I've already said that I walked over a causeway every day. On my way to this point I passed a small gallery selling hand painted miniatures. Beautiful little works depicting horses and the like. I gave 2 to John. They were hanging on the bedroom wall at the bungalow and now I have them back in my possession. 

As is usual in India, the proprietor stood outside to watch the world go by and to greet possible customers. I chatted with him. He had the splendid name of Zahid Khan, he was a refugee from Kashmir and a gifted miniature painter. I'm guessing he was in his late twenties and he was very beautiful. And he had a motorbike. He offered to take me around to visit the best textile shops. I didn't need asking twice. 

Several times, as I passed, he would say 'Be here at.. and we will go to...' With his help I bought textiles to dress my newly acquired Tassie campervan. Claire has these now. 

On my final day (the day of the unexpected massage) we had arranged that he would take me to see sunset over the lake. We went to a hotel with a rooftop terrace. No-one was about. I suspect the hotel was closed up. He produced a bottle of something and some glasses. We watched the sun set. At this point he had literally not laid a finger on me. He had been totally respectful. But I could sense the pent up energy. And I was still wired from my massage. I helped him out by taking his hand and leaned across to kiss him. We had a long, lingering embrace. He excused himself and disappeared into the building. 

A minute or so later he returned with a room key (and, apparently, a condom in his pocket). We found the room and we had sex. Very vanilla. Very quick. Very forgettable had the circumstances been different. We dressed. He took me back to my hotel and I left early the next morning without seeing either Zahid or the masseur again. 

Now, I have often pondered. Was this exploitation? If so, who was exploiting who? Were Zahid and the masseur in collusion? Did they know one another? Lots of questions but, really, I don't care. I loved Udaipur and my time there.