This post has been written for the theme “26 Places, 26 Memories” for the #AtoZChallenge.
Q FOR QILA MEHRANGARH, JODHPUR:
Qila is the term for Fort in Urdu. Mehrangarh Fort is located in Jodhpur in the state of Rajasthan in India. It’s one of the largest forts in India and arguably, the best preserved. Built in 1459 by Rao Jodha, it’s now run by the descendants of the Jodhpuri royal family. They’ve maintained the fort to international standards, which makes it a pleasure to visit. Tour guides and succinctly explained audio guides enhance the experience further.
My husband and I visited Jodhpur and the Qila in October 2015. He generously booked us into the fabulous Umaid Bhawan Palace to celebrate our babymoon (the last holiday as a couple before the arrival of the baby). I was five months pregnant, and thoroughly enjoying the attention being showered on me. We had an unforgettable weekend away, with the best hospitality I’ve received so far. However, the memory I’ll narrate today took place at the Qila.
QUEASY QUANDARIES AT QILA MEHRANGARH, JODHPUR:
We enjoyed a sumptuous buffet breakfast at the hotel, before booking a cab to take us on a tour of Jodhpur, with the Qila being the first stop.
As soon as we set off, I began to feel queasy. The first three months of my pregnancy had been horrid, where I suffered from the worst possible morning-turned into-entire day long sickness. However, in the second trimester, my stomach had become stable, so this queasiness was unexpected. I dismissed the nausea, hoping it would settle on its own.
Unfortunately, upon reaching the fort it became clear that I needed the loo immediately! The nearest toilet was inside the fort, and we had to navigate tickets and audio guides before then.
Pregnant women will be familiar with the discomfort of having the baby press on their internal organs. On that warm day in Jodhpur, my baby decided to jump, dance and build a house on my bowels. By the time we reached the entry gate, I was absolutely distraught. The pressure had suddenly built to the maximum, and I felt so ill I could barely walk.
I perched myself on the ground, and prayed for control; while my worried husband ran in search of a toilet. In that situation, even the two minutes he was gone, seemed an eternity. I was in tears, envisioning the embarrassment of soiling myself in public; when he finally appeared reassuring me that the toilet was right around the corner. As melodramatic as ever, I wailed, “no, it’s going to happen here, I can’t even move.” Keeping calm, he grabbed me by the arm and hustled me to the toilet, which thankfully was right around the corner! I was prevented from having a public accident, and shed tears of happiness to see how clean it was. We finished the tour of the fort happy but humbled.
Thank god for my husband and his calm countenance. Now, when he jokingly calls me his first child, I don’t disagree 😉
Come back tomorrow for the letter R and another story!
Touring Qila Mehrangarh, Jodhpur, October 2015
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A for Amritsar, B for Bhopal, C for Cambodia, D for Delhi, E for England, F for France, G for Gwalior, H for Hemkund Sahib, I for Italy, J for Jim Corbett National Park, K for Kamakhya Devi Temple, L for London, M for Munich, N for Naples, O for Odisha, P for Prague