Today we went to a Mysore palace. The palace was beautiful and had so many wooden doors that were intricately carved. We weren’t allowed to take photographs inside the palace which was a little disappointing because everything was so beautiful and that it would be nice to have photographic memories or keepsakes to remember the palace. In addition to the beautiful paintings and architecture, we saw live elephants outside in one quadrant of the compound. This was very cool to see, we also got the opportunity to see the ceremonial elephant headdresses and ornaments. I believe there are always being astounded by the contrast between the opulent palaces and the surrounding run down from residential areas of India.
While driving in Mysore, I saw the first police academy compound that I have seen this whole trip. I’m sure others cities have police academies that as well but that that’s just the first one I’ve seen so far. On the bus ride to the airport, everyone talked about what they liked the most about the trip and what improvements they would like to be made. It was interesting to see that, for the most part, our group liked and appreciated the same aspects of the trip. Our selections for improvement varied a lot.
The day what is going great until after I ate lunch at Domino’s pizza. After I had eaten and we were heading to the bus, my face had gotten very warm and itchy. Naturally, I scratched it thinking it would pass. I was very wrong – a rash soon appeared on my face. I don’t know if I was reacting to something I ate or what I could be reacting to. I have never been allergic to anything in my entire life so I didn’t think it was a food allergy. I still don’t know what it was.
When we arrived in Mumbai in the wee early hours of the morning, Vikas told us some interesting facts. I learned that there are over a 20 million people in Mumbai and that Mumbai has the most efficient trains. Mumbai is also reported to have the most disciplined traffic in India.
When we arrived at the Taj Hotel, I was stunned by its beauty. I had heard that this would be the most beautiful hotel that we would stay at, but I wasn’t expecting it to be this nice. We were served watermelon juice and given a welcome ceremony like we were given at almost every hotel that we stayed at. I really appreciate how accommodating the hotel staff has been and I love this part of Indian culture – it’s very nice to be valued as a guest.
I went to bed on the assumption that my rash would go away and that my condition would improve.
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