Life here in Undaipur brings uncertainty every single day, just getting a Indian SIM card for my phone is a challenge in itself and as I leave the store for about the 5th time and the guys are laughing at me, I’m sure they think I’m a crazy English lady! (I think perhaps I am too). I smile, still uncertain that my phone will actually work but this time it does! Then…..I send one text message back home…..all my credit gone! Back to the store the next day, I swear two of the guys ran out the back of the shop!n

I have visited the Foriegn Residents Office many times to get my official papers, every time I seemed to be missing something, even though I had a previous list, they always need just one more document, every time there was uncertainty that I would actually get my passport returned. One day I went alone, I had been a few times before, I was sure I could do this by myself. I got in a Tuk Tuk with the address written down, the driver had a long white beard, long grey hair in a pony tail and was smoking something….he got totally lost, he had no idea where he was going neither did I, my appointment time came and went, we stopped many times for advise on directions, would I ever be seen again! I arrived, too late and was told to come back again the next day. It’s done now, I’m legal!

We lost all social media last week for 3 days and the Internet for a day due to a riot 40 miles away, social media was being used to instill hatred, so they just shut it down! The electricity comes and goes, the worst part of that is, no Fans, without the ceiling fans you die! One night last week it kept going off during the night, we were waking in pools of sweat all night and got very little sleep. Top temperature last week 46 degrees!k

I’m understanding the way of life here, accepting, handing it over to some higher power, I never know what my next day will bring and I’m finding that a very beautiful thing.

I buy my fruit and veg from a little lady sat on the floor at the end of the road, she talks to me, I have no clue what she’s saying, I’m sure she charges me double the price it should be but 20p for a beautiful Mango that tastes better than any Mango you have eaten before is definitely worth it. You are supposed to haggle but I’m not very good at it yet, everything seems so cheap it hardly seems right but then it’s what’s expected and part of the negotiation thats enjoyed.

I have bought 2 Kurta’s ( long tops ) to go with my baggy pants for work, not that I can blend in of course but at least it looks like I’ve made an effort to dress like my fellow workers, I will try to get a photo soon. I adore the way the ladies dress here, either stunning jewel coloured Sari’s or Kurta with pants, all in stunning matching colours, although I have noticed the younger generation wear more classic colours and some dress in a more western style, many in jeans, I have no idea how  they wear jeans in this heat!

I promise not to mention the heat in my next blog!  My ugly shoes and I have bonded, we now go everywhere together and I’m not one bit shy, they are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn, they will not be going in the bin when I leave here. I’m eating a little better, eggs on toast is now on my menu and I have been out for two delicious meals, the only time I eat a real meal, it’s just too………….to cook!

 

More about Udaipur and my work coming soon…..

Namaste

 

My shoes and I have arrived safely! I will share the story behind the shoes. I needed sensible Shoes, not my usual flip flops, for the extreme conditions I may find myself in, here in Udaipur. Off to a sensible shoe shop I went, unable to part with £80 for shoes I disliked, I bought the only pair on sale for £30, it didn’t really matter what they looked like, they will probably be discarded in 6 months time. I told the salesman I hated them but would take them, much to his amusement. They looked OK in a size 5 but once you get to an 8, not so attractive!

Anyway, there are very comfortable which is I guess all that matters. On the subject of clothing, while I am working I will be wearing the traditional Khurta (long shirt) over baggy pants, (usual for me). They come in the most beautiful jewelled colours and in the old town cost as little as £3 to £5 100% cotton, essential.

My first job here will be working in the ‘Short Stay Home’ a refuge here in Udaipur for abused women and their children, they come to the short stay home when they have nowhere else to go. I will assess the needs of the women and children and come up with ideas to entertain and educate, building confidence and social skills. I start next week so will have more of an idea once I begin. If you would like to learn more about the work of Seva Mandir do go to http://www.sevamandir.org

My home for the next 6 months will be a dormitory with 4 beds, one bed is in a separate space which I can have next week when one girl leaves, we share a kitchen and bathroom, no shower, just bucket and jug, however there is hot water. It’s basic but has everything I need. A ceiling fan blows the hot air around all day and night, without it, it would be unbearable, a power cut for only half an hour had me soaking wet! It’s 42 degrees, drops to 32 at night.

My Ugly Shoes.

My new home 
It’s been a difficult few days, I have felt ‘out of my comfort zone’, bewildered and wondered what am I doing here?  I’ve eaten very little, banana sandwiches mostly! However, today I’m feeling a lot more settled and happy that I’m here. I’m off exploring, me and my ‘Ugly Shoes’ are going to find a cappuccino by the lake.

Udaipur is set beside lake Pichola, it’s a romantic setting with palaces and temples. In the old town, narrow colourful streets, ancient bazaars and an artistic vibe. Still to explore so keep reading my blog! 
Namaste