as we didn't have reservations in the 3ac car (which are like private little sleeper rooms with doors on them) we settled for the second class sleep car. each compartment has three rows of bunks facing each other and then another three bunks perpendicular and across the aisle. you stash your bags next to you (and underneath you), get as comfortable as you can, and settle in for the night. vendors come by with chai tea, water and food. after a while the conductor comes by and confirms your ticket and seat (we tried to no avail to upgrade our ticket or even get bunks next to each other... the best we could do was next to each other but in different compartments with a wall between us... it was like being in prison... so close but not able to touch!). around 900pm the lights are turned off and people climb into their bunks. as we were both exhausted again it didn't take long for us to crash. the rocking of the train made for a good nights sleep but fitful as the same time. i was too "long" for my bunk and my feet would hang off into the aisle. i was on a top bunk and throughout the night as people would walk by their heads would brush underneath my toes... waking me up. plus... i was constantly worried about jennifer falling while trying to get down in the night to go to the bathroom. the first four photos below show us monday morning still on the train. you can tell who got a better nights sleep!
we arrived in udaipur at 630am. found an auto rickshaw driver outside named bundy (who showed us his book of references... something many drivers had and were very proud of). bundy took us to the lake shore view hotel where they just happened to have a room for the exact amount we were willing to spend (note to self... dont' tell anyone how much you are willing to spend). but we were happy. nice, clean place with a really great room and an amazing view of the old city.
we checked in. showered. took a little nap. ate breakfast upstairs (eggs and toast... our daily staple while in india). and then headed off for the day.
our first order of business was to rent a moped for the day. "one day" turned into the entire week as it was such a great way to see the city and get around. we started by driving out of the city and around the "lake" which udaipur is built. within minutes of being on the scooter... we have to pull aside the small alley we are driving down and let an elephant pass us. go india! we had a great afternoon exploring. drove around the lake. got lost. ended up in the old city. did some shopping. came back to the room. took a wonderful nap. and then ate dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking lake palace, city palace, and old town udaipur. the evening ended with us visiting a shop that sold leather and sari bound books.
a great day.
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