Travels

Whilst I have been eager to dispel misconceptions that my 'Gap Year in India' is a sightseeing excursion with a bit of light volunteering, that does not go to say that we are confined to the limits of Srirajni and Dhrangadhra for the entirety of our year. We are given the opportunity, at various points throughout the year, to embrace the traveller experience and work our way around the subcontinent. During term-time, we work 6 days a week, staying on beyond the final school bell to do lesson prep and marking, but this is rewarded by long holidays which give us plenty of time to travel.

During our break over Diwali (about a month ago), we travelled North to Rajasthan: the desertous land of ancient fortresses, lake palaces and camel treks. The overnight sleeper brought us into Udaipur, a city easily recognisable from the set of 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel'. Following this, we headed on to Jodhpur, often referred to as the 'Blue City' due to its abundance of traditional blue buildings which reside within the old city walls. The city has sprung up around the old fort which, situated upon a rocky outcrop, dominates the panorama from every angle. An imposing landmark, wandering around its battlements transported us back to earlier times of the Indian Maharajas and their royal courts, as we gazed at collections of palanquins (litters) and howdahs (traditional elephant seats), amongst an abundance of other riches.

With only 10 days off  before we had to head back to school, we felt robbed of time, so we're hopefully going to return in the summer. For now, all thoughts are turning to our five-week Christmas break and plans to travel South India.