En route to the Ashram

8/1/23 - Our last day in Rajasthan. I’ve truly loved this place, each city having its own unique vibe and something special to offer.

This morning is all love. I’m loving Yoga and Yoga loving me. I feel the best after a Breathwork and a long juicy flow.  The sun beaming down, turns into no sock flow. Gratitude is always in the small moments.

Travel accentuates everything and all emotions. And it works both ways. The excitement, highs, and fun times. Also the gravity of what your body is able to hold. Acknowledging when you need to slow down or move your body. Tourist adventures are fun, yet your daily rituals and requirements hold feet to overall happiness.

So a day to get on top of life is necessary. To chill in our awesome abode.

So is food! Belle is stoked to find a 14000 review place that has 4.3 stars. Breakfast and dinner are here. It’s a mixture of all small shops providing the goods. I’m told its run by the government, so I’m unsure how it all works but I got chatting to two of the shop owners and they seemed super happy with the deal.

Paneer wrap, Veg Thali, Chai - these are becoming a constant in my life. Two young guys sit down with us and we’re saying how much we love the food. They are quite amused as it’s their normal foods. 

9/1/23 - We hit the road.

Sonni our awesome driver in Jaipur is calling us at 6 am to take us to the airport. So prompt, so chill. It’s a nice change.

Back to Delhi we head, only for a stopover as we make our way to Rishikesh. Ashram here we come… 

When you’re busy and on the move a lot, you are in the moment, being present. That’s why travel is an amazing healer. It can bring out all the goodness and all the ahh other stuff.  A time to reflect, think, or just be.

In the beginning our new driver wasn’t on our good side, after the agreed price wanting more for tolls which is understandable but he was making up prices, he’d shown me the actual prices and then added on another huge amount. It can become annoying when you just want to pay the real price. I don’t know any holiday or journey that doesn’t have it ups and downs. So I trust you’re enjoying the ride along with us!

So the next exciting part is.. more food. A surprise find on the way. A huuuuge Veg Thali. This has sent us over the edge. The place is called Meera, the fitout is super cute and colours, it would be impossible to feel upset here.

We arrive at our Ashram and dinner is served.

It is absolutely freezing, I keep checking the temps, it’s saying 10 degrees. That is actually impossible or I’ve lost my mind.

We are given a mini heater, basically a hair dryer which I sit beside and am allowed to take into my room. Which is a quaint room… bedding and linen optional. Perhaps I can work with Adairs and we can fit out Ashrams, perhaps a new charity in the mix.

I’m here for the experience and to do the work…

I wont keep you in suspense. I did make it through the night.

There are Always Two Sides - Jaipur

Awakening this morning after the Full moon, my body knows it needs downtime. 

A cleansing Breathwork is needed to release the tension. 

We’ve done a lot of travelling and Forts and tourist things. I love to travel, however I know my body. Belle had discovered a cafe that she knew would be right up my alley. It’s called Farmacy, a healthy cafe designed by doctors. We pack your gear up and put luggage into storage which means I am adored with my cool backpack. 

Into our TukTuk we jump, the day is already starting well our driver is a calm soul, no stress, no pushiness. Super chill. He knows exactly where to go, and offers to wait for us. We say we will be a few hours, yet he is happy. The patience over here is a whole new level. 

This place is exactly what I needed. All health, quiet, amazing decor, and friendly staff. Time to chill out, get up to date on life. Emails, booking a trip with my sister and Allie. Life really is for living!

We order kebabs, which even the word doesn’t sit right with me. Yet these are delicious Burasi Beetroot Kebabs - crunchy, smokey patties made from kidney beans and beetroot accompanied with a mustard sauce. A Black Wheat Lacha Parantha, a semolina flour Indian bread flavoured with butter & exotic vegetables, paneer, cheese, vegetable baked in clay oven. And a Paneer Paratha, another bread stuffed with homemade cottage cheese & spices annnnnd a Pindi Chana, a North Indian chickpeas curry.

We book a new hotel, looks cute and out of the city. Which I highly recommend - Suryaa Villa. We thought walking in city would be fun, yet our bodies needed quiet. I’d been told about having a bubble, time to escape and I was craving this today.

Visiting monuments today became a little about checking them off the list, which isn’t ideal. Nothing a coffee cannot fix. As we walked through City Palace and museums, viewing weapons, clothing… 700Rp for this tour and to be fair at this stage, we’ve seen some breathtaking monuments and here we aren’t allowed to take photos.

I am sure Belle is relieved at this, I cannot understand why she doesn’t want photos with me today. Tourist V, backpack, and all!

The weather warms up and so does she, layers are removed, and as long as my backpack stays out of the shot, I’m allowed in. We become slightly more intrigued at Jantar Mantar which is all about astrology and cool photo ops for us.

More funny pictures, money exchanged and time to collect our bags.

Hawa Mahal is what I was excited to see, the pink city remains true. The roads are busy busy, so we pull over I jump out and get the shot. 

We are taken to the Nahargarh Fort where we can see the city, Jal Mahal, all of Jaipur’s great monuments.

Death is synonymous with sadness, but Maharajas turned this sorrow into a 'Saga of the Past.' The most exquisite and graceful instance in this saga is Jaipur's famed 'Gatore ki Chhatriyan.' The Gatore compound follows Vedic architectural guidelines with Indo-Persian structural and arcuate building influences. Crematoriums are located north of the hamlet and slope southwards, according to Vedic norms. A body of water, particularly a river, provides an ideal setting for the memorials.

The courtyard has three sections:

• The chhatri of Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur, stands in the courtyard's center and is made of Taj marble. Basically, we’ve seen the Taj now. ..

• Sawai Ram Singh's memorial is located just behind the chhatri of Sawai Jai Singh. It mimics his chhatri and contains an exact depiction of the regal games of army scenes made of Italian marble.

• Sawai Madho Singh, is the most intricate of all and is a one-of-a-kind blend of stone and marble work. Its layout is similar to that of the Taj Mahal to some extent.

We view the three white, red, and yellow marbles. Venture though the secret doors, and meditate as sunrise hits. A nice chill time and the energy in these places is next level. I feel it instantly in my heart, messages come through quickly and fast. The heart has been broken, yet you are home. Home within yourself. Mostly messages make sense after time, I mean this one is quite clear. Yet they aren’t always like this. 

We meet a guy walking his three donkeys on the way, he guides us up the mountain. Quickly acknowledging my fitness levels at this point, heart is racing - deck chairs stairs got nothing on these ones. 

We really do get lucky, India has a way of showing us the worst of the cities first, if we pass the test and stay calm, laugh and enjoy. We seem to be rewarded with magic afterwards. I will continue to believe this for the remainder of my trip… There are always two sides.

The views are astonishing. Truly these moments of contentment pop back in. 

The traffic is a lot in this city, our driver is forceful and a weapon on the horn, we get to our destinations as quick as possibly viable. 

Our new place is everything we’ve dreamed of. I highly recommend staying here at Surya Villas. The entrance feels calm, the pretty lights, and then as we walk in, we are shown around the property while we wait to check-in. It has a fire in the middle of the restaurant. I know. Amazing, as this is the coldest it’s ever been in Jaipur. So it’s not only us feeling the cold. We have a family-size room, and boiling hot water that doesn’t need to be switched on. Big mugs for our bring coffees. Again the small things I am so grateful for.

Our dinner is Laal mass to end of Rajasthan stay, paneer curry and breads. The owner asks if we like it hot, generally we’ve been saying medium. As who knows what level of hot is here. But I take the risk and it’s worth it. Warm curries, warm chai, warm showers ahead. Happiness.

These guys can do no wrong here right now. Belle has spotted a bakery sign so we walk to ‘check it out’ brownie heaven here. So desserts is sorted. Biscoff Brownie from O’Baque.

This night is the best… Hot showers, get into my comfiest clothes and brownie in bed. 

Peace out from Nan. 

Full Moon & Pushkar Prayers

Full moon today, and in the full feminine. Igniting passions and perspectives, renewal of energy, mind, heart, and journey. Embracing being wild and free, to connect back to the heart, intuition, nature… all in all a time to decide what is for us and what’s not. 

Ceremonies today are a little extra, as we are at the Brahma Temple in Pushkar. - With Dillip.

We are guided through, given all the information and history such fascinating culture and it’s given us a more insight and meaning to the day ahead. 

After removing our shoes, and handed beautiful red roses, we wander through the temple. Hand over our roses and bindis to the gods along with our prayers.

Another two stops to add our bindis, prayers and the last one is hands open as we accept the offerings. 

A cute colour Rajastan outfit catches my eye, for Allie of course. And then we decide to get some skirts to solidify our presence for the day. Yellow, improves blood circulation for me, and good luck red for Belle. We pause for a Chai and Coffee and adorn our skirts.

We head to the lake, to begin our ceremony. 

FYI - On the land of Lord Brahma, the special rituals of Shradh /Paksha are performed in remembrance of ancestors by their families. 

Padma Purana Pushkar is the most significant place for performing the rituals of Shraadh for the departed souls to stay in peace and be happy. Lord Rama and Pandwa came here at Pushkar to perform here Shradha ritual for their ancestor.

According to Bhagwat Geeta

"acchedyo 'yam adahyo 'yam

akledyo 'sosya eva cha

nityah sarva-gatah sthanur

achalo 'yam sanatanah" (Bhagwat Gita: Chapter Two verse 24)

"Sri Krishna said: This individual soul is unbreakable and insoluble and can be neither burned nor dried. He is everlasting; present everywhere, unchangeable, immovable and eternally the same."

As the soul is ever lasting, Hence It became very significant to perform Shraddh during Pitru Paksha for the departed souls to rest in peace. Shradh rituals can be performed by the family member of deceased person especially by son or grandson, few additional steps has to be flowed if the rituals are performed by other person. It is very special event performed on the Bank of Pushkar Lake involves certain steps.

- Sankalpa - Commitment before performing ritual describing all details.

- Pind Daan - (Pind - round balls of flour created with special mantra for rituals) is done for for the salvation of the soul of their ancestors.

- Tarpan or sprinkling of water is performed, along with repetitions of mantras and texts from the Veda.

- Under the guidance of priest a person who is performing rituals has to repeat the mantras after the priest. Devotee make Donation of food, clothes after this ritual.

We accept our offerings plate and look over the lake at the female temple. A beautiful photo op and a monkey scares Belle, plate goes flying and a little squeal. This is probably a great omen if we decide..

We are each guided to a Brahma and the prayers begin. For ourselves, family and ancestors and loved ones passed. To ensure health, long life, happiness and abundance. A beautiful prayer, I’m told to repeat after the guide and we bless all. Bindi applied to my third eye, string wrapped around my wrist and holy water on my head. I empty the plate into the lake and it’s complete. 

Almost complete, a donation is made. 

We are hurried out of the place, I understand why it’s a place to visit and am happy we are continuing our journey to Jaipur. 

We view the lake in Ajmer and a few more hours are in Jaipur.

Another recurring theme, which is funny because it’s also part of my commitment to 2023 - listening to my intuition. Dillip pulls rank and we are off to view some of his hotel recommendations… I feel my skin crawling as we head to an area that is full of men hanging around outside. As two females travelling alone and wanting to get dinner, it just doesn’t feel right. We also check the reviews online - Belle the Review Queen and I are not convinced. A few more words are spoken haha. Eventually, we find a place to crash for the night that had their own restaurant with good reviews in the city centre that we wanted and a Veg Tail - Happy ladies.

The shower was warm, the Thali was good and the music played all night.

We are literally Nanas on this trip. I’m here for it and all the AirPod working wonders. 

Paintings & Pashminas

Morning flows and meditations that say just that. Go with the flow.

After our paintings and pashmina purchases, a tonne of laughs, Belle trying on all the colours. We were given the hot tips to visit the Jain Temple at Ranakpur — which has 1444 pillars. 

The drive is a fun mix of Indian and Aussie tunes, a monkey jumping on the bonnet and a windy road all the way down mountains.  

We arrive, and this temple feels different, I connect instantly. It’s quiet, no shoes and we are given a scarf to wear. The silence gives us time to meditate in here, the energy is intense. As we wander around marvelling at its beauty and the intricate work that has gone into this building. 

The day continuing as a surprise, a quick coffee, and takeaway pizza, I know I don’t even eat it in Australia yet here I am with a wood fire pizza slice in hand, in the back of a Safari jeep on my way to spot leopards. What.

India so full of surprises. This is what happens when you say yes.

We see a mother and her baby cubs, such a special moment as I watch them playing through the binoculars, even though they are only a few metres away. 

After a long day, a beautiful dinner lakeside is required.

Fresh starts, Fresh Chai..

Leaving our rooftop hotel, which we decide this is now a prerequisite for the entire trip. Morning yoga and Breathwork on a rooftop, even though today was 8 degrees. We now have appropriate clothing. Which my fashion style slightly resembles a confused homeless tourist, some sort of puffa jacket situation with cashmere scarves. Generally, three socks, two pants, and three tops get up. 

So many adjustments this trip, yet calmness remains. After the train adventures, it feels amazing to move our bodies. And India, known for yoga has given me an even greater practice. Yoga is a way of life and this teacher is relentless. I love it.

We’ve booked a day with our legend of a driver Sahil, he is seriously treating us like locals. We have breakfast at a super busy street store, Onion Katchori, Belle accompanies hers with a masala chai. I’m limited to chai tea, because of dairy. I hold hers for warmth. 

We head to The Palace early to beat the crowds, seeing the pictures you wouldn’t believe it but it got busier as we left. I love beautiful random architecture shots and pictures of people. As you will see.

It’s huge and we’re only allowed into the Queens Palace, the Kings is off limits. So as you could imagine we feel quite at home. We wander around, delighted at a great find. A clean hidden toilet before our tour, it really is the small things. 

India I’m learning is all about the food, and you must eat. So between Belle and Sahil who I’ve decided are basically the same person, the love of food and a good bargain, we are really getting our moneys worth. It’s an ongoing joke, as both are proud as punch to share with the other when they get a deal. 

Again, the local find off yet another must try dish. After we cross the road for a coconut, this time Sahil is getting the car, we think we know the price 20Rp for two. Nope 80Rp this time, Belle. 

Udaipur is winning us over more at every moment, we stop for a coffee, before a garden stroll. 

The Monsoon Palace is definitely going to be our next monument destination, we are wary. We are finally getting sims. Somethings take time when you travel. Belle’s has to be redone 3 times before see is good to go, as it reaches closer to 5pm, we race to the hill. Purchase tickets and Sahil of course has us in prime position for the drive up. 

Such a beautiful spot to watch the sunset, the Monsoon Palace was built to watch the monsoonal season come in. 

Our romantic dinner, again at the suggestion of Sahil is best one yet. We move into Old Town, I feel an instant connection. Like when I first went to Byron Bay, the content feeling continues to arise. This had been recommended to be as his partner’s favourite place. So far I agree. I know it’s only day 5. 

We drop our bags and explore some more. We walk into a few shops, I get a pink silk matching set, we check out an art gallery, and then are on the hunt for desserts. Another recommendation, we search for the German bakery. Only to get ourselves an invite to a royal wedding - the dream come true. Belle has been saying from the very beginning, that we need to manifest an invite. Indian weddings are such a procession of events. Stoked! 

We jump in the blue lit up TukTuk with sweet tunes playing and enter the wedding.

We are asked to have our photos taken with the couple and their family. Then given a plate of desserts. Clearly fate!

As promised we go back and view, the Pashminas and Paintings before heading back to our new cute haveli. With a decision to make, stay another day and enjoy and adventure or head to our Place hotel. We sleep on it.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I really mean it. This year is going to be the best one yet. Life feels like it’s aligning with me or I with it. 

Blessed with the grace of waking early regardless of when I sleep, I’m up. My 2023 is about: Commitment to my intuition and following it wholeheartedly. 

Sunrise, Rooftop Breathwork, yoga, goals, and writing in my dream journal. This is me.

Reflecting back on 22 as a journey. I’ll say it again because nothing in the world has made me happier than becoming an Aunty and watching my sister be the best mum. Allie is the cutest getting around, you know people say you’ll be biased, but honestly check her out. 

Growing, creating letting go and reconnecting with the best souls. When I have to sum it up in a few words 2022 - Peace and quality time with family. 

I’m not saying it wasn’t a journey of ups and downs but I ended up with a beautiful sense of peace within myself. 

I’m excited for the year, feeling the fullest version of myself yet. Trusting what I do, what messages come through, being brave, dropping in, and listening.

We begin exploring the town and all to has to offer, our driver Sahil is the biggest legend. He had a smile that ensures your safety. There are drivers that tell you they take you to their favourite place, yet it’s their mates and they get a commission. I understand everyone needs to make a living, we just wanted the best and we truly got it. 

Belle is possibly the biggest foodie I know and loves a bargain more than anyone I know. She and Sahil are like twins. Both are as excited as each other to get the best deal. This is going to be a great time.

I mention coconuts and boom, he pulls over for roadside coconuts, and now we’re talking. 

The priority is new warm clothes, clothes for the snow basically. This NT girl has not packed for these temperatures and hasn’t had a winter since 2014. 

Sahil bargains so we can each get a puffer jacket, and beanie and I get gloves. It’s fashion babe. 

I’ve seen these pictures everywhere and heard the words Veg Thali a lot, so we opted for the quick unlimited option which is $5, this is my favourite. A mix of all curries and dahls, breads delivered with all the sauces. I’m in heaven. Quick heaven as we head back to our room. We’ve booked in-room massages this afternoon, after all the squished-up travel it’s necessary. 

Sunset at Monsoon Palace is the plan, Sahil drives us up after being a little delayed with our massage guy, the hotel wouldn’t let him in without paying some ridiculous amount. So we were a little behind schedule, the massage was worth it though. The no hot water is starting to become a bit taxing, we asked for a new room, they suggested a bucket. Neither of which happened, at this point in my towel I’m threatening to go downstairs and complain, Belle calmly and highly and sternly recommends I do not. After a few more requests we receive two scolding buckets of water. I feel like this is yet another test. This hotel and India is surely messing with us now.

Cold showers, ice baths when you want them amazing. When you have no other option it’s a whole other mental challenge. 

Albeit. Another failed monument attempt. India has a wonderful way of teaching you lessons with no remorse. With Sahils smile and our laughs, we decide a sunset boat ride around the lake is the perfect way to end 1/1/23. Of course, we are with all the locals, and we drinking our special Sigar coffee, theirs look delicious with a milky foam. 

He takes us to his friend’s restaurant on the lake and we try, at his recommendation Laal Mass, a mutton curry, Paneer Tikka Masala, and breads. Romantic dinners on the lake are also now a thing. 

The craziest dream wakes me up at 1:30am, that I was going to jail. Perhaps it was something to do with frustrations of the place and empty rebellious threats that would only get myself in trouble!

Although I’m highlighting the complete chaos, its really all part of the bigger plan, right? Teaching me lessons along the way. And to be fair, we hadn’t planned much prior, so all is well in the land of uncertainty and adventure. Understanding more why people come here to heal, it really is a full-force impact, highly enjoyable though. If you continue to see the lighter side of life. 

On the Train - Train as the Year Closes Out

Feels like I’ve been in India for three weeks now and on trains for the same amount of time. Belle’s once again been made aware of my rare talent to sleep anywhere again. She’s having flashbacks from being on the bus in Compton. Where she pocketed our passports as I soundly slept. 

We’re positive as we are on our way to Agra, we quickly google the Taj Mahal once more, to confirm. A little too late seems to be our recurring theme, as it’s closed on Fridays. Next google.. things you do in Agra on Fridays. It’s a thing and so we’re clearly not the only ones. 

Our new and ‘no hurry, no worry’ plan of seeing the Red Fort emerges, everything is always working out. And perhaps we are just meant to return to Delhi in the future to visit the…. Let’s just leave it remain unnamed for now. Perhaps a little raw still. Kidding here is an image on the exact day we were here that some lovely guys we met on the train home sent to us.

Back to the Red Fort adventure, arriving at 4pm now as the 2.5 hour train has now taken 4 hours. All monuments close at 4:30pm, so straight to Red Fort it is. We race in grab and tickets, refuse a guide and the games begin. Studying the architecture, clapping to hear the echoes, the marble, the doors, the amazing carved walls. Acutely aware of the fact we will need to google these actually facts and history on our way home. We race, and yes I’ll be honest. We race to take photos at every empty cute space we can find. When you don’t know anyone and you’re with your bestie, you can be honest of how to pose and not be weird. Because we all want to post a picture saying we’ve been there. So it looks and sounds a bit like this.. quick here. Jump. Suck in your tummy. Turn to the side. Point your toe. There is no sugarcoating between friends. And that’s what I love, even though I post the funniest and probably the most unflattering ones. As it’s actually just funnier. So I guess what I am saying is find great mates who are super honest. 

Prior to the trip I’d gotten a message from my beautiful friend ‘you’re 38 right?’ I kid you not, next message from Belle ‘what’s your ring size?’ Again the universe giving me kind and hilarious reminders of life. Belle had pre-warned me about the celebrity status that may occur. So she had our wedding rings ready to go. 

We are asked to be in photos with families, babies, groups, literally the more the merrier. Selfies with everyone over here, you feel adored - I think, I mean they loves you to be in their photos, not sure where they all end up.

The wedding rings are the greatest idea.

Decide we have enough time to grab some take away from a local restaurant, side note, say pack away or parcel, and then you can make this magic happen. We order a lot, as recommended and then we are again racing back to the bloody train station, can you believe it, we are still on the train train.

We attempt a quick snack and are surrounded by dogs who are more keen on our food than we are which would be impossible at this point. They are snarling and being slapped away by thongs and scarves from the men around us, thanks protectors. We pack it all up and are asked again for a pic from a group of guys, as they had protected us we agree and ask them if we are about to get on the right train. Kindly he checks out tickets and ensures us we are on the same track. 

As we continue chatting, they too had attempted to see the Taj also. To their credit, they took a boat tour and actually got some amazing pictures, which you see featured above. Thanks guys.

Fun facts for you and I about Red Fort: 

Built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The real name is Qila-E-Mubarak, and due to its red sandstone nature is now Red Fort. It took eight years to build, takes up 254.46 acres and the architects’ names are Ustad Ahmed Latori and Ustad Hamid. Quite the career achievements. 

Known for its massive walls, blows my mind about building and architecture today. The scale, the time, all of the regulations. Have we progressed or constricted creativity?

After 3 hours, the kind guys who helped us jumped off and we again checked our stop, a little too late. We should’ve got off.

It’s just laughable now so next one it is. We chat with a driver and organise a price to our friend’s place, the safe space at the moment. 

His TukTuk pulls up, it’s an hour and freezing. We jump in for the adventure, get 4 minutes down the track and both agree this is not doable for an hour. We venture home in cab.

Our evening is fun at home with our friends, who in true Punjabi fashion I’m told love to feed. Did just that ordering desserts after being told everything over here has dairy in it, James orders ones with ghee. These are my favourite. So many food favourites here. So you must try these - Moong Dahl Halwa Desi Ghee which was not to sweet but yum. And a savoury snack Hara Bhara Kebab. 

I’m talking through the Shiva shrine and rituals practiced daily. I’m already in love with the culture and this has cemented it. 

As explained, God is the Generator, Operator and Destroyer. This is a Hindu concept with Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver, and Shiva the Destroyer being the three faces of God. The Creator (or my Creator) and the energy keeping you alive that is within inside every human being and has no beginning and no end that cannot be created or destroyed. While the certainty of death is for everybody it is not personalised. 

Pushkar which is home to the most significant temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, is the only temple where Brahma is worshipped. And this is now on our list of travels to visit. 

2:22am we head to bed.. 

31/12/22

New Years Eve arrives, again we are spoilt with a delicious home cooked breakfast, Chai and Coffee.

Feeling like the true princesses we think we are, we head to purchase some jewellery. Sonali takes us to her favourite spot, I feel like we’re in the movies. We’re seated given refreshments and out come the trays of beautiful gold rings. An investment, a heirloom, we both agree we deserve these new gold rings. Especially as you’re able to return it anytime for exchange of new ones or even your money back. You’re welcome Allie, Aunty has your back. 

We say our goodbyes and make our way to another monument. Jumping in our taxi we head to Huyamans Tomb, it’s becoming a bit of a running theme for us to get running to the popular tourist destinations. It is absolutely stunning, back to our modelling stances. We begin to notice everyone else here has much better ideas for pics so we wander around, enjoying and trailing out their cute photos ideas. 

This time, we head for the airport. I know, all modes of transport are welcomed right now, a break from the trains. Surely we got this. 

Check-in with our overloaded baggage, apologising and thanking the staff for allowing such luggage on board. We are pulled up as they go through our entire backpacks, we now are praying at every step, we’re pretty damn keen to get out of Delhi…

Clearly not that keen, we eat and I order us the biggest cups of coffee I’ve ever seen. Well, we’re not drinking so this is our NY buzz. We head to our gate and are rushed onto the bus then the plane as we almost missed our plane. Meeting a guy on the bus who’d just had three shots after a breakup and his friends got him a NY ticket to Udiapur for the night. We’ve all been there, man. Let your hair down.

We sit down apologetically and celebrate to ourselves. We made it. 

A DJ sitting next to me, a bit flustered explains he is on his third flight to get to Udiapur and is running behind for his gig.. I wish him well. 

Arriving in Udiapur, and our first rooftop stop - we enjoy Chai and New Year’s call catch-ups to the best back in Aus. 

We’re waiting for our room as they’re fixing the taps, we discovered later, there are no taps or hot water in our 5-star accommodation. The staff are lovely and we’re happy on the roof regardless. 

As midnight strikes, were dressed in our trackies, yoga mats on the roof, fireworks were amazing, cards were pulled. Our vibe is quite different from everyone else’s but it’s all perfect and the feeling of contentment arises. These moments are special, where you can feel blessed, grateful, proud, happy, ok I’m trying to explain contentment but the word is just that, there’s not more, no greater. 

Simply content.