Trying to Play Tablas in Jaipur

Snake Charmers with Live Cobras
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Rajasthan is the state of India housing the Thar Desert and some of the most fantastic palaces and forts. Jaipur is the capital and yet another big city. I had no idea what was here before arriving. I came here to learn to play the tablas at the local music college. The tablas are a set of drums that are specific to India. In the center of the animal skin head of the drum there is a small circular rubber piece. This makes for a very distinctive sound. Last week I thought I was a drummer. Now I can't play at all. Although the tablas are not small, they are still primarily played with your fingers. I am not the sharpest tool in the shed, but I am trying. I practice everyday but feel that I am a source of frustration and boredom for my teacher.

Nahargarh Fort
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I took a very comfortable overnight train ride here. I met a French Man at the hotel..we will call him Terry. He allowed me to join him as he was hiring a taxi for the day to see the sites outside the city. We collected another charming Canadian lady by the name of Boolie and later a Polish girl Aga.

Our first stop was Amber Palace and Fort. This was constructed by Maharaja (King) Man Singh in 1592. Additions were continually added centuries later. Having numerous wives was common, because marriage was used for political alliances. Man Singh had 31 wives in his harem! These women were not allowed to be seen by the public. No wonder he needed such a big house!

Amber Fort & Palace
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Then we visited Jaigarh Fort, which is more of an actual fort than a family home. It was built by Jai Singh in 1726 to protect Amber Palace. It has the largest cannon on wheels in the world. It takes 4 elephants to turn the thing around to the correct direction! Good thing they never had to use it!

We also visited Nahargarh (Tiger) Fort which overlooks the city of Jaipur and Jal Mahal, the Water Palace. It was a great day!

Today I visited the sites around the city, since I did  not have class. I will be back at it tomorrow morning.