A Gobsmacking View!

What a view!!  We pull back the curtains and there is the Fort!  

Our accommodations are at the top of this remarkable structure, and are complete with a sitting area, generous bathroom, and a BATHTUB!  Very, very nice.  Just above is the rooftop eating area.  Shahi is 350 years old, a former zenana – a place of purdah where women could be protected from the lustful gazes of men.  The women could see out but supposedly, no one could see in.  The wide-open windows are obviously a modern concession to tourists.  

Quick note about the blue city - blue is apparently the color of the brahmin caste, the highest caste in India.  I haven't been able to find out if there are colors for each of the other three main castes (I'm pretty sure the untouchables don't have a color of their own).  Early on, this old part of the city was pretty much brahmin (priest class) and residents painted their homes blue to designate that - hence the  brahmpuri district.  

Now the 'hood is a lot more diverse, but the tradition of painting buildings blue has carried on because it's believed that blue repels mosquitoes!  Every building is made of concrete; we watched some finish work in process and the expertise and craftsmanship is excellent - and all with the most rudimental tools.

Tim’s feeling like crap so we decide to take a day off.  Around 11, a knock on the door and it’s John from our train ride!  He’s at some swish digs farther out and decided to come and check out our place.  Tim's asleep so John and I go have a coffee on the rooftop.  Interesting and rambling conversation, all travel stories (mostly John’s) and we head back downstairs to check on Tim.  He’s awake but still not feeling well.   

Time for a day of rest and recuperation . . . John says he has some meds be brought from home and will bring them back tomorrow, see if they might work for Tim.