Philmailingaiai Udaipur, I know I’ll be back, any place that brings out contentment deserves a return, and a special place to bring special people. Although I realise India is probably not for everyone. It’s for me here and now.

Morning begins with Breathwork, yoga and journalling. I will continue to write this as a commitment to me, so thank you for your accountability along the way.

Belle isn’t feeling the best, so I am trusting our 5-hour drive is exactly that, 5 hours. We TukTuk our way out of Old Town for 100Rp. We heard locals pay half that and tourists pay four times that. Our driver awaits and off we go, not before grabbing the new favourite super fruit Guava and Coconut water.

Long travels are not my favourite past time, yet it’s all part of it. So I embrace by taking the time to write, read and just be. Or sleep, this is my go-to, anywhere and everywhere to ensure the time passes quicker.

Arriving in Jodphur at our Palace…

You can never be sure when travelling if the amount of stars will get you what you truly desire, it’s why the continuous adventure is always just around the corner. And how life ensures you release all your expectations. Our vision was to live it up, spend our time in the hotel sauna and spa.

Checking in, ‘Oh no. Our spa is under renovations.’ The laughs, continue… did we actually think our plan would come to fruition?

We settle in for face masks and TV, no wifi, no English TV channels. Lucky we always have great banter, and many past adventures to reminisce on.

I would say I’m a very trusting person, over here in the beautiful land of uncertainty our trust continues to diminish. The yes no, the okay ma’am , the no worries, or it’s all good. Don’t mean much - the game continues.

I’m excited for the Blue City, as much as I appreciate the old buildings and history. I love love a great city of colour, street art. Or a super smart way to market your town.

We jump in our TukTuk, Dillip our driver is hell-bent on arranging to be our guide for the day. He is super pushy and tells us what to do. Clearly triggers me, we argue, and ask him to be quiet. All voices are raised and there is no way I’m having a bar of him guiding us… bossing us around all day. He is persistent and by the time we reach our destination, we agree on a price and he waits for us. We laugh even more, how on earth did we just agree to this. Turns out to be a great decision, his driving speed increases as soon as it’s a yes. We visit the Jaswant Thada and the Mehrangarh Fort, Blue City, and my first Stepwell of the trip.

We had read up that the lost city is best to walk, thank goodness for Dillip, he’s asking everyone on the way where it. So again we are a little unsure of our decision with him. We park up and he advises he will be walking with us. Each moment with him is hilarious and frustrating at the same time. We walk through, making our way up to the temple at the top. Which I don’t believe everyone knows about, so you’re welcome.

Faaaaar out. This makes us all worthwhile. Our view is insane.

I’m in awe, the colours and beautiful. We ask Dillip the meaning behind the Blue city - It’s blue because it’s blue.

My later research reveals: The colour blue is associated with Lord Shiva Owing to its sacredness, many of his followers who were settled in the region daubed their houses in blue hues, thus the town received the moniker, Blue City.

In the land of Ayurveda and Panchkarma, I am in need to finding someone to help my sinuses. To our luck, we find one. A face massage, steam, and oil dropped into my nostrils. I’ll be completely healed in 7-10 days. All for less than $5.00. Got to be happy with that.

The owner explains he runs Yoga teacher Trainings and has won the world record for 1.5 hours in fish pose. Impressive.

Belle is off ordering our dinner while this is taking place, I know I’m in good hands. After my treatment, I’m told to wait, while a ceremony is prepared. The ceremony… a necklace made of flowers and photos, photos, photos. With everyone there and their friends.

I am welcomed and blessed and many photographs are taken with me, oiled-up face and all. I shoot Belle a message - hurry. They are waiting for her also to join in on the shoot.

After many photos, we are enroute to our hotel for another cozy night in. Well that’s what we thought.. Dillip has other plans. It can feel as you have no control, as he ensures us only 10 minutes, to go back to his home and meet his family. We are hungry and cold, and this could possibly be another kidnapping situation. Yet he is super excited and does not take no for an answer.

We arrive and I am so happy we did. His son is so well presented and is super excited to speak English to us. My heart melts. These are the moments you live for. The whole family is dressed immaculately and the family from the hood is all ‘popping in’ to visit. Again more photos which include the biggest smiles all round. Language is more the words and it’s certainly felt here.

As promised, we are back on the road, heading down the road against traffic, one of his favourite past times to get us places faster. Back for delicious dinners, hot showers and a heated room. Embraced as these amenities may not last.

You wouldn’t read about it, Dillip has now welcomed us into the family, we are his sisters and he is driving us to Jaipur tomorrow. I know, I know. But he is a hard man to say no to. Actually impossible.

6/1/23

Day 9

4-degree Breathwork and Yoga on the lawns before we fill up on breakfast. Pushakr we are coming for you…