2024-11-27 Udaipur, India

27.11.24 Kathmandu->Udaipur. Just before 4 AM, I am awakened by cigarette smoke, which seems to be wafting from the lobby down the hallway into my room. It's so uncomfortable that I cannot fall back asleep. I get the idea to place something pleasant in front of my nose. Often this means a handkerchief soaked in apple brandy. In fact, I manage to drift off again. This morning, I have plenty of time and I ponder in bed. Around 8 AM, I head out to the street and have breakfast at a small restaurant. I also buy some supplies and repack my backpack. Yesterday it weighed 21.5 kg; now only 20 kg are allowed. Among other things, I remove the rice and lentils from the backpack, which I've been carrying since Albania. On my way to the airport, I give them to a beggar. I continue reading the book 'Samarkand.' It's the story of a Russian psychologist who resolves her traumas with dream healers in Samarkand. The story of Samarkand is captivating. Even before the Indigo check-in opens, I stand in line. I receive my boarding pass and the stamp for departure without an extra charge because I am here before noon. We start with a 20-minute delay. I have a window seat on the right side, giving me another fantastic view of the mountains. I have two hours to transfer, which I certainly need. First, I have to fulfill the visa formalities, luckily the luggage comes out quickly, then I switch terminals, stand in line at the first security check, actively wait for my baggage check, and reduce my backpack weight to 15 kg while packing 4.5 kg into a second bag, go through the second security check, and make my way to Gate No. 20. Boarding has already begun. Once I sit in the plane, I take a deep breath. The lights of Delhi disappear beneath me. The airport in Udaipur is small and easy to navigate. I am the last one to leave the baggage claim. I only have 500 Indian Rupees in my wallet, which I was able to exchange for my remaining money in Kathmandu. The taxi ride likely costs 1,000 Rs, but the only ATM dispenses no cash for me. I find someone who drives me to the old city for 700 Rs. Surprisingly, I find another 220 Rupees from my first visit to Delhi. That works out perfectly. The man who spoke to me is not the driver; a private car, not an official taxi, comes, and I have to change cars once during the journey. One must trust people. The driver likes English songs, and we sing a bit during the half-hour ride. I must walk the last 400 meters to the hostel and pass by the lake. The hostel is located on a quiet side street and has a nice entrance hall. My room is spacious and pleasant. I still venture out to look for an ATM and go up to the rooftop terrace. However, the restaurant is already closed. Tonight, it will be 11:30 PM by the time I turn off the light.