The following post features student writing.
The morning of the 11th started normally with our routine breakfast of corn flakes, bananas, toast with jam or honey, and an omelet. By 8, however, we were sitting on an air-conditioned bus headed to Udaipur! Personally, I enjoyed watching the changing landscape. Kotri is very dry, but with the recent monsoons the “lake” (large dry crater) across the street has been filling slightly. After half an hour, the landscape changed to a bright forest, almost jungle-like, with langoor monkeys staring up at the intruders on the road. There was an abandoned car (at least I hope it was abandoned…) just covered in monkeys. Probably 15 were sitting on the roof and front. The flat landscape quickly morphed into taller mountains, the small villages we’ve come to know into small towns and then to cities. After three hours, we had arrived in Udaipur!
Our hotel was very comfortable. When we walked in we could see the beautiful Indian furniture and low sofa sitting spaces. Next to my room was a lotus mural I had seen when I Googled this hotel a few weeks ago in anticipation of our trip. As we waited for our rooms to be ready, we sat next to the pool, drinking spiced chai and popping poppora, small fried pieces such as fried paneer, into our mouths. After catching up after our quiet bus ride, we set off to see the city.
Our first stop was the City Palace school. We were given a tour of the school, admiring the vast halls and large open classrooms. There was so much student art, and we were told that students can go to the art room after school and all materials are provided for their artisitic endeavors. We got to try traditional block printing, and made a little flag that we are thinking of giving Mahindra-ji as a “thank you” for our stay. We next walked to the music room. Stepping in, we heard a slow version of Sleeping Child. Almost as soon as we were all in the small, long room, this transitioned into We Will Rock You. It was so unexpected, and kind of hilarious. They asked us if we wanted to perform. Ady, being the songwriter he is, played a beautiful Hindi song about his life in the mountains. After being convinced by the group, I also sang an operatic piece I did for NYSMMA in May. Eek! We then joined the Vice Principal in a conference room for lychee juice and a question-answer session on the school. It is an international school, and would definitely be a very interesting experience for anyone interested! We ate lunch in the school cafeteria. School food is always something I like to try, since it shows what foods are considered standard within a culture and the level of passion a school puts into its students in a small way. We had okra, a chicken masala of some sort, fruit salad (apple and papaya, both safe, peeled fruit — do not fret, dear parents), and chapati.
The next part of our day was spent within the city palace. Our guide through the palace was enthusiastic to answer any and all questions we had relating to the palace or any artifact. There was so much greenery, even on the fourth and fifth floors of the palace! Every doorway was painted differently, and the higher we went, it seemed the more beautiful the original stained glass windows become. I swear I took around 250 pictures. We also took a small tour of the crystal room. There was SO MUCH CRYSTAL. We also saw the same family photo of Mahindra-ji’s son and family in the lower floor of the crystal room. It was a long, but beautiful tour of probably the most gorgeous building I’ve ever seen. After a short break in a cafe to avoid the rain, and a nice mango shake, we set out again.
We walked down to the water, where we took a boat ride! We wore “fashionable” bright orange life vests and enjoyed the view of the palace from our protected boat covered in chains of marigolds. We stopped at a small island for nice views, then headed back to the mainland.
Next, we walked in the marketplace. The narrow, winding roads proved challenging at first, but after learning how to avoid the quick motorbikes, we set out to bargain. We all enjoyed the various jewelry stores filled to the brim with various quality level bangles, anklets, and earrings, all leaving with jewelry we have been long awaiting. I am really excited about some bangles I found. Where I live, I never get to bargain, so being able to for a few hours was super fun. It’s like a game! For dinner, we went to the Ambrai hotel and restaurant. We ordered garlic naan (a group favorite), paneer, butter chicken (so. delicious.), vegetable biryani (a delicious, thick fried rice) and mango lassis all around. By the end of the night, with the views of the lighted city, we were all sleepy and ready for bed. Our hotel has wifi, so we got in contact with parents and friends before going to sleep in very comfortable beds under strong fans.
Until next time,
Sofia