Udaipur

---

---

The overnight train from Delhi was fun, one man in the opposite bunk managed to impersonate a mating water buffalo all night whilst appearing to be asleep...which was nice. Last few days have been much more peaceful, Udaipur is far less hectic, the open sewage system seems to work much better, so less bad smells and more pleasant aromas fill the air. The trees are full of life, palm squirrels, hanuman monkeys bounce between the branches (although sometimes they miss..which is quite funny as they try regain their dignity), all sorts of birds fill the sky, the vultures vying with the kites (often man made kites which have pitched battles above the houses). The cows are a constant source of amusement as they plod around the streets often blocking roads and bridges, of which they seem particularly fond (however the rickshaw drivers are much less amused). There is still the extreme poverty, although the desperation and depravity feels much less acute than delhi, although this may well be my acclimatization. The people here have been more relaxed and friendly, even when trying to flog everything they can think of to us. We still seem to struggle with the accent, for example the child who kept asking us for a whimpey, we thought cheese burger, they meant Rupee, although the man on the train offering Fanny Wahter has yet to be translated.
Steve

It would seem then that travel by train can indeed be a straightforward process; not a chicken in sight and we made it to our chosen destination. Would even have called it 'a success' if my fellow top-bunker had not been the loudest snorer I have ever had the misfortune to encounter (and I'm not embelleshing for artistic purposes either!). Fortunately the beautiful and relaxed city of Udaipur (that's relaxed in comparison to Delhi, not, say, Oxford) has meant that we can catch up on some sleep and take our time wandering about the streets. Which is pretty much how we have spent the last few days. We have of course thrown in a bit of activity...an evening spent watching a 'cultural show' for example. There was some brilliant spinning by a bunch of brightly-coloured Indian women (that's the clothes, not the actual women), and the puppeteer was very skillful, although I was a little concerned when he started his piece with a welcome to "Magician Ding-Dong playing with his body parts". As Steve says, there are translation issues. The other big event is that I have made my first purchase. I spotted the item I was after and then got ready to go in for the kill. Offer half of the asking price, the advised starting point. I tried to look as if I was readying myself for the battle (fane outrage at his suggestion, make as if to walk away...), went red at the mere thought, and handed him the cash. All of it. He was delighted. But so was I - no haggling, and I got a bag for roughly two quid!! Steve described it as 'crinkly hippy shit'. I think that means he likes it too.

Enough relaxing however, and it's time to brace ourselves for more hectic city life again. We are all packed up (Steve has even had to take down the mosquito net he erected - which was an incredible feat of technical engineering!) and heading to Jodhpur on an overnight bus. This time no early show of confidence!!
Vik

---

Comments

[yvonne]

hello you trekkers.
hiya. glad you had a few well nearly relaxing days. had to titter at monkeys in trees and cows just taking over the roads. lol and do people actually put them chisle look alikes through their noses. ouch the pain. keep up the good commentary of your exploits. its great reading them. and piccies good to. love mum and steve. xxx