disgrace. For example, it’s 20 rupees for an Indian to visit the Taj Mahal, whereas it’s now 1000 – that’s ONE THOUSAND – rupees for a foreigner.

So, by the time we’d reached the city of Jaipur, Rajasthan’s “Pink City”, we were already feeling jaded by what was feeling like a relentless attempt by a long line of people to make money out of us in some way. Beggars, hawkers, tuk-tuk drivers, passers-by, police officers, museum clerks – you name it. As tourists, we appeared to be fair game and our guard was now well and truly raised. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).