Jaipur

14/12/10

It is not beautiful.

Banks and electronic shops, dirt and dust, stark poverty, traffic upon traffic puffing out black plumes of smoke. But up close, or low down the colours, the women decorated from head to toe, the vibrant produce on offer, it's there when you're open to it and well hidden when you're not.

In the middle of the dusty industrial streets there is a palace which definitely boasts beauty but tells a story of war and riches. Maharajahs who's hobbies are truly indulged dwelt there. One was the size of a town, another a world polo champion and one who's interest in astrology meant that a second sundial standing 27 metres tall was built so as to be accurate to the second.