No shoes allowed folks. Nope, not even designer sandals, sorry.
Apparently the temple consists of over 1,444 intricately carved marble columns. Bear with us while Thu tries to photograph them all.
On that note, what's the point of "over 1,444". What's wrong with over 1,400 or just under 1,500? Someone must have got to 1,444 and lost interest in counting the rest. A familiar feeling for readers of this blog no doubt.
In a place like this, a battered fedora is required apparel.
Not to mention a whip.
Heck, throw in a rousing John Williams march too while you're at it.
If you're going to try the monkey brains, this is the place to do it. Did anyone bring ketchup?
Don't scoff at the monkey brains you dog-eater you!
The elephant may be sacred, but even a sacred elephant weighs ten tons. Perhaps choosing a different meditation spot would be advisable.
The setting sun casts eerie shadows over the hidden depths of the temple. What ancient spirits lurk within these timeless walls? If you're thinking about waiting to find out, keep in mind there's unlikely to be a convenient mine cart waiting around the corner to whisk you expediently to the main credits.
Mei will probably lose interest once it comes time to fast. After all, there's a whole suitcase of snacks waiting in the car.
The temple just doesn't get the publicity it deserves. But now that it has appeared on the esteemed J00ster Journal, that will no doubt change overnight.
See, I told you monkey was on the menu.
This is the smaller of the two temples in the complex. Or it was, until Mei stood in front and made it look massive.
The attention to detail is nothing short of incredible.
Is anyone else embarrassed that it takes the MTA over 60 years to build one subway line down 2nd Ave, when ancient artisans can handcraft something like this with their bare hands? And they didn't have Home Depot on every corner either.
The lake at Ranakpur is a tranquil spot to watch the sun go down. Or it would have been, had our driver not boasted that we're in leopard territory.
Time to hit the road again. But after watching this dude go round and round under the merciless sun, two hours in an air conditioned car doesn't seem all that bad.
The middle of nowhere seems to be quite a coveted title in Rajasthan.
Next stop, the beautiful City of Lakes, Udaipur. Ok, this is more like a pond, but we have to start somewhere.
Often called the Venice of the East - and not just because it attracts a similar swarm of tourists to its namesake - Udaipur enjoys a spectacular setting perched on the edge of the picturesque Lake Pichola.
Room with a view. The aptly named Lake Pichola Hotel will never be accused of false advertising; it's rooms don't just look out over the water, they literally overhang it. It's like being on a boat, except Rock isn't seasick.
In addition to bringing in lots of tourist Rupees, a lake is also useful for keeping your sari clean.
Remarkably, the lake is relatively trash free, a state of affairs that is sadly rather rare in India.
Even the cows like to enjoy a nice view.
Which way to the City Palace? In Udaipur, almost all roads lead to the massive palace complex that dominates the city skyline. All roads that is, except of course the one Mei has selected.
Each city in Rajasthan was once a city-state, and the ruling families still own all the best property in town. The City Palace is a case in point. Fortunately, the monarchs see it fit to throw open the doors to the public, which is either the generous act of a benevolent ruler or a good way to bring in a few extra Rupees since being a king just doesn't pay like it used to
Where's your sense of decorum ladies, this is a palace is it not?
With a hat like that, it's only a matter of time before someone starts shooting poisoned arrows at you.
Still waiting for the first real elephant sighting. But for someone like Mei, who likes her animals on a plate, this version will do nicely.
In India, it's not the 99% versus the 1%, it's more like the 99.999% versus the 0.001%. No prizes for guessing which bracket the owner of the City Palace penthouse fits in.
It seems the 99.999% isn't going to make it past the doorway, judging by this dude's expression.
The palace offers a plethora of windows, suitable for mocking the mere peons down below.
The entrance to one of the two hotels nestled in the City Palace complex. If you stay there you can live like a maharajah for a day. If you drink at the bar there you can live like one for a couple hours. If all you can afford is a quick photo whilst being hustled on by, you can live like Rock and slink back down the hill to the peasant quarters.
Sunset over Lake Pichola.
Needless to say, sunset over Lake Pichola looks a lot better from up there.
Having left the City Palace behind, Team J00ster finds a sunset spot more appropriate for their caste.
Seems it would be quicker to swim back to the hotel. Assuming of course you trust your typhoid shots.
Forget Tebow Time. Out here the start of 4th quarter can mean only one thing: Curry Time.
Outdoor dining at its best. The patio is perfectly orientated to yield stunning views back across the shimmering lake to the City Palace complex.
Even a view like this can't tear Rock away from his butter chicken.
After dinner, it's back to City Palace one last time to see if the rich folk might have let their guard down as night sets in. Nope, poor people and cows are still turned away at the door.
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