Dinner with Prakash

When I asked each of the kids the highlight of their 12 days travelling around Rajasthan, Delhi and Agra. Camel rides, elephant rides, safaris and the Taj Mahal all rated a mention… but the best thing of all? Being invited to dinner at our driver Prakash’s home.

Prakash, his wife and 3 children, plus his parents and his brother’s family live in a three room home in old Jaipur. His family have a farm 30kms away and Prakash’s three boys all go to school in Jaipur, an opportunity Prakash didn’t have out in the village.

We arrived with a box of sweets in hand and went up to the roof. Great view of the mountains and old city. After papadams and drinks Ethan and I were taken downstairs to dress up in traditional Rajasthani clothes. Ethan borrowed a son’s kurta and turban. The pants were too large, so they wrapped a dhoti elegantly around his legs. Prakash’s mother, wife and niece dressed me in a wedding sari. Including heavy gem encrusted necklaces and bangles and a tikka. Ethan and I then posed on the family’s bed for pictures, before changing back and going up onto the roof for a delicious vegetarian dinner.

Prakash’s grandfather lived to 105 years of age and only ever rode a camel. We sincerely wish Prakash and his family a long and prosperous life and thank them for opening their home and hearts to us – a gift we couldn’t have anticipated.