Arrival in Udaipur on 7-24-2011

The Kingfisher flight to Udaipur left on time and arrived early in Udaipur. Much better performance than the American airlines. The Udaipur airport was small and ours was the only plane there when we arrived. A bus came to get us as we deplaned. It began to rain heavily and the workers tried to assist each person with an umbrella as we shuttled from the plane to the bus. Our driver was waiting and we began our ride into town to meet Troy. What are the first things you notice as you leave the airport environment and begin the drive into this city of 500,000? The road is in good shape, no potholes. There are many trucks, all with personalized paint schemes. There r four people on one motorcycle. The women ride side saddle on the back of motorcycles. Some women hold babies or small children on the back of the bike. Some young women are texting, not even holding on to the driver. Very few women driving their own motorbike but if they are they are wearing western clothes. vehicles going every which wau. Horns blowing just to let you know they are there. No anger. People living on the side of the road in tents and hankies. Women pumping a well while 4 or 5 naked children run around in the water. Men standing on the side of the road, taking a piss. Made me want to get out and do it. Closer to town the density of the traffic increase measurably. The room to drive decreases to the point that people walking must put their backs against the adjoining vehicle in order to avoid getting hit.