The Mystery of Udaipur

I dreamt of Udaipur... a place that puts you in a trance ... I have never seen the place...nor have I ever been there...but it seems like I have been there before or why do I get the feeling that I have seen this place before...It feels like magical to see the place surrounded by beauty and tranquil water Lakes undisturbed, pristine and as haunting as the dawn itself.

How would I describe my sentiments for the place I have never known ....A place I would never be given the chance to explore...to understand...to feel...its natural and aesthetic beauty and richness quite preserved through the passage of time...the more the place has seemed to age...the more the beauty is preserved within ... time may have passed and the physical attributes may be seared by the children the place has borne... but the same as the surrounding lakes, serene and opulent hills makes it the place of beauty as it it...where space and time will have no meaning.

The Scenic beauty only I can envision from a far... a far ... far place... yet so near to me...a foggy and hazy place which seems near but beyond your grasp...The lush green vegetation and pleasant gardens I will never have the chance to make an adventure... The magical beauty of Udaipor swept me away...The place is alluring me again and again but a las...the place is not mine to keep....a visit will never take place...because this is the only way to keep that magical feeling alive...the mountains and lakes of the place...I could never touch or thread my feet upon...nor feel my hand over Udaipur... I can feel the sense of pride of the place and among its people. Udaipur may be a descendant and part of glorious Maharana Pratap of Mewar...I will never know...the heritage fabric of the place, the Streets and Squares, Street Facades, the Jharokhas, the balconies, the terraces, Pols of Udaipur, Fortifications, Palaces complex, Beautiful Havelis of Udaipur, Aravalli range of mountains, Gardens and large lush gardens...the place is very attractive...but is it still possible to experience the ethos of Udaipur in almost every part of it..that I know will never happen....alluring as the place may be...I may have to keep a small place inside my heart for Udaipor...as the sun sets in this place of mystery...

Taking your shoes off...etc...

More than once or twice or instances that are more than my fingers could count...I have encountered in my office that I would meet employees from India entering my office and would go through the motion of removing their shoes/slippers and be on their bare feet while I would be telling them to stop as I really do mind and wish that they don't have to remove them...Although I know that In India it really is good manners to take your shoes off before entering someone's home and I do also know that it's a prerequisite before entering a temple or mosque o always remove your shoes which is customary. Once time I also went with a south asian friend to an internet calling station where everybody leaves their shoes on the door but when I looked inside that place it was really dirty to be on bare feet or socks either!!!

Somehow I got this thought that maybe removing your shoes is a sign of respect which is not uncommon. Anyway I know the Japanese remove their shoes when they enter their homes because its customary and hygienic because they sit around on the floor with Tatami mats.

But in my country in the Philippines the guess aren’t expected to take their your shoes off every time you enter someplace or their homes except in the rural areas because of the presence of animals and dirt all around...where its truly a sign of respect but in the urban places not having to remove your shoes is non-issue, I would normally tell my gues o enter my home and no need to remove their shoes. I know that its dirty but guest are exempted in his case. Even though it is house rules that one should take off their shoes and change to slippers upon arriving home such "rules" do not apply to guest. Anyway I just find it awkward and rude to ask people to remove their shoes after inviting them in if they are my guest...without any alternatives such as slippers to offer...ha is if they might be uncomfortable with feet smelling and socks with holes in them....and If I have to clean up after with their shoes on my home...its my reward for requesting their presence in my abode....and that I would gladly accept...