During our five day trip to the state of Rajasthan, my friends and I were lucky enough to not only visit the state capital, Jaipur, but also to travel to the state's city for romantics: Udaipur. Udaipur is undoubtedly the most breathtakingly beautiful place I've been to in India thus far, especially because it looks unlike any other city here. The name "Venice of India" or "Venice of the East" refers to the fact that the city is built around a large central lake, with many ghats (pier-like structures used for bathing, Hindu rituals, an recreational swimming among other things) stretching out into the water. Homes, hotels, shops, and temples are built right up along the edge of the lake, creating the illusion that the entire city itself is suspended on the water.
Tag: Hyderabad
From The City of Pearls to The Pink City
A few weeks ago, my CIEE friends and I embarked on the one major trip we've been planning since we first arrived in India: five days in Rajasthan, arguably India's most famous and illustrious state. Located in India's Northwest, much of Rajasthan is covered by the Thar desert, making it a land of camel treks, desert tribal peoples, and unique historical and cultural traditions that have continued to persist for centuries. Not to mention, it's also home to Jaipur, renowned as one of India's most beautiful cities and one that is steeped in history. Rajasthan was one of the last states to relinquish power to the British Raj during the Colonial Era, and the many princely rulers of Rajasthan are known for their bravery, honor, and love of lavish architecture, clothing, and art. Jaipur is considered the crown jewel of this legacy -- also known as "The Pink City" for its historical district which is completely painted a warm, sandy shade of pink -- with its abundance of palaces and the incredible Amber Fort. My friends and I were lucky enough to spend three days in Jaipur soaking up the incredible sights and culture.
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No Carb Left Behind: the Indian Street Food Diet
Last week I spoke about the incredible experience of eating street food in India....but I got so carried away while talking about the local authenticity unique to eating off the street that I never actually got to explain any of the delectable things I've actually eaten. This post is thus dedicated to the plethora of tasty treats I've purchased from pick-up trucks, metal carts, dingy alleyways, and outdoor campus canteens during my stay here in India. If there's one characteristic that all of these delicacies have in common, it is the overwhelming presence of carbohydrates. Sometimes carbs take the starring role -- there's more varieties of fried dough here than at the Texas State fair -- but even when they aren't the main event, they always play an integral role. Whether it's dough wrapped around spicy fillings, thin crepes served with a myriad of dipping sauces, or sweet dough for dessert, if you want to embrace street food in India, you absolutely have to embrace the high-carb diet. But believe me, it's totally worth it...
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Eating on the Street
I come from a family of hardcore foodies -- Mom is a trained chef, Dad spent 40 years in restaurant management and hospitality, and I've got a big Italian family Italian to boot -- so it shouldn't have come as any surprise to me that one of my absolute favorite activities here in India would be exploring the country's diverse and rich food culture. More specifically, I have fallen deeply in love with India's propensity for street food. The US thinks it knows what street food is, mistaking bourgeois $12 falafel sandwiches served out of swanky, decorated food trucks for an American version of the category. But this so-called "gourmet," hip food truck food completely contradicts the key components of street food culture: affordability, authenticity, atmosphere.
Finding a Hobby in Henna
When people think of the India study abroad experience, big things come to mind: riding the Indian rails, taking pictures in front of the Taj Mahal, bathing in the Ganges, getting up close and personal with an elephant. This could be true of any study abroad destination -- we expect the changes we see in ourselves, and the lessons we learn within, to come from those big, cliche travel moments you read about on Buzzfeed posts or in Lonely Planet guidebooks.