TravelwithJen

Udaipur

Woke up at a more respectable time and met our guide Giri down in the foyer at 8am. Had breakfast at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the lake.

Then off we went for a walking orientation tour of Udaipur. We ended up at Janak Arts where we learnt about the beautiful miniature paintings they do here. There is so much detail in them. I bought myself a little framed painting to take home.

We then had some free time, so Nicki, Mikey, Pat and I walked back towards the hotel stopping at all the shops along the way. Some are more pushy than others, but I managed to buy a nice long skirt for about $9AUD.

After a little rest in the hotel, Mikey and I caught a tuk tuk back to the art place so we could get henna painting done. I’d seen a little tailor shop on the way back so while we were waiting for the henna, I went down there and got measured for some shirts. Then they took me upstairs and I chose some fabric to make them. Ended up getting 3 different ones as the fabric was so beautiful and sooo cheap! They worked out to be about $13AUD each and they delivered back to the hotel last night.

Then it was henna time, which was an experience let’s just say. Not because of the henna, but because the owner of the place who did the henna tried to chat me up the whole time 🤣. First of all, he said that he was going to do an amazing job be side he needed to impress me. Then he asked if I was married or had a partner and I started to think uh oh. Then he started telling me that there was something about me that “spoke to him” and I was someone special and my aura was pure. Next up was an offer to come over and stay with him for 3 months and then maybe longer. Happily for Sammi and Cam, he said I could bring them too. He even wanted to take me upstairs to his house and show me where I’d be living. Was the funniest experience of the day by far 🤣🤣🤣

Next was more shopping at shops close to the hotel. We found a V Mart, which I can only describe as a K Mart style shop. Found myself a matching pants and shirt set for 750 rupees, which is about $12. So cheap!

I must have something stencilled on my forehead, because I went to the hotel reception and the hotel manager came out and introduced himself. Took my hand and wouldn’t let it go and said I’m such and such and I’m under 40 and single. I said I’m over 40 and single 🤣. He said how old are you and I said 46 and he said you don’t look a day over 36 and I’m still single!! 🤣

Next up, was a sunset boat ride on the lake. I really enjoyed this. It was beautiful and watching the sun go down over the lake was an amazing experience.

Then back in some tuk tuks to a traditional Indian cultural show where they had dancing and puppets and chanting and singing. Very entertaining.

Finally, we had dinner on a rooftop restaurant overlooking the lake. Indulged in a couple of cocktails called Udaipur Summer which was a mixture of vodka, gin, white rum and pineapple juice. They were super strong, so by time we left, my wobbly boots were well and truly on 🤣

Had a Chicken Tikka Labradar dish and some cheesy naan for dinner. Our tour guide Giri and one of the people on the tour both had their birthday yesterday. The restaurant went all out. Never seen anything like it. They came out with a birthday cake each with candles and fire, they each got a flower lei, a bracelet and a blessing dot on their forehead. Music played and fireworks from the rooftop next door! It was crazy but such a good experience. The poor guy whose birthday it was is a quiet British man who was dying from the attention.

Then tuk tuks home to bed.