Surprise!

Thursday, 19 February 2015

The daily schedule said a "surprise surprise" was planned for early evening. What a surprise it turned out to be!

Unlike the town side of the river, our ship was able to get close enough to an island across the way so that we could simply take the gangplank down to land.

The surprise: The crew had set up a BBQ grill and bar for us. So as the sun set we munched on kabobs and beer.

Of course, this is India, so there are cows grazing in the background. Someone had done a great job of clearing cow patties from the area we were in.

The center of the circle held a campfire.

More surprises: As it got dark we launched eight "aakaash kaandils" (sky lanterns).

Waiting for a sky lantern to fill with hot air.

Success!

And for a finale, everyone got a sparkler to enjoy.

The evening concluded with aerial fireworks. As the smoke thinned, it was time to board the ship and head for dinner. Great "surprise" evening!