Farewell Udaipur

It's time to leave the place I've called home for the last 3 months. I'm sad to say goodbye to Udaipur. I've made so many friends and had the most amazing time. I will miss it so much - especailly my gorgeous children. But it's time to move on and travel. 

My home for the past 3 months

Let the backpacking begin!!

Thank God for technology

I honestly don’t think I could survive this trip if it wasn’t for the internet, and in particular my good friend Skype. Talking to friends and family makes me so happy while I’m in India and helps ease my homesickness. I’m still sticking to more traditional ways of communication as well – I’ve been sending numerous letters and postcards.

Here and there

Lately I've been so busy and haven't had much time on the internet, so here are a few random shots from the past month in India.

Meenaji - my Indian mum

                             Burning gum leaves to get that Australian bush smell which we miss so much

 Asia's second largest lake

                                                                      Roof top candle lit dinner

Thank you Mr. Postman

Every time the door bell rings, everybody jumps up and gets excited in hope that it’s the postman. Yesterday morning as I was heading out the front door on my way to day care, the postman pulled up and he had a package for me from my mum! Not just a letter, but a box! Unfortunately I was running late so I had to put it inside and get going, but all I could think about was my box waiting for me at home. When day care finished I raced upstairs and tore it open to find Vegemite, Milo and more stingose (I’ve been getting bitten a lot)! 

Even though it wasn’t the most amazing package (where’s the lollies mum?) I was so excited. To think that this was sent all the way from Australia was so cool.

Anyway this morning I had my first cup of Milo in over 6 weeks and I couldn’t be happier. Thanks Mr. Postman – you made my day.

Things I've Noticed

Having been in India for nearly 6 weeks now, there are many interesting little things I’ve noticed and thought you might be interested in.

- You cannot trust the power and waters systems here. They are constantly dropping in and out. There’s nothing more frustrating than the power stopping right in the middle of writing a long post without saving, or when the fan stops in the middle of a 30 degree night, or when you’re just about to rinse out your shampoo.

(Monsoon rain showers are always an alternative when the waters out)

- The road rules are: there are no rules. Nobody sticks to their side of the road, nobody has seatbelts, and it’s just not Indian driving if your horn isn’t blasting every 10 seconds.

- Cows rule the world. Or at least in India they do. I don’t know why Indians had to choose the cow to worship. They block the roads, poo everywhere, come running at you with their horns, and most importantly, STOP ME EJOYING THE BIG JUICY STEAK WHICH I CRAVE SO BADLY!!!

- When shopping, there’s always the Indian price, and the tourist price. No matter how many times you hear “Yes, I give you best price. Very good deal” you’re still getting ripped off. After a while, you learn what is a reasonable price to be paying for various objects, but until then, always half the price and bargain from there.

Also I have gained SO much respect for Indian woman. Wearing a sari is hard to walk in, not to mention work in. I keep seeing women working in fields, yet they manage to look so graceful in their beautiful saris.

Seriously craving...

Lately I feel I am going crazy and am having some super cravings!

 Apple crumble with vanilla ice cream

 A pedicure (my feet have never been so hideously filthy)

 The beautiful smell of gum leaves (I wish I could have brought some over with me)

 A nice big glass of ice cold Milo

 A big warm bubble bath (the cold, dripping shower here just doesn't cut it)

This ones the killer... a big juicy steak. I am seriously going insane in this country without my meat fix!!

What are you craving at the moment?

So long Sydney!

The past week has been insane! So much has been happening around my packing. Here are my final days in Sydney. Walking around the city, sunset beers with my cousin Matt at Opera Bar, family lunches and dinners, dad's birthday, brunches with friends and a whole lot more. I am leaving for the airport right now, so the next time you hear from me I will be in incredible India!!

So long Sydney, I'll miss you.