So, back again in Arambol, Christmas coming up but for the first time, haven't had to think too much about it, so there is lots of time for the usual swimming,meditation, and walking and eating. Its strange being in such a Catholic part of India, hearing Christmas carols and Hindi music together. I had wanted to do something special for my birthday here, Paragliding! So now was the moment. I walked around the rock path to Sweet Lake, the freshwater lake behind the beach, where the Paragliders hang out (no pun intended!) and went up with a guy from the Ukraine, an instructor, whom I had checked out previously and felt secure with. I had a tandem flight for about half an hour, it was wonderful just hovering around like a bird, admiring the scenery. I could see the beaches strung out up and down the coast, and the lake looked so clear and green. It is so affordable here, it was great to get a chance to do it finally.
Christmas day Anupama and I went to the restaurant she took me to for my birthday, "The Place", run by Bulgarians, with really delicious food in a beautiful setting in the village, behind the beach. Then an early night as I was heading out early the next morning to the airport to fly to Mumbai to meet Jase. I had decided that I didn't want to pay the 1000 rupee (about AUD$30) taxi fare, but would try to go as far as I could with the local buses, 4 of them to get there. I started out at 7.45, and got a ride to the bus stand for the first bus to Mapusa, about an hour - 12 rupees. Mapusa is the nearest town to Arambol, and I love the trip - jammed with the folk till there is no room, and then more people get in. The scenery is lovely, passing through the little villages and rice fields, the usual coconut and banana trees, and a big river. From this point I didn't know how it would be, but had time for a quick breakfast and masala chai before my nest bus to Panjim left - this was about 15min trip, 8 rupees. Then I had to change for a bus to Vasco, and after getting directions found the queue at the window for the express bus, half an hour and 22 rupees. Got there just in time to jump on the bus going past the airport, 10 mins and 7 rupees. It was not quite 3 hours since I had left Arambol, and cost 49 rupees, as against the one and a half hours and 1000 for the taxi. I have never been at an airport before it really opened before - hardly anybody around, most of the lights not on, nothing happening! The first flight doesn't leave or arrive until around midday, so nobody was rushing. As it happened, my flight was an hour late leaving, which was fine, as I had time to fill in at the airport hotel in Mumbai while waiting for Jase. As we flew up the coasts I was able to see Arambol beach, distinctive from the others because of the green of the lake.Flying into Mumbai its amazing to see all the huge shanty town area around Mumbai airport,it just goes for miles. I remembered from last time and had my camera ready.
Jase arrived on time, I had dinner because he had already had his on the flight, and we had an early night. Got up in time to have a swim and a bit of a lounge around the pool before getting our flight to Udaipur.
We arrived early afternoon, about 2.30, and got the taxi for the half hour trip to the hotel, Udai Kothi, that we had stayed in last time, got changed and straight up to the rooftop pool. The best thing about the pool is that you have an amazing view of the lake, city and surrounds. Udaipur is the place where the Lake Palace is famous for its role in the James Bond movie Octopussy. Its right in the middle of the lake, and looks so romantic - although this year the lake level was a lot lower than last time due to a not so good monsoon season last year. Udaipur is surrounded by mountains, and is very beautiful, with the city not too large and very easy to get around. The places of interest are City Palace which is rich in very well preserved history, and the Queens Palace and Museum, which really need a guide to hear the fascinating history of the area. We didn't do much of the sightseeing because we had done last time, but did a cooking class of delicious Indian food, and on our last night went up to watch the sunset from Monsoon Palace, which was originally built as an astronomy site, as its on the top of a small mountain with views forever. We were there for New Years Eve, and the hotel put on a lovely buffet dinner in the rooftop restaurant, and entertainment by Rajasthan musicians and dancers, and we had a great view of all the fireworks going up around us. We were also lucky enough to get to the Cultural Fair, held at this time of the year for 12 days. The stallholders are from all over Rajasthan and bring their goods to this huge fair. All the usual stuff - shawls, jewellery, clothes, trinkets, wall hangings - with so much of the amazing bead, sequins and mirror work that is famous from this state. Although the goods were familiar, there was a very festive air, with thousands of happy people, mostly families, and lots of really great food. On our way out there and back we got to see parts of the lake and surrounding areas that we hadn't seen before, some quite lovely views to be had, with another palace and temples of course! The next day I had to take a parcel to be posted. Easy, you might think - but this is India - the part I know and love. It can be, and usually is, a very frustrating experience, and this was no exception. First I had to take it to be packed and wrapped, so had to find the person to do that. I was directed to a tailor who said yes indeed he does that, but then he had to go out and find a box to put the goods in before wrapping. He was gone about 10mins, and came back with one that was too small, so had to go out again and find the right size. Then the stitching of the cloth wrapping after the box was packed. Calico is used, but he had to go down the street and buy some, as he didn't have any left. Finally the stitching and then the wax seal. This process took over 45 mins. Then off to the post office in the rickshaw, because I had been told that the one close by wouldn't take a big parcel like that, so had to go to the GPO, 2 kms (20mins) away. We arrived there, I took my box inside and was told, no, not possible here, have to go to Shastri Circle PO. Into the rickshaw again, another 1 and half km, with a stop to refuel, then out into the Post Office. No, not possible, parcel post closed at 3.00pm - come back tomorrow, and here, fill out these two customs forms. Unlike most places, you can't leave your stuff if the cut off time is past, I had found this out before in Hampi. So, all the way back to the hotel, and 150 rupees for nothing. At 10am the next morning set out - there had been a discussion with a couple of shop owners - they said any post office will take, but rickshaw insisted GPO. I explained the situation yesterday, and he said he would take me to GPO and it would be fine, so off we went. Pulled up, there and I said, no, they told me Shastri Circle yesterday, but he just picked up my parcel and walked - around the back of the building, through a door that goes into the part where I went to the counter yesterday. But- the guy said " fill in another customs form, you've only filled in two". The form is quite complex and takes time, but the rickshaw driver helped me tape it all, I paid the money, and finally - the parcel left my hands! It was such a relief, and that part took only 15mins. Then all the way back to the hotel for a welcome swim!
Sorry I cant do any photos at the moment, have left my stick at Arambol, so will have to wait a week or two.
We were both sad to leave Udaipur, its a very friendly place, the local people are nice and chatty, and the shop owners not too pushy, apart from the ones from up north, those of you familiar with India will know who I mean. Its a pity the lake isn't very full, it does make a difference, but it was still beautiful, and my favourite view from Monsoon Palace are the mountains just rolling away as far as the eye can see. There is now a cafe-restaurant at the top,which has only been there 8 months, it looked lovely, so - next time! And its back to Arambol, waiting for my next adventure!
