A delightful day of sightseeing and pleasant strolls, this can never last. Udaipur has proven to be an inspired decision. A blissful oasis amongst a whirlwind of activity. The Jewel in the crown of Rajasthan.
The day started with scrambled egg on toast, the stomach seems to have stabilised. Sort of.
The morning, and into early afternoon was taken up by a battle with the Indian rail network, there is 1.2 billion people conspiring against me and my plans to visit Rishikesh. The spiritual capital of the north, a homage for yoga fanatics, pot smokers and hippie pilgrims - I need a new plan.
Varanasi. If I can't get high as a kite I'm going to see some burning bodies float down the Ganges! I spoke to an Irish trio about their experience of Varanasi, and it sounds like an acceptable compromise. Surreal, bewildering, overwhelming and ghostly the chosen phrases. Sounds good to me. My batteries are recharged and ready for the next adventure.
I made the most of the wonders of Skype today, having a good catchup with the rents who insisted on telling me about the excessive amounts of steak they bought after dropping me off in Manchester, on route to the profoundly vegan India. Not cool! I wonder if anybody would miss one of the 'sacred cows' that wonder majestically around the narrow streets of Udaipur. Surely not?
I paid a visit to a miniature artist I have read about, not small in stature, just his creations! His chosen gallery name...'kk art galleries' - no link to racial fanatics in white hoods I am assured - Just a Middle aged man with the hairiest of ears I've ever seen. I kid you not he had 2 inches of hair each side. I will get a pic tomorrow if I can do so without causing a scene! He was the nicest guy I've met in a shop by far. He took time to explain his intricate works, painted mainly with a single bristled brush. The detail only appreciated fully under a magnifying glass. I felt bad not buying anything but I may return tomorrow for a couple of bits, and a picture of the infamous ears!
I once again visited city palace, to wander aimlessly around the grounds and inadvertently found myself sipping a Fosters accompanied by spicy crisps, overlooking Lake Pichola. I will gloss over the fact this is one of the most expensive hotels in the whole of India. I contemplated treating myself to the Lobster but withdrew at the last minute. There is no sea for hundreds of miles so on reflection this was surely a wise move.
I then took a rickshaw to a mountain range I had seen in the distance from our hostel roof terrace. India is good like that, if you are intrigued by something you can metaphorically click your fingers and there is already somebody there more than happy to take you. I arrived at the base and immersed myself into the crowds of enthusiastic locals buzzing with anticipation to board the cable cars. I sat quietly and awaited my turn. As per usual I was the topic of conversation amongst many a giggling group, I'm used to this now, it's fine. I chatted to a few locals who approached me with the usual opener of "where you from" or "nice tattoo my friend".
My turn soon came, the locals typically jostled to try and beat the cues, selectively ignoring the numbered ticket system. Time is not a problem for me so I let them carry on and tuck in to my ice lolly. Upon reaching the peak of Mansapurna Karni Mata the views were astounding. I took time to take photos and absorb the surroundings, disregarding the occasional local who deemed myself a more interesting photo opportunity than the extensive views of Udaipur.
I ventured barefoot into the Karni Mata Temple to observe the customs and traditions. Smouldering incense and burning coconut husk filled the air. Pilgrims bowed respectfully laying flowers and gifts in front of the various shrines. I retreated soon after to the rickshaw driver who waited patiently to return me to my hotel. I took some short videos of the ride, nothing compared to Mumbai but still hair raising.
I grabbed a few beers from the newly sourced off licence just down from my hotel and returned to my room. Only then do I realise I haven't eaten since breakfast, it's now 8:30pm! A vegetable chow-mein was surprisingly flavoursome and pleasant on the terrace. An early night tonight and with any luck a better sleep than previously, but I'm not counting on it. I'm eager to move on now. Next stop Jaipur, where who knows what trials and tribulations I will face. I can't wait!