Posted by: Jonathan
Udaipur was a breath of fresh air in India. Although the big 3 were present (cattle in the streets, trash everywhere, and stench of open sewers), it wasn't as overpowering as the other places we have been. We spent the first day wandering the streets that winded their way around Lake Pichola.
Udaipur was a breath of fresh air in India. Although the big 3 were present (cattle in the streets, trash everywhere, and stench of open sewers), it wasn't as overpowering as the other places we have been. We spent the first day wandering the streets that winded their way around Lake Pichola.
The James Bond film Octopussy was filmed at a palace later turned hotel that swallowed a small island on the lake. The hotel was creatively named Lake Palace Hotel Island; we looked into booking a room but it's a roller suitcase only type place. Capital One wouldn't let the $2,000 a night, three night minimum charge go through... so we were stuck viewing it from shore.
That night we ate dinner on a rooftop restaurant overlooking the lake and palace while they showed the Bond film, which Jenn nor I had ever seen before.
The next morning, after pizza for breakfast, I got my mop shaped up for just under $2. I was told by more than one local (complete stranger) that I would get much more respect from Indian people if I didn't look unkempt. Which brings me to my next point: personal questions or statements from complete strangers is normal. What do you do for a living? How much do you make? How old are you? Do you have kids/are you married? Why NOT? What is this that is on you (they point to bump, scar, or blemish)? The list goes on but you get the picture.
The next morning, after pizza for breakfast, I got my mop shaped up for just under $2. I was told by more than one local (complete stranger) that I would get much more respect from Indian people if I didn't look unkempt. Which brings me to my next point: personal questions or statements from complete strangers is normal. What do you do for a living? How much do you make? How old are you? Do you have kids/are you married? Why NOT? What is this that is on you (they point to bump, scar, or blemish)? The list goes on but you get the picture.
With full stomachs and a new do, we spent a few hours exploring Rajasthan's largest palace, City Palace. Rajasthan is the state we are in; India is comprised of 28 states and 8 territories.
The palace's large grounds proved too much for Jenn's sandals. Not to worry, just a few feet outside the gate sat a shoe repairman. He was able to mend the strap on her sandal in minutes for fifty cents.
On the way back to the hotel, we passed a group of guys who wanted photos of us, which isn't all to uncommon. They usually want photos with me and then photos of Jenn, the emphasis is on the latter.
That afternoon Jenn spent an hour or so on the internet while I braved the back alleys and backstreets. During which time I was invited into four different peoples homes, either to make light conversation or to watch part of the quarterfinal cricket match between India and Australia. You have no idea how huge cricket is here, it barely takes a back seat to their religion (Hinduism). No matter whose home it was our why they invited me in, they always offered me the best seat they had, wanted to serve me chai tea, and wanted to try on my sunglasses.
After eating dinner and trying Lassi (thick milk/yogurt drink) for the first and hopefully last time we caught a sleeper bus to Jaisalmer. We had a double sleeper cabin that was spacious enough for us and our bags, equipped with privacy sliding doors, and a full length window. We were pumped about this being by far the best mode of overnight travel until it cranked up and pulled onto the road. It rattled, jarred, swayed, knocked, and bumped far to much to actually sleep.