Octo-whatty?

I'm an unabashed James Bond fan. I own most of the films and watch Roger Moore and Pierce Brosnan without prejudice, because I'm not picky so long as they use cheesy dialog, fantasy locations, and overly-convenient gadgets. But it's been a while since I've seen Octopussy, and after a month in India watching it in Udaipur (which served as a set for much of the film) was a bit surreal. I mean Bollywood films contain no explicit sexual contact or language, men and women do not touch in public, women cover themselves from collarbone to ankle, and many cities outlaw the consumption of not just drugs but alcohol. So it was a bit uncomfortable to watch James sip his shaken not stirred and banter with Moneypenny. On the other hand it was obvious why Udaipur was chosen as the location for the film (which was taking place in Dehli according to the plot).

Udaipur is a city of whitewashed townhouses built on hills surrounding a Maharaja-made lake with island palaces floating in the middle. Whether you're looking up at the city from the lake, or down at the palaces from the city's rooftop restaurants, it's a beauty.

Though the lake palaces are the most famous sights, we actually spent the most time in the City Palace - a huge complex built over the centuries to house the world's longest-sitting royal family, the Mewars.
Check out the dining room, among other wonders:



And the Rolls they outfitted for Tiger safaris:

Udaipur's other attractions include the Jagdish Temple:

(whose exterior is all but obscured from view thanks to the unbelievable arrangement of power lines we found typical of major urban intersections here)

Among other things, Rajasthan is famous for its miniature paintings. We saw some of the best of them at the City palace as well as unconsciously ironic copies painted as murals on many of the cities buildings:


Besides the tourist sights, we also discovered this scary-looking cow:

Fresh lemon soda (it's seltzer, salt, sugar, and lemon juice and it's served everywhere from airplanes to street lanes):


And, of course, lots more gulab jamun:)


xoxo Jessie