Sonia was feeling religious and while I slept, she took off early in the morning for a Temple Tour – heading straightaway for the morning prayers at the sprawling Sri Govind Devji temple. It was, as she put it - "a pure spiritual experience - the collective chanting of prayers and the devotion of the people are too mesmerizing."

Later, she went to Chhoti Chauper to view the square in its totally relaxed mood under the morning sunlight with the clear music of chirruping of millions of sparrows and temple bells ringing all around (The early morning photograph in my Notes was taken by her then).

After visiting a few more temples (Jaipur has temples in thousands!), she drove down the narrow Ghaat ki Ghoni, with chhatris on both sides of the road, to Galta - this Sun temple is situated on a gorge and has a natural water spring, not to mention a number of monkeys all around. On her way back, she took breather at the tranquil Dhammatalli Vipassana Ashram (Centre for meditation) and the lovely garden, Sisodia Rani ka Bagh.

I made good Shalini’s absence by taking one of Network's guides for a Scholar’s Tour. Started with the majestic Albert Hall in Ramniwas Bagh. It’s especially noteworthy for the beautiful 16th century Persian carpet and Egyptian mummy. From there I went to the unique Museum of Indology.

The Birla Planetarium near the Statue Circle was the next stop. The same complex also has a Science and Technology Museum with live display models and an international-standard auditorium.