Bond, James Bond

Last night I dined at the Lake Palace Hotel here in Udaipur. This is the amazing hotel/palace where where the James Bond flick Octopussy was filmed. It did not disappoint. Opulent huge chandeliers, small intimate rooms scattered all over, perfect for British secret agents to seduce dizzy girls. When you walk in, there are huge vessels filled with candles and rose petals and hundreds of romantic archways. There is a garden with pools of coy moving underneath small bridges and it is lit up at night. A night at this place costs $350-1000 for a suite I am told. I can see why! I felt like a spoiled bratty rich chick for an evening, a much welcomed novelty.

As it is not peak season yet, the group was able to get a reservation for the amazing buffet dinner, which costs 1000 rupees a head. 1000R is about $22, which for a dinner in NY is usually no big deal. So we went and ate and ate and ate... fish curry, red pumpkin souffle, all sorts of amazing indian dishes, the names of which I forget.... They had great desserts as well... mmmmm...

We had to take a boat to the Lake Palace and on the way back, we all agreed that it was definately lower in the water from what gluttons we were. The Roman idea of a vomitorium seemed like a good idea for a minute or two...

Needless to say, today I was not much interested in food. Instead I decided to attempt to book 5-6 days in Kathmandu while I wait for Anthony to reach Varanasi. It didn't work out, so instead I am visiting the chill out/ yoga city of Rishikesh instead. I can realign my chakras and be one with myself like Sting.

I also spoiled myself by spending a big old 15 rupees (35 cents maybe?) on getting my upper lip waxed. Veena (the waxer) was most efficient. Finally, to get rid of a nagging cough I have had, I went to see the pharmacist/chemist. He sold me a months supply of anti-malarials, 5 days worth of cipro, cough syrup, and some fem products for the big old sum of $5.50.

TOnight I am off to a local traditional dance session. I'm watching, not participating. :)

Hope everyone is well.