Sleeping and Adjusting

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Yes , I finally made it . Boy is it different. I was lucky to have meet a boy on the way into the domestic airport that was a Native Indian, but lived in Charlotte and worked for Wachovia. Since we both had all night to wait for our flights, we stuck to each other like glue and I got to know a new friend in Charlotte. Not the hot Swede Alice was hoping for, but I was glad to have him there because of all the stares I received. I only saw 2 other non Indians in the airport. I Skyped Melissa and got to speak to the kids and get a taste of home. The bad thing is they get to see me at 3 am looking close to a low point. Anyway.....Bypassing Mumbai and straight to Udaipur, home of the largest palace in Rajasthan. The city is set among the Aravalli hills and has seven man made lakes. My first taste was from the airport (where a man in a bright turban picked me up holding a sign for Ms Bernhardt) and drove me 45 min to the hotel. We dodged cows, goats, families of 5 on a scooter, rickshaws, camels and all the while I am seeing all of these very poor women in the brightest colors of saris. Complete chaos and overwhelming to the senses!!!!! Mind you all of this on no sleep for 48 hours on top of the lack of sleep the past six weeks. I had to pinch myself to remind me of the amazing journey I am just starting.

Arriving at the hotel (I smelled, looked like a train wreck and was so hungry that I thought I was going to pass out) native dancers in bright costumes greeted me. I was adorned with a flower necklace and a dot was placed on my brow. I had my personal check in lady who offered me rose tea (I needed a stiff drink), but it was 8am. After check in, shower, and a new set of clothes I was off to the grab lunch and a glass of wine to sooth me to sleep. I am lucky to be staying here for three days to catch up and get my bearings. The first day was spent sleeping for 18 hours through dinner and onto the next morning. I started my day Skyping Mom and Dad. I know they were happy to hear from me and I love this way of keeping in touch. We were able to see each other and I was still in bed enjoying tea and waking up. After showering it was time for breakfast and off to see the grounds. So lavish. The architecture, tile work and colors are so over the top that it takes your breath away. Somehow the light is different here and the colors seem to jump like no where I have ever been.

Today I hired a local driver for half a day and went to city palace. I hired a personal English speaking guide for $5 US and got a complete 2 hour tour with all the ins and outs of the palace. Lots of pictures by myself and lots of stares as I only saw two other blondes. This is the largest tourist attraction in the city. Where is everyone??? After some shopping, back to the hotel and back down for a rest. It seems that the lack of sleep is finally catching up and I ended up sleeping through dinner again. It is now 1 am and I have ordered room service. Tomorrow I will get on schedule, but for now it is the pace that I set for myself and allow myself to sleep and heal.

One more day in Udaipur and then on to Jaipur for three days. Thank you for all the emails and the Skypes!!!

I love you!!!

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Comments

[Susanne]

interesting..
Wow Jessica, what an adventure! Keep blogging, I love it! I am living through you now, sounds like a blast! Sus