Mumbai was a shock. Weirdly Western and amazingly modern. Great architecture, food and people. Highlights included visiting the Gateway of India and Taj Mahal Hotel, a trip to Elephanta island - although the high security in the harbour made it feel like we were in a war zone - and bumping into the set of a very entertaining car advertisement.
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| The Gateway of India |
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| Taj Mahal Hotel |
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| Flora Fountain |
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| Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghats; a contrast to the rest of modern Mumbai |
Aurangabad was even more of a shock. I don't think I've ever been anywhere so dusty. Even the packaged food was covered in dust and at least three months out of date. It felt like being in some kind of strange time warp. Hidden in amongst the dust were the spectacular Ellora and Ajanta caves, which made the seven hour train journey in an overcrowded train carriage totally worth it.
The next three days of our journey were spent on trains. Three solid days on trains. Aurangabad to Mumbai; Mumbai to Ahmedabad; Ahmedabad to Udaipur City; Udaipur City to Jaipur. I can safely say that I feel like a train expert... apart from the small fact that our train from Ahmedabad to Udaipur City turned out to be a tiny twelve hour local train, which effectively went through the Rajasthani desert, stopping at tiny platforms which were little more than sand. It was interesting to say the least, but I think I'll blame Nuala and Caitlin for booking that one!
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| Running off the train at platforms to stock up on supplies! |
Five days in Jaipur to chill out, relax, explore the city and catch up with other volunteers. Love the vibrant crowded bazaars, pink painted buildings and cycle rickshaws. Have heard that it's beginning to heat up at home; 43 degrees in Rajasthan and it's finally beginning to hit me.
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| More Rajasthan photos to come! |
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