If you had asked me two days ago about what I thought about India, I would have said I want to go home. Now I’ve changed my tune slightly. Here in Udaipur I am feeling more comfortable because I am not the only foreigner. Some people say that’s a bad thing to be with a bunch of foreigners. As a single white female I disagree.

Sure I am getting the usual stares but they are from people who work in the tourist trade. They go one step further and try to start a conversation with you. This is fine the first three times but it gets on your nerves after awhile. I can handle telling someone to buzz off. If you’re smart enough you can avoid all the male attention crap if you stay away from the alleys. I made a few mistakes yesterday by responding to a few men who were obviously wanting something. I had to forcibly tell two guys to stop following me or I would call the police.

Despite all the nonsense, I had a full day yesterday.

I went to an art school to look at some work by local artists. Beautiful work but I kept my purse strings tight. From there I went to the largest temple in Udaipur, Jagdish Temple. I watched a hindu ceremony and paid respect to the Gods.

Most of my morning was spent at the City Palace and its museum. I think all the tourists flock here because it is so central. Towering over Lake Pichola, it’s Rajasthan’s largest palace. The complex was built by more than just one person and its uniformity makes it all the more remarkable. I took my time strolling and marvelling.

I took a boat ride around the Lake and went to Jag madir island to see the palace that some people say was the inspiration for the Taj Mahal.

I ended my day at the Bagore ki Haveli museum. This haveli is 18th century and truly magnificent. Inside there is an art gallery and an exhibition by a local artist. I was annoyed by two men who wanted to guide me around the museum. Here in India, everyone is a guide. Everyone wants money.Sometimes having a guide is fine but other times it can be down right irritating.