As much as I wanted to try and do regular blog posts during my time in India, I failed miserably. But in my defence this is because I've actually been living India as opposed to just being tied to my digital devices missing out on what India has to offer. I have most definitely fallen in love. Be warned this is not a country for the fainted hearted.
During my time here I have met and taken into my heart so many amazing people.
I got to spend my birthday here which fell on Diwali, a massive festival in India. That was truly magical. I also got to wear my first ever saree, of course in blue. Was so proud as I tied it myself. It took ages but I did get it to stay on.
Diwali falling on my birthday, double bonus!!
Ended that evening on the roof of my apartments watching the fireworks displays over Delhi. Truly magical.
Also in November a small group of us went for a weekend trip to Jaipur. Not gonna lie, I was a little concerned when even my Indian friends were taken aback when I said we were getting there by sleeper bus. I'm glad I experienced it but won't be rushing to do it again.
Jaipur itself is beautiful. Whilst there we did the tourist thing.
Amer Fort (AKA Amber Fort)
Amer Fort
Amer Fort
Amer Fort
Amer Fort
Amer Fort
Amer Fort
Jal Mahal
Hawa Mahal
We went to the Amer Fort, the Hawa Mahal and the Jal Mahal Water Palace
Locally not far from where I was staying is The Garden of Five Senses. Full of so many intricate sculptures you have something to see any which way you turn, although I strongly suspect this may be a place to come and get away from prying eyes from the outside as the couples count in this place was particularly high.
The Garden of Five Senses
The Garden of Five Senses
The Garden of Five Senses
The Garden of Five Senses
The Garden of Five Senses
The Garden of Five Senses
The Garden of Five Senses
Due to an unforeseen delay to my return to the UK I was even able to squeeze another festival in. This time it was Holi, the Hindu spring festival of colours. We really got into the spirit of things. It was so much fun.
Last month I got the chance to visit Mumbai, which I only recently realised used to be known as Bombay (I was foolish enough to think they were two different places). It was so beautiful just like so many other parts of India.
Particularly enchanting is Elephanta Island. You have to take a boat ride from the main land to get there which was breathtaking all by itself. Once there my friends and I took ourselves around the caves. I just love being engrossed by so much history. But be warned be very weary of the monkeys. They will abscond with your bottle of water when they get thirsty.
Elephanta Caves
Elephanta Caves
Elephanta Caves
Elephanta Caves. Excuse the mossy bitten lazy eye
Elephanta Caves
Elephanta Caves
Th is little monkey is drinking the bottle of water he stole from one of our group's hand.
Elephanta Caves
Elephanta Caves
On the boat ride back we were met with one of the most beautiful sunsets. I must admit I did have an 'Oh my gawd is this really my life' moment. It was like a picture from someone else's life. Truly blessed.
Such a beautiful sunset for our ferry ride back to Mumbai main land
The Taj Hotel Mumbai
The Gate of India, Mumbai
Of course the evening is never complete without a little cocktail to finish off.
Day two we checked out but left our bags at the hotel to squeeze a little more sightseeing in.
Our Hotel The Hyatt Regency. Such a wonderful place to get away.
Mumbai Central Railway Station
Mumbai Beach Walk
Then apparently it was time to come home. How could six months have passed by so quickly. We literally landed from Mumbai on the Sunday evening and was back to the airport (with two ever so slightly over weight suitcases) to catch a plane home the very next morning. Truly a bitter sweet moment. I was so ecstatic to be coming home to see family and friends but still felt like I wasn't quite done here.
So there I was back in London, back to normality. Whatever would I do next. One thing I did know is that I had a week off work before I had to go back so I was going to enjoy some serious chill time until...
