A Family Affair

Arriving in Udaipur I struck out to explore and was directed north to a quaint lake outside the city. As mentioned previously, Udaipur is renowned as the romantic capital of Rajasthan (the state within India) and this lake is apparently a go-to spot. I wandered around it, intrigued by the observatory located in the middle of the lake, and as I rounded the final bend to return to the main road I was passed by two Indian guys about my age on a motorbike, who waved 'hi', offered me a ride which I declined and carried on. Shortly thereafter I came upon them sat roadside sharing a suspicious looking drink from a pop bottle. From there we began a friendship of the gutteral sort, seeing as the only words we had in common were 'beer', 'thali' (Indian meal), and 'hotel'. Regardless we hit it off somehow and before I knew it I was riding middle of a threesome on their bike. Showing off I suppose the driver raised both hands from steering and showed me. I'm quite sure he didn't understand a word that I said but the distress in my voice was clear and he retook the controls while laughing mightily. After sharing some beers and finding out they were 19 and 20 years old respectively we somehow continued the friendship... and whenever communication would break down (ie:charades weren't working) we would say "No English. No Hindi!" and laugh.
After adding a few words to our shared vocabulary, including 'house', 'sister' and 'brother' we were soon whizzing, I don't even know where, and I found myself at one of their homes. Introductions went around in this one-room rooftop basic house (practically a shack) but the smiles of the many sisters, brother and parents were wide and inviting. I sat down and awkwardly was presented with a meal (after vehemently declaring myself as 'veg') and felt pressured to eat it by myself, while nobody else had food, but simply were watching me. Next I was given a glass of water which placed me in a predicament as all guides say NEVER to drink tap water.. but with the encouragement and the fear of offending I drank a small quantity (and sent a quick message to my good bacteria to ready for a fight).
Before leaving I wanted to take advantage of the night-time view over the city from their lookout and took out my camera. This fascinated all and many photos were taken of everyone present. I bowed, thanking the family for their generosity as best as I could with body language and left with the two guys.

Nearing my guest house curfew hour I repeatedly said "hotel" until I was taken towards it. However due to Diwali celebrations that were continuing the streets were closed so I was taken to police saw horse where I hugged my friends goodbye and whipped out my trusty Lonely Planet to find a landmark to guide me safely home.