My first whole day in Udaipur begins with breakfast joined by Erin & Ricky at Cafe Edelweiss - a cafe run by a German guy who we hear has three wives. Ricky tells us he doesn't understand how he can do this as he thinks keeping one wife happy will be hard enough (he is due to marry in February). I enjoy some toast and jam plus some delicious banana bread. A mouse scurries under one of the tables (I have got used to eating with my feet off the floor) and a broom is used to shoo it away.
Ricky points us in the direction of a boat trip across the lake. We are asked to put on life jackets, the first piece of Indian health & safety I have encountered, and we head out across the glassy water. It's absolutely beautiful...
We stop at one of the islands which is Jagmandir Palace, another beautiful white marble and stone structure, flanked by a row of marble elephants, and one of the most expensive places in India to get married. Ricky tells us it would cost upwards of £300k (which is a lot of rupees) and it's design inspired some of the Taj Mahal's architecture.
After a spot of shopping back on dry land, Erin and I find a silk shop and have a dress made for 500 rupees each - approx £6. Our measurements are taken (eating curry every day is def taking a negative toll - I may need to start licking the bottom of my flip flops). I continue my mission to find Mum her requested black & silver sofa throw. It seems every textile shop in Rajasthan has every colour and pattern but so my hunt continues...
My afternoon is spent back at the art shop where I take a miniature painting class. This type of art is a hallmark of the region and the skill is passed from father to son. My tutor is called Pinky who asks me what I want to create. He draws me the beautiful outline of an elephant (symbol of good luck) in 20 seconds and hands to me to copy. I spend the next 10 minutes doing my best to copy. Next comes the outline in orange, while I shake my paintbrush unsteadily around my pencil outline I begin to have a new found appreciation for the patience & talent these guys possess. They seem to go into an almost meditative state when they paint.
I am told that the paint's colour is made from local plants and the bright yellow is made from cows urine. Slowly but surely my elephant takes shape with me copying carefully and very slowly as we go. It takes me 2hrs to finish but I am beyond happy with the result. Seems like I had an excellent teacher.
The artists paint my finger nails with beautiful intricate designs, Erin pops in and also has hers done. The rest of the group arrive and we head up the steps of the art school for a cookery lesson on the roof. The view is stunning overlooking the palace and the colourful mismatched patchwork of rooftops.
We learn how to make samosas, potato & spinach paneer, chicken masala, raita, marinated rice and chai tea. After our two hour cooking fest, frantically scribbling notes to keep up, we sit down to enjoy our meal together with festival fireworks lighting up the palace in the background.
Giving Ricky 500 rupees each he heads out for some more 'medicine' which we transport back to the hotel pool. I teach everyone how to play 'Eat my Box' (thanks Bron it translates so well) where you have to pick up a box off the floor with your mouth not using hands and only feet on the floor. I quickly find myself in hysterics as a few nearly end up in the pool after losing their balance. Glasses are taken off and stretches start to take place as people get serious and wait their turn. As the box gets lower more people bow out leaving only the super competitive left (including Ricky who changes out of his jeans and into some loose shorts). The music is pumping, and drinks are flowing freely (in generous servings) and I am quickly drunk on my orange vodka and Mirinda (a fanta equivalent that leaves Laura and my tongues orange coloured!). Eventually Johannes & Ricky triumph, both able to pick up a tiny flat piece of the box from the floor.
The evening continues with Bollywood / Bhangra dancing, ceroc and a very drunk group! I am the first to voluntarily jump in the pool quickly followed by Geoff, Johannes, Michael and Claus. Erin eventually succumbs and joins us in the cold water. Ricky is dragged in and spends the rest of the night wrapped in a towel, resembling E.T, shivering.
A great group bonding night and wonderful day.
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