Since leaving the beautiful, golden city of Jaisalmer, we've been to Jodhpur and Udaipur, two very different cities. Jodhpur didn't really impress us very much. Besides the magnificent fort that towers over the city, it's a noisy, crowded place where hawks and touts try to get you to into the various tourist shops that line the market square and narrow alleyways. Even though a lot more laid back the Delhi, it's difficult to stroll around Jodhpur without feeling a little hassled. As well as the local merchants, the streets seem to be completely crowded with children who want to know where you come from, who want to shake your hand and have their photos taken. Problem is, as soon as you whip out the camera, kids appear by the dozens from every doorway, window and alleyway all wanting to get into the shot. They clamber over each other, pushing and jostling for a place in front of the lens. With so much commotion and movement it's difficult just to take a snapshot and move on. They all want to see the resultant image diplayed on screen. So all hell breaks loose again as they press up real close as a to have a peek. It's really quite something to experience. One wouldn't want to be afraid of crowds (cannot remember the phobia) or mind having no personal space.

Udaipur, on the other hand, is a dreamy romantic city built around 3 lakes. It has a very relaxed atmosphere and feels more like a place that people come to for a honeymoon or romantic long weekend. Much of the tourist activity is located around the larger lake made famous in the film Octopussy. There are many fine rooftop restaurants where one can sip a beer or have some local cuisine ,whilst watch the sun set over the lake. Or indeed have some dinner whilst watching the film itself. They 've been showing it in each restaurant for the last twenty odd years. There is a palace and 5 star restaurant bult on two seperate islands in the middle of the lake. Isa and I took the boat across to the visit the Lake palace to tour the lake in the light of the setting sun. Really was amazingly beautiful and ROMANTIC! We are here for another day before moving onto Jaipur and then Agra. We could easily stay here for another week, soaking up the atmosphere and spoiling ourselves with the finest that Udaipur has too offer.