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Published: April 5th 2007
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The Lake Palace Hotel
The 'Floating Palace' from Octopussy, from the Sunset View Terrace at the City Palace Complex. Ahmedabad to Udaipur
Sion and Niki Well hello there moneypenny.
Udaipur is an amazing city, i'm not surprised that they chose to film Octopussy here (with Roger Moore as Bond). The Lake Palace is incredible, it compeltely covers the 1.5 hectare island that it was built on, and the City Palace glows a luminescent amber by night. Our hotel overlooks Lake Pichola which reflects the faintest glowing lights from distant hills by night and echoes with the soft thud of the women pounding clothes at the ghats by day.
In classic Bond style we've been drinking expensive Gin and Tonic's (I know he drinks Martini's but it's close enough) whilst overlooknig the Lake Palace as the sun sets on the Rajasthani hillsides, and dining in restaurants well out of our league, as well as our budget. The food in udaipur is pretty crap compared to Gujarat so the only places left that serve anything half decent are priced accordingly. So far Rajasthan doesn't seem to cater for our Vegetarian diets - they love their tandoori chicken. But I think Jaipur will be a lot more diverse, being the capital and having a much bigger population.
It is a nice change to be in
City Palace
The City Palace complex by night. a smaller city, the people are very friendly, there's more cows than cars and you can avoid sweltering public transport. We have also found a beautiful little guest house called Dream Heaven with a gorgeous rooftop cafe overlooking the lake, plenty of chilled out travellers and colourful paintings and wall hangings that brighten up the place. The very first backpacker we met is called Geoff, a fellow Howard-hater, formerly living in Redfern. It was definitely a relief to hear that familiar Aussie drawl and hearty laugh, especially after Ahmedabad where we were the only non-Indians in the whole city. So far we have been isolated from the whole backpacker scene....some people are very nice (usually other Aussies) but others have trouble forcing a smile (usually Germans). Its nice to see others enduring the heat of an Indian summer, and a relief to see other women in singlets and skirts, I don't feel I have to surrender to the sari. (Niki, not Sion)
We've been soaking up some of the vibrant Rajasthani culture and history, visiting the City Palace museum, which has an extensive collection of portraits of men with twirly moustaches (former Maharanas of Udaipur) and some beautiful mosaics
Udaipur at Dusk
The sun setting behind the hills to the west of Udaipur. and murals. We also atended an incredible Rajasthani dance performance, showing off the amazing strength and character of Indian women. The star of the show, a robust fifty-year old balanced ten ceramic pots on her head, whilst walking over glass, then twirling around the stage with a fire-pot balanced on her head. It was very impressive.
Well, Udaipur has truly lived up to its title as the most romantic city in India, the lakes are serene, the palaces are beautiful and the sunsets are magical. In special honour of our arrival there has been foreworks every night over the city, and tabla and sitar players at every restaurant - they really know how to create a mood. And whilst we are sad to depart from our romantic getaway, the excitement of the big city is calling. Tonight we embark for Jaipur, the Pink City, and the capital of the hotbed of Rajasthani tourism. We are told to expect relentless hagglers and vicious touts as soon as we get off the ten hour train, which isn't going to be fun. But, we're getting pretty tough now, after surviving Mumbai and Ahmedabad, hopefully Udaipur hasn't made us too soft.
Love
Sion and Niki
Us in our spiffy new tops, looking cool. you all and miss you, thanks for all the beautiful comments, hope Sydney is doing well, woohoo go Labour! We're hoping to return to a country free from Liberal scum. Go Ruddstralia!!!
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Zog
non-member comment
woooaaaaaah
All I can say here is a heartfelt :O:O:O:O. I mean wow, you have certainly made me jealous. You guys are taking beautiful pictures, and Niki you should write for a travel magazine!! Its just so romantic and gorgeous and lovely and I hate you both so much! Nah just kidding Zoggy still loves ya. MMMMUAA!! Kisses to my gorgeous Nikola.