I Couldn't Leave India without Riding an Elephant

The same day we went to the silk worm auction we drove to Mysore, stopping along the way to see the sultan Tipu's Winter Palace (you remember we visited his summer palace in Bangalore earlier?) . . .


well his winter house was even more impressive. Tipu's palace reminded me somewhat of Hampton Court outside of London, with gardens stretching out for acres and trees draping gracefully over the entrance road.


Then we continued on farther in to Mysore and the famous Mysore Palace that you see here.


And while the palace was beautiful and exotic with peacock-blue pillars, gilded woodwork, marble floors and giant silver doors leading into the audience chamber what was really exciting was the elephant.


That, of course, isn't an elephant. It's the camel that we rode before we rode the elephant. And let me tell you, when a black leather saddle sits in scorching sun for a while it's really not comfortable to ride in a dress. I think I permanently blistered my thighs.

But here's a video of our elephant ride. Her name was Priti and I had no idea that elephant skin is so thick and scaly and rough. After it was over she extended her trunk to take the money which made me giggle.

Good times . . .

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