11.3.2008

In Udaipur already

I feel like I'm whizzing around India. It was only 3 days ago that I left Mysore, had crazy 2-3 days. The morning of Judith's arrival was just as mad, I was approached by an agent to appear on a Bollywood movie as an extra with Raul Shah Khan, the king of Bollywood. It is something I will definately do but whan I return to Mumbai.

Judith and I then had the fast tour of Mumbai, doing the city walk, a boat trip and a tea at the Taj! It was pretty amazing, we even pretended to go shopping for diamonds at Taj hotel. I think I chose my future engagement ring already:)

Now in Udaipur, it is absolutely magical. There is an Arabian mystic feel to the place. It is easy going compared to Mumbia, people are friendly and they just get on with their daily duties, even when the tourists are just wondering around them. The architecture is breath taking, palaces, curvy edges, rooftops dressed in arabic cushions and curtains...You just want to sit somewhere high and take it all in. Our hotel, Dream Heaven is by the lake and early morning you can witness the locals taking their baths, doing their washing, going to temples or mosques, children going to school and monkeys playing around...I actually did my full yoga practice this morning at 6am on the rooftop whilst the hotel staff were still sleeping and later cleaning the rooftop restaurant, somehow getting around me. I did tell them that I could move but they were keen to let me get on with my yoga.

After breakfast we wondered into the town with Judith and went to the jain temple where a lot people go first thing in the morning to get blessed. I dont quite understand the difference of the jain temples to other hindu temples but it was full of beautiful carvings of elephants, dancing women and other gods. Inside the temple there was a deep loud singing male with the drums and bells accompanying him. That drew my attention instantly. There were agroup of women and men dressed very colourfully sitting on a rug in the middle, chanting along to his deep voice. One old man pointed at me and then to the rug so I could sit next to him. They were chanting the names of thir gods, some of the chants were very familiar to me. But it was so joyous, the crowd was clapping in ecstacy. I sat there for at least 30min listening and letting go the the music. The western tourist were brought in by the guides, they looked slightly out of place. They were told what to do, give donation, put flower here, take some holy water and rub on your head etc...And at the same time the locals continued with their singing as though the tourists werent even there. It was just bizzare to watch!

Anyway, I must go now...Heading home with judith:)