tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85357383556476927562024-02-07T14:36:13.269-06:00every day is an adventureUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger101125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535738355647692756.post-68621313238198710532012-11-18T10:12:00.000-06:002012-11-18T10:12:05.023-06:00Prayers Wheels and Buddhas in Thimpu<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The King of Bhutan declared <a href="http://wikitravel.org/en/Thimphu">Thimpu </a>the capital in 1961 and the first cars appeared on its streets in 1962.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In the center of Thimpu sits the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_Chorten,_Thimphu">Memorial Chorten</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8HvlWGWjAwSJhnR4g83OT-r2kKbW2P0IS_yRHNzyq7JuvcJX_dmdpO5rNT9cw0kLqBfI7xFixlT-WgvatRME2MR7qCkOpPxX4L2IjSoEQCcEB2VKAi2NQBw_6G0DYq2blhC_-whwU6iYu/s1600/Bhutan+Nov+2012+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8HvlWGWjAwSJhnR4g83OT-r2kKbW2P0IS_yRHNzyq7JuvcJX_dmdpO5rNT9cw0kLqBfI7xFixlT-WgvatRME2MR7qCkOpPxX4L2IjSoEQCcEB2VKAi2NQBw_6G0DYq2blhC_-whwU6iYu/s320/Bhutan+Nov+2012+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5B9VgjLTfz2lkRCzlKEyfMf0Q4nUFeEVCoJ66H29ubzJ8gmSWqrUYoKa-R3-bY7BzSoxtpBXI_BYQvTnOX2lDPYz78ahb1ihzGp2thGDtfmEpQMoz20dOi2UgJbJLgtAV3WTqzHR8UKf/s1600/Bhutan+Nov+2012+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5B9VgjLTfz2lkRCzlKEyfMf0Q4nUFeEVCoJ66H29ubzJ8gmSWqrUYoKa-R3-bY7BzSoxtpBXI_BYQvTnOX2lDPYz78ahb1ihzGp2thGDtfmEpQMoz20dOi2UgJbJLgtAV3WTqzHR8UKf/s320/Bhutan+Nov+2012+008.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTB0FSM_ZKUPXB0RgLcu_CB5U03_tq4GNp_bVfO47HwcQkLx25wvEmM2dY_soVEEFN36iqaf-dzyGpKjwTdX-eMBD7k05JKNF_Ggqk_jS6g-pOFIo2MYJ3d6X0xM1akCowRa86B5s1kNZI/s1600/Bhutan+Nov+2012+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTB0FSM_ZKUPXB0RgLcu_CB5U03_tq4GNp_bVfO47HwcQkLx25wvEmM2dY_soVEEFN36iqaf-dzyGpKjwTdX-eMBD7k05JKNF_Ggqk_jS6g-pOFIo2MYJ3d6X0xM1akCowRa86B5s1kNZI/s320/Bhutan+Nov+2012+010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0zhGLbjipHBK9QGtdZW6P1Woc51VnnC4VW8G-iddPmhwp2FlXC8cCAXp7TXUnchRX28HMnikDCJplM2lcTxnIemCUCP5Spr-G1ynVCjlTLjmnVuRNmdIBRW2bdGCRM-HZqsVYsWemmxE/s1600/Bhutan+Nov+2012+030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0zhGLbjipHBK9QGtdZW6P1Woc51VnnC4VW8G-iddPmhwp2FlXC8cCAXp7TXUnchRX28HMnikDCJplM2lcTxnIemCUCP5Spr-G1ynVCjlTLjmnVuRNmdIBRW2bdGCRM-HZqsVYsWemmxE/s320/Bhutan+Nov+2012+030.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9H4aiC5RxJBBXyrqGTfkrdYFJ-yJEvsWKPafgvFMbyG2Wqvsq1zhCvG5-pPcZADOjdLCHeXesCvpudPeBwDQ6TpMrQKk5SQp7V38gS-TfCBw-93kRBVX-BXd-UKqsrEwO6fjwFkHHHlFb/s1600/Bhutan+Nov+2012+032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9H4aiC5RxJBBXyrqGTfkrdYFJ-yJEvsWKPafgvFMbyG2Wqvsq1zhCvG5-pPcZADOjdLCHeXesCvpudPeBwDQ6TpMrQKk5SQp7V38gS-TfCBw-93kRBVX-BXd-UKqsrEwO6fjwFkHHHlFb/s320/Bhutan+Nov+2012+032.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.in/Attraction_Review-g293845-d2029973-Reviews-Buddha_Point-Thimphu_Thimphu_District.html">big Buddha statue</a> and temple are currently under construction at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddha_Dordenma_statue">Kuensel Phodrang</a> overlooking Thimpu. It is 51.5 meters (almost 169 feet) tall and the <a href="http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/featured/biggest-buddhas-on-earth/17118?image=1">17th tallest Buddha</a> statue in the world. The temple is scheduled to be completed in December and will be a major attraction for Buddhists from all over the world.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmY5i7E64ZqFdJDA3vCyq8y4_yjXmAUWFbfZhXhvtZbGAOj_uth0zABdinBAS6pWDzrgpzSd15spaMmYq-ioOsdPovZOC4pXNcTBYhsqRuJIfohvxwYM88wlvIVj5ua9teuzctT1gymKOL/s1600/Bhutan+Nov+2012+034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmY5i7E64ZqFdJDA3vCyq8y4_yjXmAUWFbfZhXhvtZbGAOj_uth0zABdinBAS6pWDzrgpzSd15spaMmYq-ioOsdPovZOC4pXNcTBYhsqRuJIfohvxwYM88wlvIVj5ua9teuzctT1gymKOL/s320/Bhutan+Nov+2012+034.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The girls with our amazing guide at the top of Buddha point.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6PiY5sUJlD5_XVfW3-STV1VlU2M5mfGLJuH2a_aEbxyxcIBs1lzAfVBUmo7ZxfcHAUNssOhCnALyI874zlSgbW3dsJpiUSZtUjZjoyf5ut8yIkDJOa2LQBn4G59vPYTJpbiRWBo555qR/s1600/Bhutan+Nov+2012+046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6PiY5sUJlD5_XVfW3-STV1VlU2M5mfGLJuH2a_aEbxyxcIBs1lzAfVBUmo7ZxfcHAUNssOhCnALyI874zlSgbW3dsJpiUSZtUjZjoyf5ut8yIkDJOa2LQBn4G59vPYTJpbiRWBo555qR/s320/Bhutan+Nov+2012+046.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535738355647692756.post-58998192382200295222012-11-16T23:06:00.000-06:002012-11-16T23:06:05.208-06:00Blue Skies of Bhutan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This week we flew out of the smog and pollution of Delhi, across the Himalayas and into <a href="http://www.tourism.gov.bt/">Bhutan</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-zb-X3xzTE5_saTWbAh1revfaA5p7hOkyWh1DJ85ZBNki2VT0Jg1Sfxy9WYPNTx97VIX2hMRj8uAJh7k8V4nHHB1HwM2zM5_q_IG-5RaTBlV5mOxuvKyf4YOti3kQZ89b2Og53D-d1U7q/s1600/Bhutan+Nov+2012+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-zb-X3xzTE5_saTWbAh1revfaA5p7hOkyWh1DJ85ZBNki2VT0Jg1Sfxy9WYPNTx97VIX2hMRj8uAJh7k8V4nHHB1HwM2zM5_q_IG-5RaTBlV5mOxuvKyf4YOti3kQZ89b2Og53D-d1U7q/s320/Bhutan+Nov+2012+006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2GhIrGWYt1_pWA6-32PFqauhMwm2KuLui97HE6rZA0UEwZJAlymD0CKY99Bn6kPhmwsgUh4M7mL-4XTdMc5ytfpu8zaEDzAiXiBdY2oqdRYvwOqNJGLDMXBz0b9Q1w6YYe7PZ6E4EgRHO/s1600/Bhutan+Nov+2012+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2GhIrGWYt1_pWA6-32PFqauhMwm2KuLui97HE6rZA0UEwZJAlymD0CKY99Bn6kPhmwsgUh4M7mL-4XTdMc5ytfpu8zaEDzAiXiBdY2oqdRYvwOqNJGLDMXBz0b9Q1w6YYe7PZ6E4EgRHO/s320/Bhutan+Nov+2012+007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: center;">Seeing the blue skies as we landed between the mountains in </span><a href="http://wikitravel.org/en/Paro" style="text-align: center;">Paro</a><span style="text-align: center;"> was incredible.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQbLQThosN0E1QLshnMizpD16m9KqFFszCBs2kznJubCRlYmrRT9vE1katA2jhByrZ3iNUeRO7FntLmz2aKq-is-SdRvnlAJvlPF4jKNJDeyaPM6uRXw5XFLJEyyWqB3l_ts6MsYix00k/s1600/Bhutan+Nov+2012+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQbLQThosN0E1QLshnMizpD16m9KqFFszCBs2kznJubCRlYmrRT9vE1katA2jhByrZ3iNUeRO7FntLmz2aKq-is-SdRvnlAJvlPF4jKNJDeyaPM6uRXw5XFLJEyyWqB3l_ts6MsYix00k/s320/Bhutan+Nov+2012+013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPFefdlFkFdduZ6DzdYu8JTFJOf-361SSxf1GaHGXWLIt5zKCcOSCUiHHasJUOCWA2ONRNsTRySrt0joTCNGaOK_u3AyNO6KQDMQzfHim4K3No4VKv5iTdTgsNVg4b1tr71qePQZUAPuM/s1600/Bhutan+Nov+2012+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPFefdlFkFdduZ6DzdYu8JTFJOf-361SSxf1GaHGXWLIt5zKCcOSCUiHHasJUOCWA2ONRNsTRySrt0joTCNGaOK_u3AyNO6KQDMQzfHim4K3No4VKv5iTdTgsNVg4b1tr71qePQZUAPuM/s320/Bhutan+Nov+2012+015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5G_bBNpafihhsyulasGEA-iRSb-WXPKwwuzubLa_071IYhRF2tIeeK9Fqpodmxkyk0lcsQ8Y1FnWnZ3uqz_rCmIkaTgq-1BYr6kh8rUHyQmZcPAXaXxnrU6pCqd7F0VGRTNFwcGzPIIr1/s1600/Bhutan+Nov+2012+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5G_bBNpafihhsyulasGEA-iRSb-WXPKwwuzubLa_071IYhRF2tIeeK9Fqpodmxkyk0lcsQ8Y1FnWnZ3uqz_rCmIkaTgq-1BYr6kh8rUHyQmZcPAXaXxnrU6pCqd7F0VGRTNFwcGzPIIr1/s320/Bhutan+Nov+2012+016.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Bhutanese have gone out of their way to preserve the culture. They are proud of the traditions and feel that retaining Bhutan's history is better than a military to protect the country. Even the ground crew at the airport wears the traditional Bhutanese attire and the terminal is built in original architectural styles.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6YVnsUHmP_M582OTQ4HLDLtlQEM-QrJp_pdDjC__NDmz706q6UxTi-xkdpMXFsasF7NQU0hi6qNmiPPPZpHDQVxWr2_B7rhNfLDG2kT5S4sMG5W6azrEz1c9xRyLQgWUw1MKnlr5Vh2Ka/s1600/Bhutan+Nov+2012+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6YVnsUHmP_M582OTQ4HLDLtlQEM-QrJp_pdDjC__NDmz706q6UxTi-xkdpMXFsasF7NQU0hi6qNmiPPPZpHDQVxWr2_B7rhNfLDG2kT5S4sMG5W6azrEz1c9xRyLQgWUw1MKnlr5Vh2Ka/s320/Bhutan+Nov+2012+017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The terminal in Paro.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0YIouq-PFIW76vWCbtCcA9Lo6aYhdAHH6XuhZzMUYqCHobLgK3CHXd1x4-goeiDnXLabq1KG9_bybxTvGFdcZpiKrZEMTYtezf6tB6RO9aLIlZ7_EF88eu-lfcwI93Za-uh3JmQWOKrP9/s1600/Bhutan+Nov+2012+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0YIouq-PFIW76vWCbtCcA9Lo6aYhdAHH6XuhZzMUYqCHobLgK3CHXd1x4-goeiDnXLabq1KG9_bybxTvGFdcZpiKrZEMTYtezf6tB6RO9aLIlZ7_EF88eu-lfcwI93Za-uh3JmQWOKrP9/s320/Bhutan+Nov+2012+018.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The beautiful <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/gallery/2011/oct/13/bhutan-royal-wedding-in-pictures">royal couple</a> can be seen everywhere.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjHEKpZmeU5YFURyMHm_zyirENMbs9_vD2_BG7MulQ1d_L2Pz3ayPIwAYismX4HklmYf4XuffuECcXrUeRD89RWLQTfNHjw5rYe5hxz4TtWAOId-rcCy0SDV4O_nzMBXe-cEux62mZRqB/s1600/Bhutan+Nov+2012+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjHEKpZmeU5YFURyMHm_zyirENMbs9_vD2_BG7MulQ1d_L2Pz3ayPIwAYismX4HklmYf4XuffuECcXrUeRD89RWLQTfNHjw5rYe5hxz4TtWAOId-rcCy0SDV4O_nzMBXe-cEux62mZRqB/s320/Bhutan+Nov+2012+019.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDlMTFRjk9wYN-mBBbcw9FYgszkLF3FX-s2oUWPtb1Wyp0uvvNpHiJtxzLViMa1ezz2WoVujam72HlxYjoTSJ8BjyC1vPeLSa5yg6Bexaqx_s0N-QFJ2SdY4p8c-zUidATz37B5UspCq0/s1600/Bhutan+Nov+2012+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDlMTFRjk9wYN-mBBbcw9FYgszkLF3FX-s2oUWPtb1Wyp0uvvNpHiJtxzLViMa1ezz2WoVujam72HlxYjoTSJ8BjyC1vPeLSa5yg6Bexaqx_s0N-QFJ2SdY4p8c-zUidATz37B5UspCq0/s320/Bhutan+Nov+2012+020.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
From <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/">Lonely Planet..</a>..."Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is no ordinary place. This is a country where buying cigarettes in illegal, where the rice is red and chillies aren't just a seasoning but the entire dish. It's also a deeply Buddhist land, where men wear a tunic to work, where giant protective penises are painted on the walls of most houses, and where "Gross National Happiness" is deemed more important than the Gross National Product."</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOL9w0Aj2NotkQhlclYYpcTjzxOq-xJfPdGLWZUX9k35MrnbvMiFU8ml8s3Ox34Tk8zbztObv7LsXGdZXGtOb4q5XBctSLEjvsQiKZzIL5ZXd57mH18qIuQg0k_fJudctU7S05rlR5ICk/s1600/Bhutan+Nov+2012+021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOL9w0Aj2NotkQhlclYYpcTjzxOq-xJfPdGLWZUX9k35MrnbvMiFU8ml8s3Ox34Tk8zbztObv7LsXGdZXGtOb4q5XBctSLEjvsQiKZzIL5ZXd57mH18qIuQg0k_fJudctU7S05rlR5ICk/s320/Bhutan+Nov+2012+021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The girls loved Bhutan from the moment we touched the ground. Watch this space for more of our amazing visit to the Land of the Thunder Dragon.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4qSNqYV6XcFaPu2zML9sBBA8NRH9HBVF4VMGkGbj1JtckkgW084GjXCyxCtYHpt5A8g3qTBdaN4Bwi9sJMfF6keduIK2Cr2KCP-wdrdapFHrmeep0y2giSD5wPcgTHNusWrK4NWo3QHI/s1600/Bhutan+Nov+2012+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4qSNqYV6XcFaPu2zML9sBBA8NRH9HBVF4VMGkGbj1JtckkgW084GjXCyxCtYHpt5A8g3qTBdaN4Bwi9sJMfF6keduIK2Cr2KCP-wdrdapFHrmeep0y2giSD5wPcgTHNusWrK4NWo3QHI/s320/Bhutan+Nov+2012+022.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535738355647692756.post-79250363068786037522012-08-16T05:20:00.001-05:002012-08-16T05:20:11.434-05:00Our own little fantasy island...or Paradise Village<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I may be showing my age but I remember Saturday nights watching <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fantasy_Island">Fantasy Island</a>....didn't it come on just after the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Love_Boat">Love Boat</a>? Who didn't love the part where Mr Roarke and his side kick Tattoo would say, "Welcome to Fantasy Island."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img src="http://jessicaalfieri.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/tattoo-and-roarke.jpg" style="text-align: left;" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I felt like I was reliving my Fantasy Island watching days when, in March of this year, we visited <a href="http://www.cubadak-paradisovillage.com/index.asp">Paradise Village</a>. Our own Mr Roarke and Tattoo....well actually the resorts' owners <a href="http://www.cubadak-paradisovillage.com/management.asp">Nanni and Federica</a>.....met us with welcoming drink in hand as the boat docked said, "Welcome to Paradise Village and our family." </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXwPtxcJHtkKzyNnwjXNMnAYtbOuVIndYkG8EmPXW38FYGJPe-PZYUlIXz8xGgJKJbtE_tOT7PsmvNM_26Ape7SAfKpRhfJzlUkQ0Po4OExMybDKKanQnEEPegZ02O7ryZyRAqFM1rJ0u/s1600/darjeeling+044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXwPtxcJHtkKzyNnwjXNMnAYtbOuVIndYkG8EmPXW38FYGJPe-PZYUlIXz8xGgJKJbtE_tOT7PsmvNM_26Ape7SAfKpRhfJzlUkQ0Po4OExMybDKKanQnEEPegZ02O7ryZyRAqFM1rJ0u/s320/darjeeling+044.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It wasn't the easiest trip getting from Delhi to Paradise (Delhi-Kuala Lumpur, taxi from int'l to domestic airport, 9 hour layover, Kuala Lumpur to Pagang, 2+ hour twisting van ride across West Sumatra, 15 minute speed boat) Once we were on the boat our bodies started to work out the stress and kinks from life and the long travel time. Then, as we sped across some of the bluest waters I have ever seen, I started to smile. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We pulled up to floating villas in front of jungle covered mountains. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The beauty is very difficult to put in words....breathtaking, amazing, awe inspiring. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our bodies started to unwind and relax before we even disembarked onto the dock.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpK82YEWO8c2XAG_guFc9eXxZHfgTH7DoDotm8a4UdhZCzNeF0NGe1UW13S8ffHbY49_PT9qgRtfroPM-s7UuaJapB1xxW2OtPee-xb_MBSYBqYU-ZVQwzpbI3E_-bYkKo6w3qk6mGN3X_/s1600/Copy+(3)+of+darjeeling+040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpK82YEWO8c2XAG_guFc9eXxZHfgTH7DoDotm8a4UdhZCzNeF0NGe1UW13S8ffHbY49_PT9qgRtfroPM-s7UuaJapB1xxW2OtPee-xb_MBSYBqYU-ZVQwzpbI3E_-bYkKo6w3qk6mGN3X_/s320/Copy+(3)+of+darjeeling+040.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdoHEl-2qStx_xjaecimq-d5ZjBxn4-kC_ETnE7HekNJI7u149oC-oijqDoDbzZriEexssGnc8ZS9SK8QyIJICmBZtKnduNbwhZd1fZrYu_0liciamEs822mzqJ2LI7IOLBnVYB4wUVfzG/s1600/Copy+of+darjeeling+093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdoHEl-2qStx_xjaecimq-d5ZjBxn4-kC_ETnE7HekNJI7u149oC-oijqDoDbzZriEexssGnc8ZS9SK8QyIJICmBZtKnduNbwhZd1fZrYu_0liciamEs822mzqJ2LI7IOLBnVYB4wUVfzG/s320/Copy+of+darjeeling+093.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The staff at Paradise Village is friendly and welcoming while being a calming presence and very unobtrusive during the stay. The adorable young men who work as cooks, cleaners, fishermen go about their day full of smiles. The Paradise family is complete with Marco, the dive master, and Dominique, the hotel manager. Each and every one of them made our stay exactly what we expected. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCT7AMx2qavRvo5mGAK5cHh4OEweHKP5ZfIbysy1TRS2Rmm0OJg7yWz0BasSN7UtSnXJKc-ulO6k17_-_uCxfJZBWM9O_jsmZ2O27mKxStteUJa14LefuXw1mfWd7Jn06g-OfdF81lFa8o/s1600/Copy+(3)+of+darjeeling+041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCT7AMx2qavRvo5mGAK5cHh4OEweHKP5ZfIbysy1TRS2Rmm0OJg7yWz0BasSN7UtSnXJKc-ulO6k17_-_uCxfJZBWM9O_jsmZ2O27mKxStteUJa14LefuXw1mfWd7Jn06g-OfdF81lFa8o/s320/Copy+(3)+of+darjeeling+041.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The bungalows are just steps away from the beach and calm waters of the lagoon. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We slept each night cocooned in mosquito netting, listening to the waves lap upon the shore, lit by the moon peeking in through the windows.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyO1cIw4C0BNl36WiTCDoph2aYkyf-10-gmdObgv8WZsh1OYiu6n9vkQVFWqAv-cM97heNpgTewyacniumrFy4QKAppoDbAjD9cy7b_7omdPmbqDck1BoVGlvZZeEml1GKpXHaoeRIGE-u/s1600/Copy+of+darjeeling+096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyO1cIw4C0BNl36WiTCDoph2aYkyf-10-gmdObgv8WZsh1OYiu6n9vkQVFWqAv-cM97heNpgTewyacniumrFy4QKAppoDbAjD9cy7b_7omdPmbqDck1BoVGlvZZeEml1GKpXHaoeRIGE-u/s320/Copy+of+darjeeling+096.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We dined at communal meals of fresh fruit and veggies, fish that had been caught and delivered in small junk-type boats that morning, and amazing desserts. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The families became one as the children bonded and started running around as a group. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfK7cND9qAqeosfcocXD98iYGNheq5F9X5Hsy9LZTbdBsnxUBiRLEgr9Fs0a9g9Bu-q8kqiR-HLn08hBmbRN9GBBr7IT3amdhcun-JW1aDK7bVYb-gARLaOMJQ1Lm-XBb9gF7QowsCUDC/s1600/Copy+(2)+of+darjeeling+031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfK7cND9qAqeosfcocXD98iYGNheq5F9X5Hsy9LZTbdBsnxUBiRLEgr9Fs0a9g9Bu-q8kqiR-HLn08hBmbRN9GBBr7IT3amdhcun-JW1aDK7bVYb-gARLaOMJQ1Lm-XBb9gF7QowsCUDC/s320/Copy+(2)+of+darjeeling+031.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We sat on the porch listening to the surf and watching the kids romp in the water that was a calm as a swimming pool. We read, played games, told stories, and focused on a purely family holiday. Even if it weren't named Paradise Village, I would still say it was pure perfection.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSJ7sby4usKp_cWyXdJinF686yTDJHJ7SV_TzPyqBIAhfDwVFj3kwVrSvHjt-zCTpK0Mv5JwowcpQf6loNenx-OCVA2xHwjtNDsFx0qbj8hClHi1ftkXiKyivCCrDamrfxYP4jq0JjQ11/s1600/Copy+of+Copy+of+darjeeling+033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSJ7sby4usKp_cWyXdJinF686yTDJHJ7SV_TzPyqBIAhfDwVFj3kwVrSvHjt-zCTpK0Mv5JwowcpQf6loNenx-OCVA2xHwjtNDsFx0qbj8hClHi1ftkXiKyivCCrDamrfxYP4jq0JjQ11/s320/Copy+of+Copy+of+darjeeling+033.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We swam and snorkeled each day then slept like rocks each night.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kguIHj47gzmN_NPS5r3EQLea2N_24EnZEm4G1EenP1XjdVOkH0FnPc7v_AhL6a1QmjEp7rgJqFvH1Nc8yLN_ocFSwPFKZNo17UunGSXY_UHd7TA-7VfJrTCBE6RFk_VTaBhDC4tAzbWI/s1600/Copy+(3)+of+darjeeling+034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kguIHj47gzmN_NPS5r3EQLea2N_24EnZEm4G1EenP1XjdVOkH0FnPc7v_AhL6a1QmjEp7rgJqFvH1Nc8yLN_ocFSwPFKZNo17UunGSXY_UHd7TA-7VfJrTCBE6RFk_VTaBhDC4tAzbWI/s320/Copy+(3)+of+darjeeling+034.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We watched sunsets and sunrises. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmDXNhEff80AknjdTJKKpB1EwT7FmwvKSvQJ8bDF1Xavhz81kNsI6LE-k65pDBp91e3VV5OacMBL_a-7ZPPAJbNLR_JtrIHh4Lr9m91aC02NpWKXtOKcHAlsWXg9I9JkbKZTBHwGW26_k/s1600/Copy+(3)+of+darjeeling+036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmDXNhEff80AknjdTJKKpB1EwT7FmwvKSvQJ8bDF1Xavhz81kNsI6LE-k65pDBp91e3VV5OacMBL_a-7ZPPAJbNLR_JtrIHh4Lr9m91aC02NpWKXtOKcHAlsWXg9I9JkbKZTBHwGW26_k/s320/Copy+(3)+of+darjeeling+036.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: center;">We collected shells and took long walks.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYUEtlmQphM5E2wJQsefmHIFy2J4seWjiN5mcE8bA2xKomNZe0O_OrguYMqVx3BVHKmSNjP3REm27UEXla5y-Gsdc193nbpdW5beyepnk3NKy-1D9iXF_Pxa2wp6zLbOqHyZUVB_dZ1uH/s1600/darjeeling+028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYUEtlmQphM5E2wJQsefmHIFy2J4seWjiN5mcE8bA2xKomNZe0O_OrguYMqVx3BVHKmSNjP3REm27UEXla5y-Gsdc193nbpdW5beyepnk3NKy-1D9iXF_Pxa2wp6zLbOqHyZUVB_dZ1uH/s320/darjeeling+028.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We fished with the island boys. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnl7ydYfcupRoNPD-Ar8dL5D3sKnO_cNDUFJGanoBfAHK_WnoFkErdt4baKNNMvsiykjpNVV21GaqlpLHbjkvb0MrLBpSF6qIbx6kFwtGZlWRUm7xKyDJdtYwP3-Uxxvtt31yBfCCMiqH/s1600/darjeeling+103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnl7ydYfcupRoNPD-Ar8dL5D3sKnO_cNDUFJGanoBfAHK_WnoFkErdt4baKNNMvsiykjpNVV21GaqlpLHbjkvb0MrLBpSF6qIbx6kFwtGZlWRUm7xKyDJdtYwP3-Uxxvtt31yBfCCMiqH/s320/darjeeling+103.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We read books after dinner.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRmn91k4j6kyKqRzM-S2-nclv-YAiueYcbBR6erWrT04iVrdp3CHQEbp0NK0sythO6dzCJMJ2rY4SD80njJVmDAvu4jQkPwPj4Rx1n86Y92_rfbeJlFnyIkj178Mo3rgkQGmuwcFTvZKZ/s1600/darjeeling+121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRmn91k4j6kyKqRzM-S2-nclv-YAiueYcbBR6erWrT04iVrdp3CHQEbp0NK0sythO6dzCJMJ2rY4SD80njJVmDAvu4jQkPwPj4Rx1n86Y92_rfbeJlFnyIkj178Mo3rgkQGmuwcFTvZKZ/s320/darjeeling+121.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We lived in the moment and didn't think about work, school, house keeping, staff, dust, Delhi, or what was to come next. We left satisfied and relaxed and wishing for a just a few more days in Paradise. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Isn't that the best way to leave....always wishing for a little more?? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, welcome to our own little fantasy island!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
________________________________________________________________________</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you are interested visit the website for more information and photos</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cubadak-paradisovillage.com/index.asp" style="text-align: left;">http://www.cubadak-paradisovillage.com/index.asp</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or email them for more information at </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
info@cubadak-paradisovillage.com</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535738355647692756.post-63875387890945330862012-08-15T04:26:00.000-05:002012-08-15T04:26:12.325-05:00Happy Independence Day!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy Independence Day to India!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
15 August is the annual celebration commemorating <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_independence_day">India's independence from British rule</a> and its birth as a sovereign nation in 1947. The day is celebrated with flag raising, singing of the national anthem, family gatherings, and <a href="http://india.gov.in/spotlight/spotlight_archive.php?id=66">kite flying</a>. The flying of kites is meant to celebrate the spirit of freedom. Kite celebrations and competitions are held throughout India. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQ6cnlJ7CclIa20y0_6pYucZjiK8pkCvrhkXAiBlwj1So98NdQQulwbn5obLC4CwOWfOFQcrEi9bY7BYPf1BHKCvsvtV8m785K1TkAM8DlwQr6-TrdsPbE2eVDj0cF8vEC4XMyLMsArE5/s1600/summer+2012+148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQ6cnlJ7CclIa20y0_6pYucZjiK8pkCvrhkXAiBlwj1So98NdQQulwbn5obLC4CwOWfOFQcrEi9bY7BYPf1BHKCvsvtV8m785K1TkAM8DlwQr6-TrdsPbE2eVDj0cF8vEC4XMyLMsArE5/s320/summer+2012+148.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our compound had its own flag raising ceremony with many of the children singing the national anthem.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPolYZYOw4zxonIuTSr7vgv4xIYyaSsxA9cf1_Q17bWdLPNLfla8SRlyeNWNA4KAlDu3aRxuJs76bXwKGCkJkZ1vyNAR9e_LfrkbwfRwDxyUc_YdKnqXvZQ1Bm2Pbumg_r_Cq8fg729KGp/s1600/summer+2012+156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPolYZYOw4zxonIuTSr7vgv4xIYyaSsxA9cf1_Q17bWdLPNLfla8SRlyeNWNA4KAlDu3aRxuJs76bXwKGCkJkZ1vyNAR9e_LfrkbwfRwDxyUc_YdKnqXvZQ1Bm2Pbumg_r_Cq8fg729KGp/s320/summer+2012+156.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The National flag of India</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is a tri-colored flag of </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Saffron standing for courage, sacrifice, and patriotism</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
White for peace and honesty</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Green for hope, joy, fertility, and prosperity.<br />The blue wheel in the center is a symbol of vigilance, truth, and justice. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The wheel has 24 spokes and is known as the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashoka_Chakra">Ashoka Chakra </a>or the Wheel of Law representing continuing progress of the nation and the importance of justice in life.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(The above information was borrowed from <a href="http://www.intellitots.in/">Intellitots</a>)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKjYoz-3myRWb6eq99KPdgOIAHWP9uhyphenhyphenJe1GIZ0HEpZwMEit8hrWyPXZXmrbpmuC39v4slR84HAfsG5eXV7kOMDAfoJkESRYowMCCfsuGpla8YSUFrQ-lNaNr9SXBTyFKLCRFObMsuwl3/s1600/summer+2012+162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKjYoz-3myRWb6eq99KPdgOIAHWP9uhyphenhyphenJe1GIZ0HEpZwMEit8hrWyPXZXmrbpmuC39v4slR84HAfsG5eXV7kOMDAfoJkESRYowMCCfsuGpla8YSUFrQ-lNaNr9SXBTyFKLCRFObMsuwl3/s320/summer+2012+162.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The littlest one with what she now refers to as her flag.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdjG59C2plhsTfQjmGO4uw2NpfFSpvyyRCqPOOU3GNpWxQRYZetyVXFVoT3pDdriWBYwgxr4dLK11yg63HpyJ1rZl3Z-4UhIoa7hgwFikLjpON9StioqVEWHNVmo-Tgb4vJU7ot5ecxT7/s1600/summer+2012+152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdjG59C2plhsTfQjmGO4uw2NpfFSpvyyRCqPOOU3GNpWxQRYZetyVXFVoT3pDdriWBYwgxr4dLK11yg63HpyJ1rZl3Z-4UhIoa7hgwFikLjpON9StioqVEWHNVmo-Tgb4vJU7ot5ecxT7/s320/summer+2012+152.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The girls were thrilled to get involved in the spirit of independence day and fly some kites. Thankfully, a couple of the locals were able to assist with the correct tying of a kite. Maybe this is why we were never able to get one in the air on previous attempts.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMyU51uxXWWWRWc2n86kq90YC4YAHm_c-0e996-9fwRbT22aWhyphenhyphenLYeLGdR1iJSs3PbxOJ3lAC3Xz4ALHYjPQuaKUujlVb_NV0kxYFRMQyrxMhONFFLaUycgyREVQkkIWDNnwNtYjBo_DWJ/s1600/summer+2012+153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMyU51uxXWWWRWc2n86kq90YC4YAHm_c-0e996-9fwRbT22aWhyphenhyphenLYeLGdR1iJSs3PbxOJ3lAC3Xz4ALHYjPQuaKUujlVb_NV0kxYFRMQyrxMhONFFLaUycgyREVQkkIWDNnwNtYjBo_DWJ/s320/summer+2012+153.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJa1tsnYbwqF1vu6ryBPpx7kiVv7nw1pV7rTGMrElrk8fUTuiW6IYa0xoBZkSy93Fvw_-w3_C2QLk-kIaBQbkh4rQIYmj8Q1cFUxDvK7-4wOvOe8UZajaYS8WZraE8s5ZmQRS3vqkZBIgk/s1600/summer+2012+159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJa1tsnYbwqF1vu6ryBPpx7kiVv7nw1pV7rTGMrElrk8fUTuiW6IYa0xoBZkSy93Fvw_-w3_C2QLk-kIaBQbkh4rQIYmj8Q1cFUxDvK7-4wOvOe8UZajaYS8WZraE8s5ZmQRS3vqkZBIgk/s320/summer+2012+159.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Almost up in the air</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCvIwa7I2xFqHTmfUKJgnwTD0DOiX0jRb8I25SEC6hDpA1dbXurIAFjNm9psKbz9zqPz3d9HlqbBvh0b9GR4UArteinF2nt-c-i9hrPPINGTfsr2LrCS960MHAXKPAac4oD6RwjZOSICN/s1600/summer+2012+157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCvIwa7I2xFqHTmfUKJgnwTD0DOiX0jRb8I25SEC6hDpA1dbXurIAFjNm9psKbz9zqPz3d9HlqbBvh0b9GR4UArteinF2nt-c-i9hrPPINGTfsr2LrCS960MHAXKPAac4oD6RwjZOSICN/s320/summer+2012+157.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now this is how it is done.....Happy Independence Day India!!</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535738355647692756.post-45770091321746615302012-08-14T04:59:00.001-05:002012-08-14T04:59:42.544-05:00The Magic Suitcase<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This suitcase always seemed to hold a little magic for me. It had belonged to my Great Aunt Gwen, for whom I am named. My Grandmother always kept it up in the closet out of reach of small hands that may damage or dirty the contents. It came out rarely and only when really needed.....during a long winter vacation when cabin fever started to set in, an extended period of bed rest due to illness, or times when cheering up was much needed. She would explain to me that the suitcase had been her sister's and the contents it now held had been my mother's. There were rules of handling and gently playing with what was inside. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6gLELrCBlg8Kcr36Y3m8YJt6UagLxLszsRdXm8uqi1fAo91F0xNDQHrE6I1S2Q02qwTFvpi1p81CnhPv0wveVQaMHrJQLu25Dddtb0wZrYsWAae6OI8jl-KsqiPvNLrKMfLeIHzfUEPAB/s1600/summer+2012+124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6gLELrCBlg8Kcr36Y3m8YJt6UagLxLszsRdXm8uqi1fAo91F0xNDQHrE6I1S2Q02qwTFvpi1p81CnhPv0wveVQaMHrJQLu25Dddtb0wZrYsWAae6OI8jl-KsqiPvNLrKMfLeIHzfUEPAB/s320/summer+2012+124.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was not to open the latches by myself because she was afraid my little fingers would be hurt. Also, I don't think she really wanted me to know how to maneuver the "old-fashioned" clasps. It helped keep a little of the mystery.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEiZlF0_2No09j4HDNXO1AYUyA4YGigoTJWCQlNaTcdZ01A4uJh-ugFV1mEU0pt7mtdehMZqkUvyaXmBMQEnvKx2nRwJoaO9ttdAyuDEFKvevP9jD4NUDH_GzSSrHiT1QNKNYyLM0VUUeH/s1600/summer+2012+125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEiZlF0_2No09j4HDNXO1AYUyA4YGigoTJWCQlNaTcdZ01A4uJh-ugFV1mEU0pt7mtdehMZqkUvyaXmBMQEnvKx2nRwJoaO9ttdAyuDEFKvevP9jD4NUDH_GzSSrHiT1QNKNYyLM0VUUeH/s320/summer+2012+125.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After listening to the rules and watching her snap open the closures, ta-da......the contents were revealed. Doll furniture that had belonged to my mother. There is something to be said about keeping some items for few and far between moments. Because when the lid opened, it always seemed like a magical moment to me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWqdC7Y0vYwF2A2ferPzBPvKyt3we1tp09dN8PtQI4jGYhuVWh3BbLJ7AhJtQoNeutBspyUOd4aJXj1zN7dG0JcpsetMFtmcJZqxOZGbPkTd34iXWICn93igs8zh0VzTf8mv6Ucw2uiokq/s1600/summer+2012+127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWqdC7Y0vYwF2A2ferPzBPvKyt3we1tp09dN8PtQI4jGYhuVWh3BbLJ7AhJtQoNeutBspyUOd4aJXj1zN7dG0JcpsetMFtmcJZqxOZGbPkTd34iXWICn93igs8zh0VzTf8mv6Ucw2uiokq/s320/summer+2012+127.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Beds and dressers, fireplaces, kitchen sinks, bathtubs, a toilet, lamps, bookshelves, even a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longcase_clock">grandfather clock</a>. At one point in time there had been a doll house and dolls that would be brought out also. Now, all that is left is some of the furniture and oh-so-amazing accessories such as milk pitchers, fire irons, and a hand mirror. I hadn't seen this suitcase in ages and didn't even know if it was still around. So, you can imagine my </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
delight one day this summer (when my girls were about to kill each other and driving me crazy) when my mother came down from her attic with the magic suitcase. She put down a quilt and made them sit patiently while we explained the history and slowly, I'm sure painstakingly slow for the girls, opened the latches. They were sitting on their knees, bouncing and clapping even though they had no idea if toys, a snake, or a bomb were going to come out. If only I could have captured their faces when it was opened. To say they were delighted would be an understatement! The joy was immense. The older daughter took careful time to take out each piece, examine it, ask questions, and lay it to the side. She split the furniture up between she and her younger sister for a marathon playing session. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fOs9HWQoDXclpf4oMzXHZY1yfjW8jJo3YsDdFucxMFD44102E6fhSDskNukEoJGuqbggjjca4-XqW42cI52yhrcJX2Ln3-8CByeBqOHB0twPLoLhb2eLtNfiFOOo5d3MepTp-qiytyO9/s1600/summer+2012+126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fOs9HWQoDXclpf4oMzXHZY1yfjW8jJo3YsDdFucxMFD44102E6fhSDskNukEoJGuqbggjjca4-XqW42cI52yhrcJX2Ln3-8CByeBqOHB0twPLoLhb2eLtNfiFOOo5d3MepTp-qiytyO9/s320/summer+2012+126.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The original dolls have long since fallen apart and moved on to "a better place" (not sure what that would be for dolls but it sounds nice). Amazingly enough, <a href="http://www.pollypocket.com/">Polly Pockets</a>, and Disney Princess dolls fit the furniture. Don't Jasmine and Naveen look cozy hanging out with Polly and her friend? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoI39jJSTMiTpjg2WLV5N5CEhZF_FqqWirRygSv7SUx3iyK841gyvzob4BEHztmeTmO_p8oDwSpTAWhe7utVWy1dLzf4_D5AGCZ_6thdQcf8AOU-yusW-pQq-u14eT_co6LP1to9Ztpitn/s1600/summer+2012+130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoI39jJSTMiTpjg2WLV5N5CEhZF_FqqWirRygSv7SUx3iyK841gyvzob4BEHztmeTmO_p8oDwSpTAWhe7utVWy1dLzf4_D5AGCZ_6thdQcf8AOU-yusW-pQq-u14eT_co6LP1to9Ztpitn/s320/summer+2012+130.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: center;">I can't explain the warmth it brought to my heart to see the girls playing with these items which had once brought me (and I'm sure my mother before me) many hours of fun and entertainment. I watched them play very carefully and then place the pieces back in the magic suitcase. I listened to them asking my mother exactly how old each piece is and was glad to answer, yes, when they asked if they would be able to play with them the next time we are at Gramcracker's house. (Gramcracker is what they call my mother.....that is a whole different post)</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;">Sometimes, I worry about living on the other side of the world. I worry about our children having roots and a connection to family. Then a moment like this comes along. It makes me realize that roots and connections are made and held in so many different ways. Our children have roots and an incredible connection to their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. They bond with them the instant we are all in a room together, they have stories of times with family, and now they have the magic suitcase too.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535738355647692756.post-86120153367014921142012-08-12T22:42:00.000-05:002012-08-14T04:07:37.882-05:00Home Visit - Texas Leg<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHizHK9maFwEwpPXVGVuEY4NK_noMb-7-CVXm23514QJZGRMrdSZEO5KkWD1WfXGcGGFBnE93OZHmiF6UtO_IB7RQiNHzPPYwaGtygamP0bn6fTeOMWHlSaOjQbi-c_CawkemRic9JcjLp/s1600/summer+2012+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHizHK9maFwEwpPXVGVuEY4NK_noMb-7-CVXm23514QJZGRMrdSZEO5KkWD1WfXGcGGFBnE93OZHmiF6UtO_IB7RQiNHzPPYwaGtygamP0bn6fTeOMWHlSaOjQbi-c_CawkemRic9JcjLp/s320/summer+2012+023.jpg" width="320" /></a>It was hard to believe that another year had passed and we were on the way for a "home visit." I tried to find a definition of home visit as we use it in the expat world. None found....for us a home visit is simply a trip to the United States. We don't actually own a home right now so our home visit is different each year. Thankfully, we have very welcoming family who never complains when we show up on their doorstep with six or seven bags, jet lagged and weary. This year we started our visit in Dallas. The girls were more than thrilled to find an <a href="http://www.americangirl.com/index.php">American Gir</a>l store just minutes away from their Aunt and Uncle. Daughter #1 had been saving rupees (<a href="http://www.xe.com/ucc/">exchanged </a>for dollars) for a year and took her time perusing the pink coated shelves and racks of the store until she found just the perfect purchase. I thought this would be the highlight of the trip for both girls.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWM3eB2FeMPDfs5Ly5NZrs6VCquGtVAJtEmWvThyphenhyphenpIqsr3PBYKk4R0hv4B9Zfaymmb-RfAabIOnArPOmZbxK7r0fmQVWlDccNByvWDaY7NHoRFylk8FGfV3Tqh-6MGkSoVEHeF3MVl51Gp/s1600/summer+2012+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWM3eB2FeMPDfs5Ly5NZrs6VCquGtVAJtEmWvThyphenhyphenpIqsr3PBYKk4R0hv4B9Zfaymmb-RfAabIOnArPOmZbxK7r0fmQVWlDccNByvWDaY7NHoRFylk8FGfV3Tqh-6MGkSoVEHeF3MVl51Gp/s320/summer+2012+004.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It made me so happy to have both girls say that the highlights of their trip were cooking with Aunt Katie, playing marathon <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monopoly_(game)">Monopoly </a>games with (and winning over) Uncle David and Daddy, and getting to know their cousin Evangeline.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUigLjHMIJEMgKhgHmWksx_l4AGt-7zoBctn-1AYoZIW1d9jZY5gCbLGXNVk09WMh0lXTYo4KSHFQd9rhU1aBBUjw-3MaKW3yuB1IR5e01jjbkITMMx0k0fcnV2gGv7dOLFDVYrLOirFx/s1600/summer+2012+045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUigLjHMIJEMgKhgHmWksx_l4AGt-7zoBctn-1AYoZIW1d9jZY5gCbLGXNVk09WMh0lXTYo4KSHFQd9rhU1aBBUjw-3MaKW3yuB1IR5e01jjbkITMMx0k0fcnV2gGv7dOLFDVYrLOirFx/s320/summer+2012+045.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The week went quickly....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
trips to the zoo,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.blueberryhillfarms.com/">blueberry </a>picking,<br />
music concerts at the <a href="http://www.dallasarboretum.org/">botanical gardens</a>,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
game playing,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
just hanging out with family.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ76VWT4ZQ-FbMNfcXI3BsV4yZYQ3yuF31gcvRIEpd48boTzleZIVmQtypvNiyxhzbA5Q5jpH9nessRnFUzlADEkJ_5psZ8HB-bKFunqurA10roVcVSFQ-6BXr7jwE3uCB0ImSuCrESGgV/s1600/summer+2012+040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ76VWT4ZQ-FbMNfcXI3BsV4yZYQ3yuF31gcvRIEpd48boTzleZIVmQtypvNiyxhzbA5Q5jpH9nessRnFUzlADEkJ_5psZ8HB-bKFunqurA10roVcVSFQ-6BXr7jwE3uCB0ImSuCrESGgV/s320/summer+2012+040.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhfuGgn0UcjsrHVfncBUijNCUh6HfOMJndCOvqVCsvqbW2qlGDZL_tRoc5fZ8trVXMTmvRJKtnJLXJk6ufJ3nrJP9DlJZ6wZqQH8pjPEyM7SYXZiMNw8hxpkwvPSrYRRSyiu0NTEQl_w5/s1600/summer+2012+030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhfuGgn0UcjsrHVfncBUijNCUh6HfOMJndCOvqVCsvqbW2qlGDZL_tRoc5fZ8trVXMTmvRJKtnJLXJk6ufJ3nrJP9DlJZ6wZqQH8pjPEyM7SYXZiMNw8hxpkwvPSrYRRSyiu0NTEQl_w5/s1600/summer+2012+030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhfuGgn0UcjsrHVfncBUijNCUh6HfOMJndCOvqVCsvqbW2qlGDZL_tRoc5fZ8trVXMTmvRJKtnJLXJk6ufJ3nrJP9DlJZ6wZqQH8pjPEyM7SYXZiMNw8hxpkwvPSrYRRSyiu0NTEQl_w5/s320/summer+2012+030.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia6k4uUKfrGdeCyf-EVOA7f5LSVQvSVqEWJjlGsPO9Oy8c3viPW6Do7g-H48CVOdGVjVc7wwBJBBCQCJCSVkISROwW4I007nI7HCTRRwq1oMnTi6-jelJE7jMoN8RXBMaEwc2T6duVyjhz/s1600/summer+2012+033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia6k4uUKfrGdeCyf-EVOA7f5LSVQvSVqEWJjlGsPO9Oy8c3viPW6Do7g-H48CVOdGVjVc7wwBJBBCQCJCSVkISROwW4I007nI7HCTRRwq1oMnTi6-jelJE7jMoN8RXBMaEwc2T6duVyjhz/s320/summer+2012+033.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2b0M0JuueJl68ZACoxAFZPUQZWbeit5l6HCFqxJpQJRRq-i05N4xCWK1apfPZi1qpr9TVNV1YzFWYxwXHWf3zDfla49RbEbMTFGcA9JWg1b_AgE6imLPSWvKB2BsYzUQttDHPNWYzT-9/s1600/summer+2012+039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2b0M0JuueJl68ZACoxAFZPUQZWbeit5l6HCFqxJpQJRRq-i05N4xCWK1apfPZi1qpr9TVNV1YzFWYxwXHWf3zDfla49RbEbMTFGcA9JWg1b_AgE6imLPSWvKB2BsYzUQttDHPNWYzT-9/s320/summer+2012+039.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQRnftY7MoQh8Z4Z5UkkN0llSOCl_sbVO9De2Qxl3R9P6iGcc21M6eT9P9UvxLXfpM6IUbjbBhIrml-RN9uu6mmfZ6ePaPtoq78zR534mVv2aG1wkkyjBZTycMQgOs3Iz-4OGuLJ9tCLx/s1600/summer+2012+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQRnftY7MoQh8Z4Z5UkkN0llSOCl_sbVO9De2Qxl3R9P6iGcc21M6eT9P9UvxLXfpM6IUbjbBhIrml-RN9uu6mmfZ6ePaPtoq78zR534mVv2aG1wkkyjBZTycMQgOs3Iz-4OGuLJ9tCLx/s320/summer+2012+007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9GsBNSfyL13vTlY906bWBdxM_jOBD9441m2_Q-YhFgpQuMepzkLPStdwBnZhM5mpv0CnPWwL5gacqmeMiqIFIMPVZOV86Qz9v45ZzsIIAdTeejc5usezJy2aBsEOZ-HJD1mB1Cq_P1AAF/s1600/summer+2012+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9GsBNSfyL13vTlY906bWBdxM_jOBD9441m2_Q-YhFgpQuMepzkLPStdwBnZhM5mpv0CnPWwL5gacqmeMiqIFIMPVZOV86Qz9v45ZzsIIAdTeejc5usezJy2aBsEOZ-HJD1mB1Cq_P1AAF/s320/summer+2012+020.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535738355647692756.post-8339471452372049452012-05-24T08:23:00.000-05:002012-05-24T08:23:32.562-05:00Nepal in Photos Part III - Thanka Painting School<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisoN92HPmTe_4gVFi6gVOJorY6vgEUtfckCsVUZti1iMz6yHrNtm3xT3RSEreF-b1XL8NSIwFHwnPd4nb1fFtds7LClekL12kN-woNOpRyyLFgf10xWCXkdYfCTDZfd0kEpn0hTv5CVSyO/s1600/Nepal+May+2012+102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisoN92HPmTe_4gVFi6gVOJorY6vgEUtfckCsVUZti1iMz6yHrNtm3xT3RSEreF-b1XL8NSIwFHwnPd4nb1fFtds7LClekL12kN-woNOpRyyLFgf10xWCXkdYfCTDZfd0kEpn0hTv5CVSyO/s320/Nepal+May+2012+102.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcBCn83ueWKsAWqrQkIFxOVBq0y8NR9NkVBJcTPukWx7Qya5fhbo_aESgOnBSTJXTYNHr7T_YwCVOsdk_9wvJsf8IvjEgPsTvfIZTAvxlzdoDuwqfxw659LIRu3iV6WsIKWqBCVQ4Xj2j/s1600/Nepal+May+2012+117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcBCn83ueWKsAWqrQkIFxOVBq0y8NR9NkVBJcTPukWx7Qya5fhbo_aESgOnBSTJXTYNHr7T_YwCVOsdk_9wvJsf8IvjEgPsTvfIZTAvxlzdoDuwqfxw659LIRu3iV6WsIKWqBCVQ4Xj2j/s320/Nepal+May+2012+117.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQW1JO_cf6moLBeBA8qi_NkVV1Kb4XlgyvCCDRUPLTYkjLXsM-6iVEfyZpb9dIka6-uDH1j-8OB6OS9L2N4UF4FNiDEC3TccOtA3XagYTpzIXFQCSGA-uqosyI4yR3sOW_rnS59BuRiUP0/s1600/Nepal+May+2012+116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQW1JO_cf6moLBeBA8qi_NkVV1Kb4XlgyvCCDRUPLTYkjLXsM-6iVEfyZpb9dIka6-uDH1j-8OB6OS9L2N4UF4FNiDEC3TccOtA3XagYTpzIXFQCSGA-uqosyI4yR3sOW_rnS59BuRiUP0/s320/Nepal+May+2012+116.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFTaFjx_ja3isO0QSz1whtsLYP2JGko3Wa8ed-wMVzd8v4INPs2nU10BUBSrnKXheUL085eldMppdS8VvXomkZqw7HSsizRf1w24xnQAxaSqbFy6Pmt68bYHToCCWR_hBbr24trP4JXzbY/s1600/Nepal+May+2012+105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFTaFjx_ja3isO0QSz1whtsLYP2JGko3Wa8ed-wMVzd8v4INPs2nU10BUBSrnKXheUL085eldMppdS8VvXomkZqw7HSsizRf1w24xnQAxaSqbFy6Pmt68bYHToCCWR_hBbr24trP4JXzbY/s320/Nepal+May+2012+105.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7r1o-b54fEhC93UfV83ljpdjONR5BGr3Bcst6hWWmDqQWT4vwZtbbf8nm8aJwATtmD57vSoj7tHg7eoeOaUCPjzACVBEvVKyvILvGLC_fW5VgW2gWdz8YHFufYakuqczApgEIpOzuFYu/s1600/Nepal+May+2012+110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7r1o-b54fEhC93UfV83ljpdjONR5BGr3Bcst6hWWmDqQWT4vwZtbbf8nm8aJwATtmD57vSoj7tHg7eoeOaUCPjzACVBEvVKyvILvGLC_fW5VgW2gWdz8YHFufYakuqczApgEIpOzuFYu/s320/Nepal+May+2012+110.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKXh96cMybpBENtQW5D5IbZRy2N23BK5Ieg8R6yNYfoId8m2BDwjspEv2mEFl7ke2NLXv3eLA0RTojlxAy9b3iq1k29lOaoE80tbKqKtxqY4FC4xUWXXp7XFsOhuPnuGmLb9XI6sHxCJX2/s1600/Nepal+May+2012+106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKXh96cMybpBENtQW5D5IbZRy2N23BK5Ieg8R6yNYfoId8m2BDwjspEv2mEFl7ke2NLXv3eLA0RTojlxAy9b3iq1k29lOaoE80tbKqKtxqY4FC4xUWXXp7XFsOhuPnuGmLb9XI6sHxCJX2/s320/Nepal+May+2012+106.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwRxHy3zfREJwZ8Yw4QG_CdKQY-KWzzLyKNRs4jubSVNx-W2YbKR3x873zRdM2-U7GiEE0vLOgHFFgus8B2zaaWnbw9k-qxvL_nVI_Nb7p1FZmjn4nboAxFPEfrPNYrfFnUMNPdYuC96S/s1600/Nepal+May+2012+109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwRxHy3zfREJwZ8Yw4QG_CdKQY-KWzzLyKNRs4jubSVNx-W2YbKR3x873zRdM2-U7GiEE0vLOgHFFgus8B2zaaWnbw9k-qxvL_nVI_Nb7p1FZmjn4nboAxFPEfrPNYrfFnUMNPdYuC96S/s320/Nepal+May+2012+109.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7H0tjrB9-IkTbtz4Uu0I4rLpOPjujHHcz_X3piChCZmZlgFVY_YH2hNmjtrqeO3jN0phN28oIAlrWmXIwpwr1GH5t0DQAmENZPJevP0xRhYSwxzKVHFcuipxy9v2eHGFDTfH8VBFyNE4Y/s1600/Nepal+May+2012+107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7H0tjrB9-IkTbtz4Uu0I4rLpOPjujHHcz_X3piChCZmZlgFVY_YH2hNmjtrqeO3jN0phN28oIAlrWmXIwpwr1GH5t0DQAmENZPJevP0xRhYSwxzKVHFcuipxy9v2eHGFDTfH8VBFyNE4Y/s320/Nepal+May+2012+107.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlbDEfTTqhEmNjwlMdun19r3qk1coGxg4Jw3p_kT-h2zmH-fcRf0PzkcAKPVRS_uw2cNogg-3fUsbQS4N7A4PdIyJZUucduzK4jZwueg_QHAbJgp1muvHbt52sdVIGDKuSq7UNVcwLUqnw/s1600/Nepal+May+2012+108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlbDEfTTqhEmNjwlMdun19r3qk1coGxg4Jw3p_kT-h2zmH-fcRf0PzkcAKPVRS_uw2cNogg-3fUsbQS4N7A4PdIyJZUucduzK4jZwueg_QHAbJgp1muvHbt52sdVIGDKuSq7UNVcwLUqnw/s320/Nepal+May+2012+108.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9NMJQIcweC52yYh-gGMvH_gnM92U-z2HGOGUT5pb-2MKGW28wMYf_whrtF13X3Zofw8FQy3Fw60ZNZaDxUs-IKQM390Nx9aiK4ZEgc013kpAaJsJCYFzZUojznhv1amfY0V7f22uy58ZC/s1600/Nepal+May+2012+115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9NMJQIcweC52yYh-gGMvH_gnM92U-z2HGOGUT5pb-2MKGW28wMYf_whrtF13X3Zofw8FQy3Fw60ZNZaDxUs-IKQM390Nx9aiK4ZEgc013kpAaJsJCYFzZUojznhv1amfY0V7f22uy58ZC/s320/Nepal+May+2012+115.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3_CwPijseB1c1O1De9JNbAzhHyLOBLkLVmAzcZ5p_ndVRfPPQ4fLfs0jsgAqAvRNrj3tdYT70twqRyV9s5Bca0f5TFnOFJEHTKWxE3xUw4cHQkUQtSoj08y_f3zKz943kwTyWt2eqgdx/s1600/Nepal+May+2012+113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3_CwPijseB1c1O1De9JNbAzhHyLOBLkLVmAzcZ5p_ndVRfPPQ4fLfs0jsgAqAvRNrj3tdYT70twqRyV9s5Bca0f5TFnOFJEHTKWxE3xUw4cHQkUQtSoj08y_f3zKz943kwTyWt2eqgdx/s320/Nepal+May+2012+113.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535738355647692756.post-9206323634385142012012-05-19T02:24:00.001-05:002012-05-19T02:24:55.472-05:00Nepal in Photos Part II - People of Nepal<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I found the people of Nepal to be simply charming.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They have warm, welcoming personalities. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They are easy to smile and laugh and exude a love for life. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Even those we saw that were working hard, back breaking jobs give off a feeling of peace with each step.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5xytBppSuhTBGfI3mGMWVFuhPmlHpU7Vd8BxiBuyT7o8B_6buaD94u_xDQyTTO0Mv-473m6CchU7e45RfM4LDnLJUucB8wjEoDlc3i5YdMJv9gJ4eFc4vCTj5rSX1PBF5HvUJX5YvyEN/s1600/Nepal+May+2012+076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5xytBppSuhTBGfI3mGMWVFuhPmlHpU7Vd8BxiBuyT7o8B_6buaD94u_xDQyTTO0Mv-473m6CchU7e45RfM4LDnLJUucB8wjEoDlc3i5YdMJv9gJ4eFc4vCTj5rSX1PBF5HvUJX5YvyEN/s320/Nepal+May+2012+076.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes, this woman did ask for money after taking her photo. She was so sweet that it didn't even bother me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAzw9hz8n3NUc77l6g14GpFhSSpV565hi_mv9To0WNvyKLTKAjNEpilN4-qBJTz08pGddTAO4I64CUH5FFRtpT0lhh1_Tu8egbQPiQ_wBvEtrU6Zaa0o5fJ0RXO6DEDQoGb3-ccHMbomer/s1600/Nepal+May+2012+082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAzw9hz8n3NUc77l6g14GpFhSSpV565hi_mv9To0WNvyKLTKAjNEpilN4-qBJTz08pGddTAO4I64CUH5FFRtpT0lhh1_Tu8egbQPiQ_wBvEtrU6Zaa0o5fJ0RXO6DEDQoGb3-ccHMbomer/s320/Nepal+May+2012+082.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2j56Hf7JNeCh8hW3K3X1p0jjpQ-DH442HYrhA-0CgcdzyMa9_pfE_H5l7GhUNIw0aTPWOtRyhk-HpF4JNt-zcNJS5PaED5Cw_ZSIJNB5ahdqtz0Z0ODgDxL1Mr42r2XcFBbmWi4y-EPgG/s1600/Nepal+May+2012+118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2j56Hf7JNeCh8hW3K3X1p0jjpQ-DH442HYrhA-0CgcdzyMa9_pfE_H5l7GhUNIw0aTPWOtRyhk-HpF4JNt-zcNJS5PaED5Cw_ZSIJNB5ahdqtz0Z0ODgDxL1Mr42r2XcFBbmWi4y-EPgG/s320/Nepal+May+2012+118.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Laughing and spinning.....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTZB1J5PTTFyuE7fXeh4vjHUenT34f74bfpBHtq6YDNA48vi0UN1WabnzMBhvglqd7j0VmHMRDPotEror3gL8earQgQL3mWoZL4uNURKhAtdZNzmyJ1eE0oaf869Oi7RT3GkhrAAm499S/s1600/Nepal+May+2012+123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTZB1J5PTTFyuE7fXeh4vjHUenT34f74bfpBHtq6YDNA48vi0UN1WabnzMBhvglqd7j0VmHMRDPotEror3gL8earQgQL3mWoZL4uNURKhAtdZNzmyJ1eE0oaf869Oi7RT3GkhrAAm499S/s320/Nepal+May+2012+123.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Makes me thankful for the invention of an automatic washer</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYyWWRmF5sGvvXl5dvqp7sMPiS05PxXA2e1RRN9DRNWEhGwQXzKje32L8yEuEAbG01oOxvC4t1vqbm1T1SxCzSWnHhHKNTuSWbCC12298LPX7MrMSlSvkLdRD-KzTJsXhGYw4V2gTDxDo/s1600/Nepal+May+2012+127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYyWWRmF5sGvvXl5dvqp7sMPiS05PxXA2e1RRN9DRNWEhGwQXzKje32L8yEuEAbG01oOxvC4t1vqbm1T1SxCzSWnHhHKNTuSWbCC12298LPX7MrMSlSvkLdRD-KzTJsXhGYw4V2gTDxDo/s320/Nepal+May+2012+127.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTq0wESiIMdrQ4xwOiGxWTpizBK-vygGEeMg0Wal9y-BoCIoN-ifYHjETMitN3QQTK3vQt_tC2ll3jo-qTrngJlY_awAUgG_rZ_QBNP6ncEV8xtEs71_D8eWLZbAmtn-omR38rVjqfYshK/s1600/Nepal+May+2012+129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTq0wESiIMdrQ4xwOiGxWTpizBK-vygGEeMg0Wal9y-BoCIoN-ifYHjETMitN3QQTK3vQt_tC2ll3jo-qTrngJlY_awAUgG_rZ_QBNP6ncEV8xtEs71_D8eWLZbAmtn-omR38rVjqfYshK/s320/Nepal+May+2012+129.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRleWV9w-1saK5hoNL-o3PASbUXjMCYR5krGcjvXetIahpWIKTSl8Kj7V7dWuxfjlxdGRcZL5Y3Vv0LdCi2Nhk1daDVxuddZtrCQPNA0c3I9gNgTqpgYJDR371zpYGRn3dna8a3toNnLfF/s1600/Nepal+May+2012+133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRleWV9w-1saK5hoNL-o3PASbUXjMCYR5krGcjvXetIahpWIKTSl8Kj7V7dWuxfjlxdGRcZL5Y3Vv0LdCi2Nhk1daDVxuddZtrCQPNA0c3I9gNgTqpgYJDR371zpYGRn3dna8a3toNnLfF/s320/Nepal+May+2012+133.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScsxgbIMqk9w4l3-_mR52j1oRqhOHrgdWZT7GIy6f1OQcZAfnrbrJlCer0PscNFFOXeiIFyOet4i7QqKkzJ-sy7R6o-SnNJgE2j2UzzWcuWaE8pwzEe3utBZqyHFrN3RkIKIa0N6VzAO4/s1600/Nepal+May+2012+134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScsxgbIMqk9w4l3-_mR52j1oRqhOHrgdWZT7GIy6f1OQcZAfnrbrJlCer0PscNFFOXeiIFyOet4i7QqKkzJ-sy7R6o-SnNJgE2j2UzzWcuWaE8pwzEe3utBZqyHFrN3RkIKIa0N6VzAO4/s320/Nepal+May+2012+134.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlxW8uQepuW6x2zImN6pCmrTc_xsFHjsERi-oS9ADJp_VAIpZ-nH_bVosw5feMvGZzwA60Imyq5qwGhcKfavaquJvHt9Y3_vmDRcVUc2Sab8kx1KzvuC7AfiffSaBzejvnDZ8T70vycW_/s1600/Nepal+May+2012+142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlxW8uQepuW6x2zImN6pCmrTc_xsFHjsERi-oS9ADJp_VAIpZ-nH_bVosw5feMvGZzwA60Imyq5qwGhcKfavaquJvHt9Y3_vmDRcVUc2Sab8kx1KzvuC7AfiffSaBzejvnDZ8T70vycW_/s320/Nepal+May+2012+142.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4XT-udyx7hgLCgzfoGxCHVeploIJRzuHr8cMrATTdDmKQzyFcsrdIiNWSnna5OLWFEi2OuGgRGBKR6wsEwmMApA0BQW_DJRKS2N3k9PPDNVtTxIEpOLMLWwL1X-OUsESCNVPPmWIoRJwM/s1600/Nepal+May+2012+145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4XT-udyx7hgLCgzfoGxCHVeploIJRzuHr8cMrATTdDmKQzyFcsrdIiNWSnna5OLWFEi2OuGgRGBKR6wsEwmMApA0BQW_DJRKS2N3k9PPDNVtTxIEpOLMLWwL1X-OUsESCNVPPmWIoRJwM/s320/Nepal+May+2012+145.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Friendly afternoon card game</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJTSLuScdbgZHqWYVhxGKHILm6tKH03I2-fOFsiZ4pCbbrmr8ExBuVOw6C6clqO5Ejd1h6rXgSqUiAXNSel6_ksAsoYq-uh1YFvzRmFZZdLo1WIJO7Duhgm6PqUU2IybdW88BPdYfrtlB/s1600/Nepal+May+2012+155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJTSLuScdbgZHqWYVhxGKHILm6tKH03I2-fOFsiZ4pCbbrmr8ExBuVOw6C6clqO5Ejd1h6rXgSqUiAXNSel6_ksAsoYq-uh1YFvzRmFZZdLo1WIJO7Duhgm6PqUU2IybdW88BPdYfrtlB/s320/Nepal+May+2012+155.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The children are the most precious of all. They were eager to have their photos taken so they could see the image. Again, I wished for the old fashion Polaroid that would spit out the photo immediately.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPREDRwaI7eE0vvPjSIe_EJxbZ0S5gbDCMBcc8NQXXyD2SA93qEc2vA7uro9m53CuRbCI-G_NkLpA4GhWN5jnswi8sR00QTSrG1ezt0Xs2nK7UCVrbb-OnLBU9tr45m-6PCXQvZ0Q72g08/s1600/Nepal+May+2012+156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPREDRwaI7eE0vvPjSIe_EJxbZ0S5gbDCMBcc8NQXXyD2SA93qEc2vA7uro9m53CuRbCI-G_NkLpA4GhWN5jnswi8sR00QTSrG1ezt0Xs2nK7UCVrbb-OnLBU9tr45m-6PCXQvZ0Q72g08/s320/Nepal+May+2012+156.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This little boy kept yelling, "Hallo" out the window and then ducking back in. It took me multiple times to actually catch him.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5j-pJ3ATOvn_TvcZgmVDMscbo8yHF9puQPDuZjv1tKCLbam-ju9-VmUz6KdTtZBldXUFwEFge9s8KC3UE28KoBCENqkHpxpkDpA5p5ZjkimBCmA7XceU2jHWHGAdKpXH_wCo0D0_x0lac/s1600/Nepal+May+2012+157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5j-pJ3ATOvn_TvcZgmVDMscbo8yHF9puQPDuZjv1tKCLbam-ju9-VmUz6KdTtZBldXUFwEFge9s8KC3UE28KoBCENqkHpxpkDpA5p5ZjkimBCmA7XceU2jHWHGAdKpXH_wCo0D0_x0lac/s320/Nepal+May+2012+157.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is not an easy life so the quick afternoon nap is appreciated.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhSiWdE_pSjbjtni0JcHCCJMX-PqmxU_j5asK91z_pM_uZrllYcRCJMk9DnL4a8A7CsV5rzDr0PcGB0MDnhP-ghqgi4F6zt3pyww2vfTFKON6-gOLHNkPxDmAOssmmh3HVdJKV4iss8O6/s1600/Nepal+May+2012+161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhSiWdE_pSjbjtni0JcHCCJMX-PqmxU_j5asK91z_pM_uZrllYcRCJMk9DnL4a8A7CsV5rzDr0PcGB0MDnhP-ghqgi4F6zt3pyww2vfTFKON6-gOLHNkPxDmAOssmmh3HVdJKV4iss8O6/s320/Nepal+May+2012+161.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiatYN_s_0mwoLXwzDn1WJxHw_vgVs_Ag6xpQgBe21I-_26wgTorl2YVkspB8ktv_yoZ3w3k7O0Am1ohuC2-PKRVXhjpl5_PVThHaxuKl3x-YQsrajYBeCkmzNj-X-l5AMT5dpNwJyP1nlf/s1600/Nepal+May+2012+244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiatYN_s_0mwoLXwzDn1WJxHw_vgVs_Ag6xpQgBe21I-_26wgTorl2YVkspB8ktv_yoZ3w3k7O0Am1ohuC2-PKRVXhjpl5_PVThHaxuKl3x-YQsrajYBeCkmzNj-X-l5AMT5dpNwJyP1nlf/s320/Nepal+May+2012+244.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJ4UZOprrs4pJg0j_UI1WfUy4GZq8Ti63wjfBDPByX-cUZjHyFYn7pfAS-yPibwJoK_7z3u-JgVT9AlPoIenIYzatPeYjMSsxfsHng7J1CXuK7rmcVAbIanJJUxX5Xt83BaFo5jDJveIt/s1600/Nepal+May+2012+252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJ4UZOprrs4pJg0j_UI1WfUy4GZq8Ti63wjfBDPByX-cUZjHyFYn7pfAS-yPibwJoK_7z3u-JgVT9AlPoIenIYzatPeYjMSsxfsHng7J1CXuK7rmcVAbIanJJUxX5Xt83BaFo5jDJveIt/s320/Nepal+May+2012+252.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-viyz3glKmqRBGVglP7cdQCUcvu35R8Gewnz2R6AYkl7RfKS1dmPNBE0qocCQyLh63sIvahmMN1YaCPt-mBg2gWloEhE5qsC_NBi4wRJkYZpsjfwE-U7iFFCZa61qgOX1Xqiy4oXEmlLI/s1600/Nepal+May+2012+253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-viyz3glKmqRBGVglP7cdQCUcvu35R8Gewnz2R6AYkl7RfKS1dmPNBE0qocCQyLh63sIvahmMN1YaCPt-mBg2gWloEhE5qsC_NBi4wRJkYZpsjfwE-U7iFFCZa61qgOX1Xqiy4oXEmlLI/s320/Nepal+May+2012+253.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ckz5wje2pa95roXo8XIX_g_U52nyCT6VhrQCKPsa-Kas-nIPZntIwFdyy6f0tvaqgowSmR1F34dpTltDEnpn_LhNZaERZHpBubx4AnxFzBlTrkf-XKhUoMSpCdB4UGqkQPnaxDmF5Lqa/s1600/Nepal+May+2012+262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ckz5wje2pa95roXo8XIX_g_U52nyCT6VhrQCKPsa-Kas-nIPZntIwFdyy6f0tvaqgowSmR1F34dpTltDEnpn_LhNZaERZHpBubx4AnxFzBlTrkf-XKhUoMSpCdB4UGqkQPnaxDmF5Lqa/s320/Nepal+May+2012+262.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The mother and daughter above were my favorite of all. We met them on our trek in the countryside. They were so joyful and happy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4dMD0RdGXKiSIJSvBbwZrP9huCOnDmHNQhKFE3LnZdcxUH0Y0eQ_ARWheLM4TB6LwOsRkOJQLD2OBZkchnUSV9KFHGSG71_sVUE7B-fEWIgEk6hB4CUoZkKe2pecmtlqbU9wBBvlwjEZ/s1600/Nepal+May+2012+268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4dMD0RdGXKiSIJSvBbwZrP9huCOnDmHNQhKFE3LnZdcxUH0Y0eQ_ARWheLM4TB6LwOsRkOJQLD2OBZkchnUSV9KFHGSG71_sVUE7B-fEWIgEk6hB4CUoZkKe2pecmtlqbU9wBBvlwjEZ/s320/Nepal+May+2012+268.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqazLKNk7KHAiRV3xj9x1esiBnnpgoFo1WkrWEed5GlDiHnAj0XruAC6mTT4t7EezuSc6ZvS8BBYbasnwz0zi8S4tKEs2Z7hoTPK5wLMiBAxFCGhg57o2SradnzZnhReJpfFXTf6RrBkA/s1600/Nepal+May+2012+269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqazLKNk7KHAiRV3xj9x1esiBnnpgoFo1WkrWEed5GlDiHnAj0XruAC6mTT4t7EezuSc6ZvS8BBYbasnwz0zi8S4tKEs2Z7hoTPK5wLMiBAxFCGhg57o2SradnzZnhReJpfFXTf6RrBkA/s320/Nepal+May+2012+269.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5CDd3ltIIv9MBnobROkb9h29s5Hmrho-MxoStmgNaNJuulQiffM-zVLRlkrjJXHPhD5Jm9Vizkki3u0ccnsxx1pKxX2du46h-c2CReQkSSBAhHek3AGb5FN1-WQsPMotPYTA1WLSPR67j/s1600/Nepal+May+2012+334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5CDd3ltIIv9MBnobROkb9h29s5Hmrho-MxoStmgNaNJuulQiffM-zVLRlkrjJXHPhD5Jm9Vizkki3u0ccnsxx1pKxX2du46h-c2CReQkSSBAhHek3AGb5FN1-WQsPMotPYTA1WLSPR67j/s320/Nepal+May+2012+334.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535738355647692756.post-49327391547561995592012-05-15T08:52:00.001-05:002012-05-15T08:52:33.813-05:00Nepal in Photos Part I - Everest Flight<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The alarm went off at 5 am, left hotel 530, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
arrived airport 600, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
on the little tiny plane by 630.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thanks to <a href="http://www.buddhaair.com/everest/">Buddha Air for the amazing Everest flight</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
An experience of a lifetime.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNlADTPpO_rHv8RYwCFGVW9AhoMpVQbpyP_HxDvUjVsTtPeLrGUrcR0oYCpZi-fJH3damLnrYz8O6ZC98GwiebBPGXNbP79dBjjsTr1v3h6agquhOc5TCO25_1K-DXc8RPBUnIUMO_3ab-/s1600/Nepal+May+2012+292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNlADTPpO_rHv8RYwCFGVW9AhoMpVQbpyP_HxDvUjVsTtPeLrGUrcR0oYCpZi-fJH3damLnrYz8O6ZC98GwiebBPGXNbP79dBjjsTr1v3h6agquhOc5TCO25_1K-DXc8RPBUnIUMO_3ab-/s320/Nepal+May+2012+292.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFpqeH3jhdpiHntBcOiRBrVucHOsIiEIEPsZ5UOfajnB4m2kW8ncWmWPaXJAavpNO61xPshxYEdHy-AlsW78q65QbIHjfeDA1X4poVqonxnz4iK8QNfRwmBQZCUoJpvzJ6nDKOtMHzu1c/s1600/Nepal+May+2012+286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFpqeH3jhdpiHntBcOiRBrVucHOsIiEIEPsZ5UOfajnB4m2kW8ncWmWPaXJAavpNO61xPshxYEdHy-AlsW78q65QbIHjfeDA1X4poVqonxnz4iK8QNfRwmBQZCUoJpvzJ6nDKOtMHzu1c/s320/Nepal+May+2012+286.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIGNHBZs3t9ksn5MtML02x-x3q8m9R825u2fIW7BE5OF7W9OXipGrgckk9oj9nmZ2FOmOcsx5DJiNnSZr-gSUzOlAJT9vyXCBL_LH_drK4tpVhlj62M5vD2Hx8skteqkbonjsjc3_Up75/s1600/Nepal+May+2012+287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIGNHBZs3t9ksn5MtML02x-x3q8m9R825u2fIW7BE5OF7W9OXipGrgckk9oj9nmZ2FOmOcsx5DJiNnSZr-gSUzOlAJT9vyXCBL_LH_drK4tpVhlj62M5vD2Hx8skteqkbonjsjc3_Up75/s320/Nepal+May+2012+287.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEistPQIGv9wiKz17VmEJC7QsrHyTY3DB4-R7-qJgRjn1LEP1qSFhMZzesCRJNG6PDzz6xsaIS44Mw6s0TOG8svIcmD-2zdHIlQZ9HyzXC4lHnHHdDPwd0Xxipc7iZu1PgV0ssFa_mglJdmV/s1600/Nepal+May+2012+042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEistPQIGv9wiKz17VmEJC7QsrHyTY3DB4-R7-qJgRjn1LEP1qSFhMZzesCRJNG6PDzz6xsaIS44Mw6s0TOG8svIcmD-2zdHIlQZ9HyzXC4lHnHHdDPwd0Xxipc7iZu1PgV0ssFa_mglJdmV/s320/Nepal+May+2012+042.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Everest">Mount Everest</a> is the sharp peak in center. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It looks as if there is a cloud just off the peak. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That is actually continually blowing snow.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDuDCH4gEEl3KptEPe3Emtqsze2fugCXG2gmLZOR3q3fcuKABtwvISW3LEwG2KPmTrq5qu4ibhDQStlHK-nGVtv5zzJHzsnLUK5Wbv8vVZCfJWy0faWuMttUyfA8tr2MQk2HsynFXFwvoT/s1600/Nepal+May+2012+084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDuDCH4gEEl3KptEPe3Emtqsze2fugCXG2gmLZOR3q3fcuKABtwvISW3LEwG2KPmTrq5qu4ibhDQStlHK-nGVtv5zzJHzsnLUK5Wbv8vVZCfJWy0faWuMttUyfA8tr2MQk2HsynFXFwvoT/s320/Nepal+May+2012+084.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwvivoYIDj8n7xDZJjE2XVPYPF7rvSlWUvCbRqMgF8TxQr8B7Nxf1dD_G0_OjBVgRt1wrIQ4MmFUFk5nzuULa9fC__N9cpK_08WZv5iSodJwqlCqtoWNuKcgczJV5Os1c-GM5GYqqQ_dx5/s1600/Nepal+May+2012+163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwvivoYIDj8n7xDZJjE2XVPYPF7rvSlWUvCbRqMgF8TxQr8B7Nxf1dD_G0_OjBVgRt1wrIQ4MmFUFk5nzuULa9fC__N9cpK_08WZv5iSodJwqlCqtoWNuKcgczJV5Os1c-GM5GYqqQ_dx5/s320/Nepal+May+2012+163.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMoAU7SZfw_YK5zkLHvj72xacAXuL2BZK1UyvKvZ2jbV4IOMoeHdPcJCbGDuo5uBAzdhBq7hRwUkIm_L3jUpJ0fga_z8x7CYffDeUmZd9Ds1_HMSzZ9kxmuYGsLpu3tjVB8kggYXzCloe8/s1600/Nepal+May+2012+164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMoAU7SZfw_YK5zkLHvj72xacAXuL2BZK1UyvKvZ2jbV4IOMoeHdPcJCbGDuo5uBAzdhBq7hRwUkIm_L3jUpJ0fga_z8x7CYffDeUmZd9Ds1_HMSzZ9kxmuYGsLpu3tjVB8kggYXzCloe8/s320/Nepal+May+2012+164.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdiwGd98nZ1utT8JCAhbYT9GRFREU0R_VJXy_bUXjgQhXMF8iCeXfpfYthKQhBedkTkIXX1N_AkZSrAZrATmnGyhPjzNbHvEQi7rU6j_4KkZMi3IoOGlU7abAFDa0ucQPwJpQ1p_KBZDi/s1600/Nepal+May+2012+201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdiwGd98nZ1utT8JCAhbYT9GRFREU0R_VJXy_bUXjgQhXMF8iCeXfpfYthKQhBedkTkIXX1N_AkZSrAZrATmnGyhPjzNbHvEQi7rU6j_4KkZMi3IoOGlU7abAFDa0ucQPwJpQ1p_KBZDi/s320/Nepal+May+2012+201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5kAz-iNsJHGLZio5-7yihUsdRbbno45s24xcEY7PGRKt-V70DKv3L5PccRfeU2VdPdE7x8b-L4aMCLK7KpdX2r_6463veL_sGPl-H6TO421mbmAbq4Sd-VKbBAmOmOde7Q_DPvGpQxQ9/s1600/Nepal+May+2012+178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5kAz-iNsJHGLZio5-7yihUsdRbbno45s24xcEY7PGRKt-V70DKv3L5PccRfeU2VdPdE7x8b-L4aMCLK7KpdX2r_6463veL_sGPl-H6TO421mbmAbq4Sd-VKbBAmOmOde7Q_DPvGpQxQ9/s320/Nepal+May+2012+178.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We did it!! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://m.ak.fbcdn.net/a6.sphotos.ak/hphotos-ak-ash3/p480x480/535151_10150954489364365_694104364_11928250_564904700_n.jpg" />
</div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535738355647692756.post-71722989131561354002012-03-12T04:31:00.005-05:002012-03-12T05:58:24.244-05:00Sunrise from Tiger Hill<div style="text-align: center;font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Sunday morning we woke very, very early and drove up, up, up to the top of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger_Hill,_Darjeeling">Tiger Hill</a> in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darjeeling">Darjeeling</a> to see the sunrise over <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kangchenjunga">Kangchenjunga</a> in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Himalayas">Himalayan </a>range. It is the third highest mountain in the world. I guess that makes up for the 400 am wake up call. As much as I don't like early mornings, it was 100% worth it! The three previous days had been somewhat overcast. Sunday morning was clear with a beautiful full moon.</div><div style="text-align: center;font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19Z2GO6Y6A98-DMtICBmwT5WMoTnD0zjZYLRFosZRJj7fiG5YPXDZr7Ie_paXQcjkccmZW-DyviU2SDSq8eXf-qjWEzQfzbfosniG445_zlnJIgav7cfzk8p0yaOAukOEqSFlKRWbvkD7/s320/darjeeling+152.jpg" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">The girls wrapped up and waited inside the observation tower until the sun started to peek over the range.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI95LIb7KP2x183DAfPry5bakHDWnzds9xtyIEqzNjpUQfu1oXDRPraZaYxdnE6CRUzVZRx5VDRb94R-i9ho8RuDMAHni549RlE-BjUsNHI06vPwZgDOI4OS-fl_iitfuP5L9-96V2herY/s320/darjeeling+151.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; ">Rachel and her friend blended right in with their Nepali hats and cookies for breakfast.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6OR9Z88WeajS9hw1nNJ6MAyiXZDQCtY9Crum3OHDNnGaLLra5nTx81rofq4UnIuyimHFLkDodp4GK1lZ3OtJd_Kzay-JjxI5LjEOcQcgcQTfaq-nUHfcuxPyUAUHeqB7anFetcqNYZtz/s320/darjeeling+164.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; ">The sun comes up opposite from Kangchenjunga and lights up the area.</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiegcguDqTUtE50wjlPy4bkE5U1APLD5zZrUNWeZedMBRt-Ey086e_POdqAG-NJKl3M6g2ZcVPbq5i4kuCNqrZ8wuxHJ-GEoZpBT_UVvd49z9cWRIhVQJmTo4GuyEpAUqerkgseOXWJAmHp/s320/darjeeling+159.jpg" /> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; ">As the sun rises, the color of Kangchenjunga changes ever so slowly from blue.....</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcaNjfZH1QhUzuEat7A-vfliAo95aZNorvsfJcOmVX5yhLAoEqHhcyjkk1Ed4AbGsqhmCSlV7KOLiAOX4eaQiRCt1aRum9hNbeL3qSb_nbPFhINs5J7pevKbrie4m1wVIXQS6zE5HRkha/s1600/darjeeling+150.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcaNjfZH1QhUzuEat7A-vfliAo95aZNorvsfJcOmVX5yhLAoEqHhcyjkk1Ed4AbGsqhmCSlV7KOLiAOX4eaQiRCt1aRum9hNbeL3qSb_nbPFhINs5J7pevKbrie4m1wVIXQS6zE5HRkha/s320/darjeeling+150.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718945463977499074" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left; ">....to pink....</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLfRI25cGrVGvHvdUo5uX-Tr80LeO3vMx4PVU-4HvmG-oyMPNjc71xAtAaJ18OkMSPeCk2XYUSuQSaciRdsM30SFSuGsF4GnAu3OpXVflIju6LtoXfiZ67-HHBz22QzObgz75Nqiv5qBrV/s1600/darjeeling+157.jpg" style="text-align: left; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLfRI25cGrVGvHvdUo5uX-Tr80LeO3vMx4PVU-4HvmG-oyMPNjc71xAtAaJ18OkMSPeCk2XYUSuQSaciRdsM30SFSuGsF4GnAu3OpXVflIju6LtoXfiZ67-HHBz22QzObgz75Nqiv5qBrV/s320/darjeeling+157.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718943495380570370" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">....then, the sun pops up opposite the range and.....</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSAJ1wbRQ-IVP31-O9tbJ8-BFURqPC9wHJ6nMAr8ui8mKWo7-J-2D_Ic2dhrI3IytiguXdgSXg5PNEtjTDuayygeAxF6mgK6rzGyS_rzmITeg2RkRAheylbzE9lqDNqxQm0fipHxRPUUU/s1600/darjeeling+162.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSAJ1wbRQ-IVP31-O9tbJ8-BFURqPC9wHJ6nMAr8ui8mKWo7-J-2D_Ic2dhrI3IytiguXdgSXg5PNEtjTDuayygeAxF6mgK6rzGyS_rzmITeg2RkRAheylbzE9lqDNqxQm0fipHxRPUUU/s320/darjeeling+162.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718943484538705282" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">....the snow white of the mountain shines.....</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIG4q997G7VulwE9ndXwWLDvBtgA-EZry491qdkZbab976AshWYWdrXC9aBkHZ8gc_dgtYE7aeP7vlgBTuIbK4FFHH6avJ6RvZUJL9RhzYBiN1Q761yCUPGRwpdVnVOfPe8PZvlTJ4dQJw/s1600/darjeeling+170.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIG4q997G7VulwE9ndXwWLDvBtgA-EZry491qdkZbab976AshWYWdrXC9aBkHZ8gc_dgtYE7aeP7vlgBTuIbK4FFHH6avJ6RvZUJL9RhzYBiN1Q761yCUPGRwpdVnVOfPe8PZvlTJ4dQJw/s320/darjeeling+170.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718943469448753170" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535738355647692756.post-12401296556150706562012-03-02T01:42:00.010-06:002012-03-02T02:26:51.307-06:00Pottery Village Tour<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center; ">Recently, some friends and I had the amazing opportunity to tour a <a href="http://www.indomaniatours.com/pottery.html">pottery village</a> just outside of Delhi thanks to <a href="http://www.indomaniatours.com/">Indomania Tours</a>. The village is comprised of potter families originally from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajasthan">Rajasthan </a>who have relocated and reside permanently on the outskirts of Delhi. There are over 700 families in the village all with a potter's wheel and kiln in their home. There are multiple generations making pots for local use and export, from daily water jugs to decorative pieces. The village tour is run through <a href="http://www.indomaniatours.com/pottery.html">South Asia Foundation</a>, a non-profit with emphasis on the craft sector. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4u4uAK1nObw_rBdqv4oRdxD8gkOUPtChyKpzeschAjRme74rSEEHy0duKNgfmqzX-j-IpMkgZlEyLMlFxmLBKgfxxwN7ZJwGR1SIbEn3zjEMAbXYUc42T3qyXzbmaxTqbcw3AYoBdn3Ji/s1600/pottery+tour+002.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4u4uAK1nObw_rBdqv4oRdxD8gkOUPtChyKpzeschAjRme74rSEEHy0duKNgfmqzX-j-IpMkgZlEyLMlFxmLBKgfxxwN7ZJwGR1SIbEn3zjEMAbXYUc42T3qyXzbmaxTqbcw3AYoBdn3Ji/s320/pottery+tour+002.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715208528445334818" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span >The people of the village were so warm and welcoming. Many came out to meet us as the van pulled up. Most loved having their photos taken and being able to see the photo after. I was really wishing for one of the old <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Instant_camera">Polaroid Instamatic</a> cameras. It would have been so great to give the people prints right on the spot. We were as much of an interest to the children as they were to us. Many of them followed us off and on throughout the the three hours we were in the village. Most of the pictures speak for themselves....</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguyvMOqQPWKERakUHKLjHP_kwV9rY3MdwSbM6SQqibGaQ7vfq7bzvKGHYBgQgXxS1IEyXkwmcdAbW2-uUW8es0oFi0vKyhpBDxt-BTNoDoM2yh23066Ja1DjaY1y_jBSsqlqZ3L3_QjfO_/s1600/pottery+tour+006.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguyvMOqQPWKERakUHKLjHP_kwV9rY3MdwSbM6SQqibGaQ7vfq7bzvKGHYBgQgXxS1IEyXkwmcdAbW2-uUW8es0oFi0vKyhpBDxt-BTNoDoM2yh23066Ja1DjaY1y_jBSsqlqZ3L3_QjfO_/s320/pottery+tour+006.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715208524202725938" /></a><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVflTY6j0dRP_uXt8IXteA4O12KRTSR7_BBMbQLX46zibQyeNOVqG9JvO0hh497TS7GpEPjH3l1FLn8Wn7W5WXwhl0MtD-tHfCLyE2TtNI1H50T9OyIei7sCEvRSmpWp_JZ8Aygz2kau7v/s1600/pottery+tour+011.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVflTY6j0dRP_uXt8IXteA4O12KRTSR7_BBMbQLX46zibQyeNOVqG9JvO0hh497TS7GpEPjH3l1FLn8Wn7W5WXwhl0MtD-tHfCLyE2TtNI1H50T9OyIei7sCEvRSmpWp_JZ8Aygz2kau7v/s320/pottery+tour+011.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715208516346664002" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTeiINFZI_cyQvgIlrnBa5yN7g2FETuxAuzvsUc338VwzfcnMUnSnnKl-Vhunf1JnwJqkZpsFF4uGs4JZbCzSivETvFyOPL12GlZOh25Y9XoXgDJCv2igAVvSXStU5mIZIhBiAgOTmO7SG/s1600/pottery+tour+013.jpg" style="text-align: left; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTeiINFZI_cyQvgIlrnBa5yN7g2FETuxAuzvsUc338VwzfcnMUnSnnKl-Vhunf1JnwJqkZpsFF4uGs4JZbCzSivETvFyOPL12GlZOh25Y9XoXgDJCv2igAVvSXStU5mIZIhBiAgOTmO7SG/s320/pottery+tour+013.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715208510253328418" /></a></div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZ_C3A8rMbWEwC-mAguOOScJMLS-D5SdLwQPizORLBHBS9nY0E6-ncjKQGbX8kY1hffla9ZRRAeWzQDWq4sGsyfGEFaoX_rXPrlXkMj0OaKQ3cimuU7GFajv-9D4UaVHbvRK2gsToVYVH/s320/pottery+tour+019.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715208509246663202" /></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6T0IJitmw3hcVM2lmtAmY9v0Veygcopxa57nTph4GQGkx4AjGo4LsZ3degAumTTcOhQka4hHmB9qA-rfskKL4zYAuSicFrNpf4qXtNquapW-5JZVF-SNK5mtenXUV57iIUhgkKyZjnDD_/s1600/pottery+tour+021.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6T0IJitmw3hcVM2lmtAmY9v0Veygcopxa57nTph4GQGkx4AjGo4LsZ3degAumTTcOhQka4hHmB9qA-rfskKL4zYAuSicFrNpf4qXtNquapW-5JZVF-SNK5mtenXUV57iIUhgkKyZjnDD_/s320/pottery+tour+021.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715207735634387154" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNA9TgNVfstjKEhxdu1SUfL5oE0lgiAtFxNjPTb2MRKRcUnSeRbyQJNuhF1eVwwbETA4qHCxOlNiVkUTH-3-g0hgzkfG8-16EOIHyEYyC1BzJclNXDFeqPHodTTYvHGLrZUNsDM95-0rKN/s1600/pottery+tour+025.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNA9TgNVfstjKEhxdu1SUfL5oE0lgiAtFxNjPTb2MRKRcUnSeRbyQJNuhF1eVwwbETA4qHCxOlNiVkUTH-3-g0hgzkfG8-16EOIHyEYyC1BzJclNXDFeqPHodTTYvHGLrZUNsDM95-0rKN/s320/pottery+tour+025.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715207728485359586" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAOfynzbUg_ehq6SIzWMqQuJejh0jrs-MVFNkkA6kPmK2JWpmBoxkja4i_ePDLbDr8jUCXqH9kJe3eCKhlctwqwUa5pj4_lnROS_SsuRRbSacc8qFW0lj0qm2H50mzg_QMNhK50VIhOE_x/s1600/pottery+tour+031.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAOfynzbUg_ehq6SIzWMqQuJejh0jrs-MVFNkkA6kPmK2JWpmBoxkja4i_ePDLbDr8jUCXqH9kJe3eCKhlctwqwUa5pj4_lnROS_SsuRRbSacc8qFW0lj0qm2H50mzg_QMNhK50VIhOE_x/s320/pottery+tour+031.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715207719324186242" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-L7QoLkkbextgyh8iYRa_rSF0_xn_nxEh4MaRN1OEO2TRSvPJNndseuD5AsJPRidinkBUOk45TPg7-jdO6fS5i2MlLnQVKLQyr3eTTpWagVJ84GkX-diI4apoEus15b_IWPQDcSe42K0/s1600/pottery+tour+032.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-L7QoLkkbextgyh8iYRa_rSF0_xn_nxEh4MaRN1OEO2TRSvPJNndseuD5AsJPRidinkBUOk45TPg7-jdO6fS5i2MlLnQVKLQyr3eTTpWagVJ84GkX-diI4apoEus15b_IWPQDcSe42K0/s320/pottery+tour+032.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715207714899588466" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yhDBkJv0TrAKKpREeNCMY7vF-g-UiKsAcsVi4Tl1V6KNq9PSc76U-Wb7Y-onZv2WOW1miDJZzSxqZItnx7RSJgtFRa_6321duomw1UF6kcN1E0idZ60peb-G2BWymo9UmniyHnD0tjCe/s1600/pottery+tour+036.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yhDBkJv0TrAKKpREeNCMY7vF-g-UiKsAcsVi4Tl1V6KNq9PSc76U-Wb7Y-onZv2WOW1miDJZzSxqZItnx7RSJgtFRa_6321duomw1UF6kcN1E0idZ60peb-G2BWymo9UmniyHnD0tjCe/s320/pottery+tour+036.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715207041077600386" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvGh1St84WRRK-JObd1gN9G4zlnmrSox2DbVWt_yMBRJ1jdKfL7vk1MFH54BHiu7RtkInkwVKvnip20avpaVt8mSHbp4BPlnHko-P1eiX44KWMJkaVPNPT5uC7k4ehNjIYayvSk8P-mHy/s1600/pottery+tour+037.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvGh1St84WRRK-JObd1gN9G4zlnmrSox2DbVWt_yMBRJ1jdKfL7vk1MFH54BHiu7RtkInkwVKvnip20avpaVt8mSHbp4BPlnHko-P1eiX44KWMJkaVPNPT5uC7k4ehNjIYayvSk8P-mHy/s320/pottery+tour+037.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715207036269216386" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Even pots drying on the floor of the home.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3fxF_akF4fBV8Aws11CWUAQlWaEGk6YOuH4RJpgn6A156om5GRDhBA-5FArHWJKTAaYc-sGAGjvE95-QQ3Nopa8jLf-Fs5-g__5mnC9Nn0DNbMTHpnMxg_1wtsr-N4p4uMM5ccRRQ5-j/s1600/pottery+tour+038.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3fxF_akF4fBV8Aws11CWUAQlWaEGk6YOuH4RJpgn6A156om5GRDhBA-5FArHWJKTAaYc-sGAGjvE95-QQ3Nopa8jLf-Fs5-g__5mnC9Nn0DNbMTHpnMxg_1wtsr-N4p4uMM5ccRRQ5-j/s320/pottery+tour+038.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715207029727222642" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Preparing the clay for the wheel. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDK1bnbLJoQSDXLKOrHg4kIJSwFBGqH_xmZwAUVJA41Sw1FvgG925hEOqzgeYsrIcD4AFqpkClVLyjve7motiuaSLhJ1f5Ptp-Y1USpWPCMBFRgetzp3hH1qMAYYTjHS3TDtZWfaDMPkMD/s1600/pottery+tour+040.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDK1bnbLJoQSDXLKOrHg4kIJSwFBGqH_xmZwAUVJA41Sw1FvgG925hEOqzgeYsrIcD4AFqpkClVLyjve7motiuaSLhJ1f5Ptp-Y1USpWPCMBFRgetzp3hH1qMAYYTjHS3TDtZWfaDMPkMD/s320/pottery+tour+040.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715207027706273282" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh39MSd7t0w4z5I08CWRY-JdiMVj8vjM6xpFfas7XNaOaWijaJGqKg-hDWCvYQuWNX932IyikTihidtF9UYnjHCF0ujFAxw_oHjfp0y_w-fUHJKpUIP77jPEbweWAMn7k3Zjwyf2Df4uH8X/s1600/pottery+tour+041.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh39MSd7t0w4z5I08CWRY-JdiMVj8vjM6xpFfas7XNaOaWijaJGqKg-hDWCvYQuWNX932IyikTihidtF9UYnjHCF0ujFAxw_oHjfp0y_w-fUHJKpUIP77jPEbweWAMn7k3Zjwyf2Df4uH8X/s320/pottery+tour+041.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715207015468808754" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This kiln had been fired the night before and was still very warm. This is from the second floor looking down into the kiln to give an idea of size. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglaPo-VirSGo3Nd7jYI2Bbi3oiIRrjOEA2CSHghCPEyea2uJqO73q8BIDAQYAsGV0WgBd5kw_BQ9z1DS1SEpi5C9ZDo7L_Voraz028GSDIYzpIuqvf0lWdV0uXn9KFzr1l4RzVzLZLEUvd/s1600/pottery+tour+043.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglaPo-VirSGo3Nd7jYI2Bbi3oiIRrjOEA2CSHghCPEyea2uJqO73q8BIDAQYAsGV0WgBd5kw_BQ9z1DS1SEpi5C9ZDo7L_Voraz028GSDIYzpIuqvf0lWdV0uXn9KFzr1l4RzVzLZLEUvd/s320/pottery+tour+043.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715206357887420658" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpkvRETJNumr0UC5Oc90pjxWoy-4qEsK0RhvUNQyHVHFsvJzQkiMPTV78nBPw4W2qdahOK0smEkXESG-sHeiacwF_Q9VIu_45XamMDNR3nuWFgoxdl8LyK4-25Ui9kpz8Ih0e-WzRMRSg9/s1600/pottery+tour+045.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpkvRETJNumr0UC5Oc90pjxWoy-4qEsK0RhvUNQyHVHFsvJzQkiMPTV78nBPw4W2qdahOK0smEkXESG-sHeiacwF_Q9VIu_45XamMDNR3nuWFgoxdl8LyK4-25Ui9kpz8Ih0e-WzRMRSg9/s320/pottery+tour+045.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715206351334016130" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">These women were whistling from a neighboring rooftop and making the motions of taking a picture. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhblY4zbOVvDwcdh2ukZHUwZ4HN4cE1QScLpMXk8ugmJF2VMnSW-nQA0biLusQ_wXiemADKaaJbJPOAzGI6czpQbbvfJ3-lyzRbHzVAYjxytX1KyD1lctgWvgBpTPmZR5g4aqFb7EOtlmhQ/s1600/pottery+tour+048.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhblY4zbOVvDwcdh2ukZHUwZ4HN4cE1QScLpMXk8ugmJF2VMnSW-nQA0biLusQ_wXiemADKaaJbJPOAzGI6czpQbbvfJ3-lyzRbHzVAYjxytX1KyD1lctgWvgBpTPmZR5g4aqFb7EOtlmhQ/s320/pottery+tour+048.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715206344761012626" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The family water jug.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaxXSrIrb5CyJvGP9YdKN_r8mI-AsSsmYF7ZF4YlE3VvS6SH-cicBLkxJcaZ6Fu6cB0gVZLT3EMR_lK1VxD05M1MEDIF5ge9ZaGS9FIcHwDbbKbSO_NET6lGXE_SsaVnSj2dUZlTisxQ5f/s1600/pottery+tour+052.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaxXSrIrb5CyJvGP9YdKN_r8mI-AsSsmYF7ZF4YlE3VvS6SH-cicBLkxJcaZ6Fu6cB0gVZLT3EMR_lK1VxD05M1MEDIF5ge9ZaGS9FIcHwDbbKbSO_NET6lGXE_SsaVnSj2dUZlTisxQ5f/s320/pottery+tour+052.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715206339157742770" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPCP6JMG41BntK_BMgAHbBk2FGloN4jb6FM8jy10UpriUPG5G_k19qQyMj46pvwU3PBKT8ZQTVhwnaO6c3u7gYKm4VNOmfLahSe5xvZnOSClyJMJtsv_hTVz6ZW52vn8jWsBFE999N7wv/s1600/pottery+tour+049.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPCP6JMG41BntK_BMgAHbBk2FGloN4jb6FM8jy10UpriUPG5G_k19qQyMj46pvwU3PBKT8ZQTVhwnaO6c3u7gYKm4VNOmfLahSe5xvZnOSClyJMJtsv_hTVz6ZW52vn8jWsBFE999N7wv/s320/pottery+tour+049.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715206336723558018" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRN1iu2vHwEdvFKgb_PVboDvRgFxDxOchno8j8f5EvrwmdILDesRoLGavMmYJOVdqzpJOa5EztoAIZKJcQ3KpN8DV5VAOkBXb2jUJHxVh66TPel6b-FeQUBaGq6lhKswfiPkua2Dj444Qt/s1600/pottery+tour+051.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRN1iu2vHwEdvFKgb_PVboDvRgFxDxOchno8j8f5EvrwmdILDesRoLGavMmYJOVdqzpJOa5EztoAIZKJcQ3KpN8DV5VAOkBXb2jUJHxVh66TPel6b-FeQUBaGq6lhKswfiPkua2Dj444Qt/s320/pottery+tour+051.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715205394967942130" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZg4iVmeXk_DN6LnXcb1uWghkknpvnZH0xSkDGe3WfKDlr4jTfodYxfaxFBZU0NZ_IPX9Uh-Z1fD5dfbZohyphenhyphenzMHHcgqtY3etVjva4F4OhXJ-81MCM1LlJjfodpPhJPti3kxfzjbRoWS3V/s1600/pottery+tour+054.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZg4iVmeXk_DN6LnXcb1uWghkknpvnZH0xSkDGe3WfKDlr4jTfodYxfaxFBZU0NZ_IPX9Uh-Z1fD5dfbZohyphenhyphenzMHHcgqtY3etVjva4F4OhXJ-81MCM1LlJjfodpPhJPti3kxfzjbRoWS3V/s320/pottery+tour+054.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715205388352640274" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3WRfON_fUMzjbbiDt25DybVMKH0ghCk1DStWzQ8illVESs0-_p4CUp_rqI_KcgJc-pV2qHXRPI3aQLV2KQl1CeQ5WlmK8HIA9m3lIUHBB8zcWBfG3QROq7jwe6gy66TH3otHfCwCW315z/s1600/pottery+tour+057.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3WRfON_fUMzjbbiDt25DybVMKH0ghCk1DStWzQ8illVESs0-_p4CUp_rqI_KcgJc-pV2qHXRPI3aQLV2KQl1CeQ5WlmK8HIA9m3lIUHBB8zcWBfG3QROq7jwe6gy66TH3otHfCwCW315z/s320/pottery+tour+057.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715205366801835394" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4hnjNdYeX9drNEHp1BuJOHoyga6mEqNkKBxnxSASJVDgdZxxDqq7Y5UOV-rlirlma6xiU0Mzh2w38HshZy1kqodpaPgUg-NZVX1ej2Vsa6m2CnAQV5qiTbci5VunOkgzo0O7tuLoav2P/s1600/pottery+tour+058.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4hnjNdYeX9drNEHp1BuJOHoyga6mEqNkKBxnxSASJVDgdZxxDqq7Y5UOV-rlirlma6xiU0Mzh2w38HshZy1kqodpaPgUg-NZVX1ej2Vsa6m2CnAQV5qiTbci5VunOkgzo0O7tuLoav2P/s320/pottery+tour+058.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715205365985138546" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Extra pots used for insulation and walls of the home.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3_LIEYRvxNY4al82-kxXEql6Y9zoFUwYzTAaJsBFSDAOUw2_6qgOid94xk3HO_VwxxFD9rqZ47gr9Blbd5DPpPShE7a5cbJo1jR9y3SwIbYzPpde237O8KJqF5_CIkZfIJ9kxArvIBKJ/s1600/pottery+tour+066.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3_LIEYRvxNY4al82-kxXEql6Y9zoFUwYzTAaJsBFSDAOUw2_6qgOid94xk3HO_VwxxFD9rqZ47gr9Blbd5DPpPShE7a5cbJo1jR9y3SwIbYzPpde237O8KJqF5_CIkZfIJ9kxArvIBKJ/s320/pottery+tour+066.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715205360986232882" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVolZ3u5aWqsojnGgxNGDOAGxWBglDpTJKeoTrKLYUM3lrxe5pwrVIfTQERe8ICwu4eHIduxjU9KmY0QgqDxXcc8lKsfmoF4t2SOlZy8RP-0_FBWaBJlNLwU2Ig6MC45Qec3M-4I8jLHX/s1600/pottery+tour+062.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVolZ3u5aWqsojnGgxNGDOAGxWBglDpTJKeoTrKLYUM3lrxe5pwrVIfTQERe8ICwu4eHIduxjU9KmY0QgqDxXcc8lKsfmoF4t2SOlZy8RP-0_FBWaBJlNLwU2Ig6MC45Qec3M-4I8jLHX/s320/pottery+tour+062.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715204600922429058" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAj0eGMEHUV5PwB4f1KGnBuu4BPtq0I5_pRCeMOoAAhf1gea2sD0syIV1X4rbTVH_WWeuTyNwoLv9RgdYnBr8-BC_4yuuwD2RbX9w_RjIrd5mcqHoX7oDY_-shdapcPzo53G5w2GaK2YI3/s1600/pottery+tour+065.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAj0eGMEHUV5PwB4f1KGnBuu4BPtq0I5_pRCeMOoAAhf1gea2sD0syIV1X4rbTVH_WWeuTyNwoLv9RgdYnBr8-BC_4yuuwD2RbX9w_RjIrd5mcqHoX7oDY_-shdapcPzo53G5w2GaK2YI3/s320/pottery+tour+065.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715204590201302354" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMMiFt6p4LCrXXvvL5hkhAxKW-_rg1IDIHAqGLlMCZLfnOOVRSmpFP5AMKMstCbGbxEsUhghklRW3vtn3-zbG6hLf6KC3m4JAw9mRVv_yh0o1gccEvDBqLISi5dQswtslXTL1edB27G3E/s1600/pottery+tour+068.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMMiFt6p4LCrXXvvL5hkhAxKW-_rg1IDIHAqGLlMCZLfnOOVRSmpFP5AMKMstCbGbxEsUhghklRW3vtn3-zbG6hLf6KC3m4JAw9mRVv_yh0o1gccEvDBqLISi5dQswtslXTL1edB27G3E/s320/pottery+tour+068.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715204586699121986" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLQNPrd08bgPTfXtgcbzPur23p-IJz8N1uKy8VPhi8sqvE5qPoKcWE8X5v6W_xPowqFUEu4TZU67qeobXSLlx4fCW1r6Awo8oWEDonEJk5zV04VCd34GgjRYN93f_P-cPNVeLeYUxoK-u/s1600/pottery+tour+071.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLQNPrd08bgPTfXtgcbzPur23p-IJz8N1uKy8VPhi8sqvE5qPoKcWE8X5v6W_xPowqFUEu4TZU67qeobXSLlx4fCW1r6Awo8oWEDonEJk5zV04VCd34GgjRYN93f_P-cPNVeLeYUxoK-u/s320/pottery+tour+071.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715204581179875234" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Breaking up the clay into pieces fine enough for pots.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-mJmB7DG28LqD7Kyl45FUKJHVkMHTZVkaThhZnqrKtWBvyv3NLNhxI5dTNEsnj6OP70smQ852e9azWfgLehlxFPXG9i6kS3tnn1_CCrNKsmlvEBpQvyBRdyp14y4MCjeJJdg1_3JcjELM/s1600/pottery+tour+072.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-mJmB7DG28LqD7Kyl45FUKJHVkMHTZVkaThhZnqrKtWBvyv3NLNhxI5dTNEsnj6OP70smQ852e9azWfgLehlxFPXG9i6kS3tnn1_CCrNKsmlvEBpQvyBRdyp14y4MCjeJJdg1_3JcjELM/s320/pottery+tour+072.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715204577436243330" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ3wk03FLNvp424a4OqruqiK8N95NCdXeUcoWWwtTj6ajf5LiDiHTB7EkLX0Pl_Xi0Tb3BaoLqOnbdS1EsRYjgSetAf_Vl1POLUSU76XauMcyCDqXZLF03dDSIbqSY-8bb3T_RpaLJrsTL/s1600/pottery+tour+075.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ3wk03FLNvp424a4OqruqiK8N95NCdXeUcoWWwtTj6ajf5LiDiHTB7EkLX0Pl_Xi0Tb3BaoLqOnbdS1EsRYjgSetAf_Vl1POLUSU76XauMcyCDqXZLF03dDSIbqSY-8bb3T_RpaLJrsTL/s320/pottery+tour+075.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715203628179827218" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This kiln is being loaded for firing later in the afternoon.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5EwP9F46zucGYi9eIg1wOyXZzep0o-w8zavpSF4DykQNA9MaFIpc0QOIBRjJhWxUlZvC4EwGHjr-fR3XJPZhqPXHJxY_uhZDYLkrbeOKOBZi_Q1_UNqWLf_Lze_IaC0vZlzbS-WlKVLZ/s1600/pottery+tour+076.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5EwP9F46zucGYi9eIg1wOyXZzep0o-w8zavpSF4DykQNA9MaFIpc0QOIBRjJhWxUlZvC4EwGHjr-fR3XJPZhqPXHJxY_uhZDYLkrbeOKOBZi_Q1_UNqWLf_Lze_IaC0vZlzbS-WlKVLZ/s320/pottery+tour+076.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715203622845615666" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2q20R4pnR7q-oNE0Ue8AJeCiGeGEGvTK4B9dmSY_eBjyQY9vpymPJ3g0h5-BbjjfZ4xVnA-1CrGwlP6ETHCQmAmb5PJ4F5TDkmQ_NgKTiEi4XtwrshEUNut-J122aWpj3dI4lo4nody-0/s1600/pottery+tour+077.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2q20R4pnR7q-oNE0Ue8AJeCiGeGEGvTK4B9dmSY_eBjyQY9vpymPJ3g0h5-BbjjfZ4xVnA-1CrGwlP6ETHCQmAmb5PJ4F5TDkmQ_NgKTiEi4XtwrshEUNut-J122aWpj3dI4lo4nody-0/s320/pottery+tour+077.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715203620057863506" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4ShFO77ED_ZRjUQZVBEq_6xU-1WuXpDMSjSsWN2EATMm2zwuuiq0hyJA_hBkqtu0qxugikWAhTHJyj22VGPuUNGnc5Moa0eRoFNFeWbd6FZ-kq4tlowUfHJsmBkSurZF8b7VEg178zOQ/s1600/pottery+tour+079.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4ShFO77ED_ZRjUQZVBEq_6xU-1WuXpDMSjSsWN2EATMm2zwuuiq0hyJA_hBkqtu0qxugikWAhTHJyj22VGPuUNGnc5Moa0eRoFNFeWbd6FZ-kq4tlowUfHJsmBkSurZF8b7VEg178zOQ/s320/pottery+tour+079.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715203615558546610" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-57moyHS_BbhtHmHnSFVRyfU4YRnY0uPMGe48Na3H9l5s2zxS5Z0Qua4uVpFFGkpUc1IlRaOAFykYwx4AAWGc0hGEuOIORceOVQc9pBuOObpIpoIprlSfgL6fWCt7LWIt1GaNt5ixULUT/s1600/pottery+tour+081.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-57moyHS_BbhtHmHnSFVRyfU4YRnY0uPMGe48Na3H9l5s2zxS5Z0Qua4uVpFFGkpUc1IlRaOAFykYwx4AAWGc0hGEuOIORceOVQc9pBuOObpIpoIprlSfgL6fWCt7LWIt1GaNt5ixULUT/s320/pottery+tour+081.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715203609625093938" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACUuT7uIfn7tshGmUdqADx7cHae5WIbPO6-LuFFZ1-0eYUdyODgW6uPaxzMByhUj6HH8qgbjqRUDtar5eY4h7FL3U-4l70CgV4PLw0snba6GFHm6OtW8CfPEUrbSnq1pxgCfM_M6jwbUl/s1600/pottery+tour+082.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACUuT7uIfn7tshGmUdqADx7cHae5WIbPO6-LuFFZ1-0eYUdyODgW6uPaxzMByhUj6HH8qgbjqRUDtar5eY4h7FL3U-4l70CgV4PLw0snba6GFHm6OtW8CfPEUrbSnq1pxgCfM_M6jwbUl/s320/pottery+tour+082.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715202934544460402" /></a><div style="text-align: center;font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfTlh1Eo3OCezYNTvCeDv8bVeIp8fyGY9O0JoRQgKEouWpE7FjQe_1bNf_Icn2PdZuNoUgpfv2A4PJ8pnEl33FnUyA0cVhJigxiWJs7IxkneFfHmryvm_Iegm-mIjpFsz_WzpfX4sRL3M/s1600/pottery+tour+084.jpg" style="text-align: left; font-size: 100%; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfTlh1Eo3OCezYNTvCeDv8bVeIp8fyGY9O0JoRQgKEouWpE7FjQe_1bNf_Icn2PdZuNoUgpfv2A4PJ8pnEl33FnUyA0cVhJigxiWJs7IxkneFfHmryvm_Iegm-mIjpFsz_WzpfX4sRL3M/s320/pottery+tour+084.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715202917386764354" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGi9ojiEBKg9U0u8GQxO7TDMEhsoTtHKGMs9FduBxb8POMVpSf0LPWoEd12RV_HzGZLy2Tz2k5dVP1Nh8r2LVNWd5UhHEyeAM7nilipQf3Pl7RfSx5mXN5fXBzCizt_UoaQhH3981cDkQ/s1600/pottery+tour+086.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheGi9ojiEBKg9U0u8GQxO7TDMEhsoTtHKGMs9FduBxb8POMVpSf0LPWoEd12RV_HzGZLy2Tz2k5dVP1Nh8r2LVNWd5UhHEyeAM7nilipQf3Pl7RfSx5mXN5fXBzCizt_UoaQhH3981cDkQ/s320/pottery+tour+086.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715202912400401042" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm907ZrlfjTADIISgt9eC2N2XzVs-4BysXODRK1XWR5Rdvrm1rOmjCRrXPzYwh37bWT0aj0vEQMHjPVVAfRGLg2vok_cp136GIcRNDgtRQhv2ft-MqFMtKCYwON1pOVd-srbdYSRVbjp96/s1600/pottery+tour+085.jpg" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm907ZrlfjTADIISgt9eC2N2XzVs-4BysXODRK1XWR5Rdvrm1rOmjCRrXPzYwh37bWT0aj0vEQMHjPVVAfRGLg2vok_cp136GIcRNDgtRQhv2ft-MqFMtKCYwON1pOVd-srbdYSRVbjp96/s320/pottery+tour+085.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715202901398913250" /></a><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535738355647692756.post-87172665534860923252011-11-30T08:45:00.004-06:002011-11-30T10:45:02.181-06:00Elephant ride at Amber Fort<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwXT_jvfCql0NsARrkjKHqbeHYgxBkn1MapFhltwrSfTJjVMwBdVzeg0bNVB_tu5tpbKURO6NBDI3Nbmhmmvg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;">Early morning elephant ride up to the Amber Fort in Jaipur.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Incredible, amazing, fantastic.....just a few of the adjectives my father-in-law used to describe the experience. I am so glad we were able to arrange it for him and the rest of us too. The Taj Mahal is one of the man-made wonders of the world, but for me the Amber Fort was so much cooler. </div><div style="text-align: center;">More detail on the Amber Fort soon.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535738355647692756.post-61009719977492923722011-11-28T05:27:00.004-06:002011-11-30T08:40:18.395-06:00Fatehpur Sikri<div style="text-align: center;">Once again, I am thankful to some great advice from a friend. She said, "When driving from Agra to Jaipur you MUST stop to visit Fatehpur Sikri." She must have told me this at least four times. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Why wouldn't we stop to see it?</div><div style="text-align: center;">1) It is a bumpy ride off the highway. </div><div style="text-align: center;">2) A man came out and practically jumped on our car trying to get us to take the turn off to the fort and pay him to be our guide. </div><div style="text-align: center;">3) We were all packed and seven of us had finally found comfortable positions in the van. </div><div style="text-align: center;">4) The day before our oldest had claimed she would, "see NO MORE forts." </div><div style="text-align: center;">But in my head I kept hearing my friend almost pleading and saying, "Really, it is great and so interesting and just cool." So, stop we did.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPAE-qV5iJoOTnrDrOm0cV5hGQDbjTyYAD1ilFPZ8w_mC7SKeG9ksIlGw9kCPgoGnyO1KCZ5mFn0xvcjs_u7d5RdyT3W024pvIsV50ouvX2HO_a4MVQKn8_ThJyqRlLQKYJiskx2LW3Vl/s1600/agra-jaipur+091.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPAE-qV5iJoOTnrDrOm0cV5hGQDbjTyYAD1ilFPZ8w_mC7SKeG9ksIlGw9kCPgoGnyO1KCZ5mFn0xvcjs_u7d5RdyT3W024pvIsV50ouvX2HO_a4MVQKn8_ThJyqRlLQKYJiskx2LW3Vl/s320/agra-jaipur+091.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679268103308081074" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">And yes, it is "interesting and just cool." The guide, although his means of getting our attention were annoying and somewhat dangerous, was very educated about the fort/palace and really made the visit for us. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">What is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatehpur_Sikri">Fatehpur Sikri</a>?</div><div style="text-align: center;">It was built by the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mughal_emperor">Mughal Emperor</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akbar">Akbar </a> in 1570. Akbar was an intellectual who was very interested in art and religion. He had four wives, one Hindu, one Christian, one Jain, one Muslim, and built a separate part of the complex for each wife. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03wEwPvNEuEGJ9HxjVrnmG1GizM3cIUQcR7Qlb_93nJzC6B0yjglyLPiLsgGSVG0udCReyGf3emEAeLiLdneCK_Uei1VxGu8l3UQ34Biw-AsgX9733sn8zY1ZwQ62XxBGp4E6b-cL9Rke/s1600/agra-jaipur+093.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03wEwPvNEuEGJ9HxjVrnmG1GizM3cIUQcR7Qlb_93nJzC6B0yjglyLPiLsgGSVG0udCReyGf3emEAeLiLdneCK_Uei1VxGu8l3UQ34Biw-AsgX9733sn8zY1ZwQ62XxBGp4E6b-cL9Rke/s320/agra-jaipur+093.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679268096368110178" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Today, but for the tourists, it is deserted but amazingly well preserved and a testament to the architects and builders who planned it. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTiQlXt9grB4jesW6EEA9kx3wrCdlanvoMwq1JIu6rea2AyJSh1cbSNFn1_ZDlbL848xAyy9dXo0IMZASM434FhD0Wm4-kzBEMeRxLfIeOL15alYK1KNo-tK8zUF21i9x-cOZtekI2g2vh/s1600/agra-jaipur+094.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTiQlXt9grB4jesW6EEA9kx3wrCdlanvoMwq1JIu6rea2AyJSh1cbSNFn1_ZDlbL848xAyy9dXo0IMZASM434FhD0Wm4-kzBEMeRxLfIeOL15alYK1KNo-tK8zUF21i9x-cOZtekI2g2vh/s320/agra-jaipur+094.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679266713294529394" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Walking among the red sandstone was quite a drastic difference from the day before and the bright whiteness of the Taj Mahal.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WdPs4g2X8rrCajdY0WvfhgIhvl8RygF_ilQpQBmXGq_TT-45tBJAd9kJ3tpUMZDqh_HLVBW-XVoHkPB2LZsC_UN8JigBsznebginJc3eHnl9sLdWjMJvCZsHlR2uEhnfCGUjzhQ08rJa/s1600/agra-jaipur+096.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WdPs4g2X8rrCajdY0WvfhgIhvl8RygF_ilQpQBmXGq_TT-45tBJAd9kJ3tpUMZDqh_HLVBW-XVoHkPB2LZsC_UN8JigBsznebginJc3eHnl9sLdWjMJvCZsHlR2uEhnfCGUjzhQ08rJa/s320/agra-jaipur+096.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679266704855876994" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">From Wikipedia, "Diwan-i-Khas, or Hall of Private Audience, is a plain square building with four<span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-align: left; "> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhatris">chhatris</a> on the roof. However it is famous for its central pillar, which has a square base and an octagonal shaft both carved with bands of geometric and floral designs....It is here that Akbar had representatives of different religions discuss their faiths and gave private audience." </div><div style="text-align: center;">The craftsmanship was just incredible and amazing to see.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh881Eb3aUOlCpW-_1yKNSP9rNcm75PptG4qJsJI41Yg0oG41n-mi5dJE9898LCxWRKEAH6JPKD6rk2WS5l4UgsR6eZ4Y3dRndSQgkX6Syc64k0oiuWyGPBUgM0Bta7YT3tsHMw0wwBUNKz/s1600/agra-jaipur+098.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh881Eb3aUOlCpW-_1yKNSP9rNcm75PptG4qJsJI41Yg0oG41n-mi5dJE9898LCxWRKEAH6JPKD6rk2WS5l4UgsR6eZ4Y3dRndSQgkX6Syc64k0oiuWyGPBUgM0Bta7YT3tsHMw0wwBUNKz/s320/agra-jaipur+098.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679266694954143202" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HilY7hLI907xOIB3OQ27fhhbq2i8ivBcxT1_l3KbGLMaJ044vKQXgiycx0vwBa66z17mNxEc4mgwacyb3L73r3ilxsqcK522JNoaa1G9ZwsTeaOCTOGE5hsTrkNt4Fi9WGV0724j_FwY/s1600/agra-jaipur+101.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HilY7hLI907xOIB3OQ27fhhbq2i8ivBcxT1_l3KbGLMaJ044vKQXgiycx0vwBa66z17mNxEc4mgwacyb3L73r3ilxsqcK522JNoaa1G9ZwsTeaOCTOGE5hsTrkNt4Fi9WGV0724j_FwY/s320/agra-jaipur+101.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679266693350511298" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"> From Wikipedia (yes, again) "Diwan-i-Am or Hall of Public Audience, is a building typology found in many cities where the ruler meets the general public. In this case, it is a pavilion-like multi-layered rectangular structure fronting a large open space." </div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9oddVarM70bYbWljhQAy8M2CfEITBSgSSDsLNQz4GI3Vqu3cWihrvWQtEZ3gcP0U37VfUFBowvlR7WtH0lffO6-5MIvL-hFbJrlIw6f9PV8F6NRhfa-yax1V2JeqszdkTe4K1nngJ46dK/s1600/agra-jaipur+105.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9oddVarM70bYbWljhQAy8M2CfEITBSgSSDsLNQz4GI3Vqu3cWihrvWQtEZ3gcP0U37VfUFBowvlR7WtH0lffO6-5MIvL-hFbJrlIw6f9PV8F6NRhfa-yax1V2JeqszdkTe4K1nngJ46dK/s320/agra-jaipur+105.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679266686489666034" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ99hQC01LbhZ99WTIZQqrkjbKk_Kl5D3uwW8aZarOhzavQ12Z9g1Gtqghuyy6XHmTkAL5BI6UMcczMs2oiDl7EYR66QkpPB8jWv5CUt5Bm30NPKN5T92bY14M4fb4cZf9wvKsB0T7CzJ2/s1600/agra-jaipur+107.jpg" style="text-align: left; " onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ99hQC01LbhZ99WTIZQqrkjbKk_Kl5D3uwW8aZarOhzavQ12Z9g1Gtqghuyy6XHmTkAL5BI6UMcczMs2oiDl7EYR66QkpPB8jWv5CUt5Bm30NPKN5T92bY14M4fb4cZf9wvKsB0T7CzJ2/s320/agra-jaipur+107.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679265616569565666" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1H4JnwfDj4OujKhAq__2k3iYK1U7gObj2-F-SjtLl7mJntyNDhryaULmkOSJU6U8eh73yrFNjDXAhcrDFRUNqUSwMTlVMZtcgV3tElj4jNqJ3NFz16pexelNxOx8f_of2N5gSC4sdMll/s1600/agra-jaipur+110.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1H4JnwfDj4OujKhAq__2k3iYK1U7gObj2-F-SjtLl7mJntyNDhryaULmkOSJU6U8eh73yrFNjDXAhcrDFRUNqUSwMTlVMZtcgV3tElj4jNqJ3NFz16pexelNxOx8f_of2N5gSC4sdMll/s320/agra-jaipur+110.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679265600513651778" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mUqu_nmoFwl24DNOl5wnmWldjgaDFgUh5Egjl6MsWMGSJ7_9caxmN45AzFQiHDwB-C6y5vPuPXfq17W_GkIHqs4N0d73OvhDaeXCSb545GomF9QSxqvviLm8PfyTvu0Xl3oESh5d7f1u/s1600/agra-jaipur+109.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mUqu_nmoFwl24DNOl5wnmWldjgaDFgUh5Egjl6MsWMGSJ7_9caxmN45AzFQiHDwB-C6y5vPuPXfq17W_GkIHqs4N0d73OvhDaeXCSb545GomF9QSxqvviLm8PfyTvu0Xl3oESh5d7f1u/s320/agra-jaipur+109.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679265597262478306" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Off to the side is the mosque or Jama Masjid. From, you know where, WIKIPEDIA, "A Jami Masjid meaning <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friday_Mosque">Friday Mosque</a> was perhaps one of the first buildings to come up in the complex, as its epigraph gives 1571-72 as the date of completion." There is a school in the mosque for local children who can't afford an education. We met one young boy on the steps selling his wares. He said a percentage of his sales go back to the school. His father went to school there just as he does four hours a day. He and his father now sell crafts, jewelry, etc to feed the family and help the school.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjFqwpR53Asvi-f9OL5G2E6W-NL5VNLcj1FLzpUBhEwWCeUuKirX-SspWoPmxDRj9dVi2rA_WD_MK6Mdi2uHcUX2p_shFMGlYTpPgRMp8iEfdr1X9NIDf-jnDH1JO4zV8Ui5lweM_YniOq/s1600/agra-jaipur+113.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjFqwpR53Asvi-f9OL5G2E6W-NL5VNLcj1FLzpUBhEwWCeUuKirX-SspWoPmxDRj9dVi2rA_WD_MK6Mdi2uHcUX2p_shFMGlYTpPgRMp8iEfdr1X9NIDf-jnDH1JO4zV8Ui5lweM_YniOq/s320/agra-jaipur+113.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679265585842561618" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">As with any tourist attraction in India and worldwide, there are shops on the way back to the parking lot. The brilliant colors of India still capture me every time. India does color and bling better than anywhere else or at least better than anywhere else I have found. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgryduAmzcRkqEMUkg5sUQBpn8n7W68HsW2Odh82JegOJvhVs3MS81H37rkOrnIm6eI8jEKpGJXgwgXeLKDCI5VbKo9Lu1foAOGI8FRCz-7ZuBaQohWkJ7EsZd9jvMOfjI0LPLS6iKXMBBh/s1600/agra-jaipur+112.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgryduAmzcRkqEMUkg5sUQBpn8n7W68HsW2Odh82JegOJvhVs3MS81H37rkOrnIm6eI8jEKpGJXgwgXeLKDCI5VbKo9Lu1foAOGI8FRCz-7ZuBaQohWkJ7EsZd9jvMOfjI0LPLS6iKXMBBh/s320/agra-jaipur+112.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679265582226095410" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">At the end of the tour, we were all happy. I learned more about Mughal history. Little one picked up some bling that she is very proud of. The in-laws were just in awe of it all...the crowds, the history, the architecture, the culture. Even Daddy and our oldest were glad that we stopped at Fatehpur Sikri.</div><div style="text-align: center;">From now on, I won't question when a friend says, "This is a MUST-see."</div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535738355647692756.post-14830846551113171612011-11-27T21:40:00.002-06:002011-11-29T22:51:15.298-06:00street scenes<div style="text-align: center;">My in-laws were visiting recently. It was incredible to see India through their eyes. So many of the scenes and day to day views have become "normal" to our family. Watching Grandma and Pop Pop wide-eyed with mouths open as we drove around reminded me of our first days in India. In many ways, they seemed to enjoy our trips between home and school, to the grocery, and running errands as much as the big planned adventures. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0JTlu92fyrjdL271yfpY4ISQu_MhiLvMABdg0YKunUxH53ePk2QkwqSXiMJBB2lLKlyW173SFNhRkLAeY8fxA87tspa0wxsShm5u0LHXeKiIjLrmRNuL5JPx1Ycp9d4_jjf0B2ng9_8q/s1600/e+042.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0JTlu92fyrjdL271yfpY4ISQu_MhiLvMABdg0YKunUxH53ePk2QkwqSXiMJBB2lLKlyW173SFNhRkLAeY8fxA87tspa0wxsShm5u0LHXeKiIjLrmRNuL5JPx1Ycp9d4_jjf0B2ng9_8q/s320/e+042.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680642979555365682" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">rickshaw drivers in Old Delhi</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiweK3og_Ol6Qi6rjFMdn-T-acCFa0q6q3FmCk_raJwsyyJa1tSeEfQ_nwXYqvz_janIujm7uSnBjZOFwqOeRl9v6PmpLuT4tlg4XbDIeAEKOhfYdu65lrFISNW5XvAGUarRuFfhSVf3poL/s1600/e+044.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiweK3og_Ol6Qi6rjFMdn-T-acCFa0q6q3FmCk_raJwsyyJa1tSeEfQ_nwXYqvz_janIujm7uSnBjZOFwqOeRl9v6PmpLuT4tlg4XbDIeAEKOhfYdu65lrFISNW5XvAGUarRuFfhSVf3poL/s320/e+044.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680642976198657618" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">women marketing outside Jama Masjid</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_MM9YX_KklOWnFpS0rLeqpGkBamffewpySUkeuRu0LdsgDodfFDCdzy65654UwMyPFwOMvLBRSF6pkx3NQYysO7ly_GSZrgEjAMiZlEJpEJviBlKRifRRV1bvnX5zIMwITJQONWBFS7D/s1600/e+049.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_MM9YX_KklOWnFpS0rLeqpGkBamffewpySUkeuRu0LdsgDodfFDCdzy65654UwMyPFwOMvLBRSF6pkx3NQYysO7ly_GSZrgEjAMiZlEJpEJviBlKRifRRV1bvnX5zIMwITJQONWBFS7D/s320/e+049.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680642970561011554" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wallah">chai wallah</a> and rickshaw repair</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dX55nrDSQxnxbndRpLSkt7EQmtqUf78KaVRGYXwjuQQL48B49DASRMmEmH-VEcJ_1hMJDUUNIuN1-rTDJnlaw-hPn8DaJxadYdyr2KxleigC23uSs3rMHx7MhCvrDseO7eOcdblUFOY3/s1600/October+2011+010.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dX55nrDSQxnxbndRpLSkt7EQmtqUf78KaVRGYXwjuQQL48B49DASRMmEmH-VEcJ_1hMJDUUNIuN1-rTDJnlaw-hPn8DaJxadYdyr2KxleigC23uSs3rMHx7MhCvrDseO7eOcdblUFOY3/s320/October+2011+010.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680637765188857586" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">cows causing a little traffic jam in Gurgaon</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyo8n8Re-Ob9mWkrAsADOJLQj8X0IlbLo4-MF0E9DaGeyz7OW-SgHxBVh4mM9CF6rxiUxFBqfBwec-9HBj0CyNrCOkI2zGjlFfzRqYk3XY4yTUY0IODXDvTOxBQCApZRu5HtPFBedq1581/s1600/October+2011+009.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyo8n8Re-Ob9mWkrAsADOJLQj8X0IlbLo4-MF0E9DaGeyz7OW-SgHxBVh4mM9CF6rxiUxFBqfBwec-9HBj0CyNrCOkI2zGjlFfzRqYk3XY4yTUY0IODXDvTOxBQCApZRu5HtPFBedq1581/s320/October+2011+009.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680637760596336114" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwI-kJ85v9f1_cVycgVxiBuKuRignkjlc6Z-CRErTmnVwCaFsoJkQgArqefGVM38-JeMHSmnmonAxFXCWNoLVkTzX3o0DEfk8bJJdH99A8NEKbG3yLswO5wfHtyOVVVayaRo11dMy9HvYb/s1600/agra-jaipur+120.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwI-kJ85v9f1_cVycgVxiBuKuRignkjlc6Z-CRErTmnVwCaFsoJkQgArqefGVM38-JeMHSmnmonAxFXCWNoLVkTzX3o0DEfk8bJJdH99A8NEKbG3yLswO5wfHtyOVVVayaRo11dMy9HvYb/s320/agra-jaipur+120.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680634156453452082" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">people waiting for bus and random vendors along highway between Agra and Jaipur</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7QVBgUWdom21XdhgGpAvX9vFsAqADhfAb_3qvDT3XkkoTsk0ed132CNUPfqPmfKRK2JHTP0qz3og7ClieUEl_cfzcSql7wdSr5ODeapPTcKNHWn9z-yvLbrXSZD1ynPVwYCIkVNoyk-h4/s1600/agra-jaipur+119.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7QVBgUWdom21XdhgGpAvX9vFsAqADhfAb_3qvDT3XkkoTsk0ed132CNUPfqPmfKRK2JHTP0qz3og7ClieUEl_cfzcSql7wdSr5ODeapPTcKNHWn9z-yvLbrXSZD1ynPVwYCIkVNoyk-h4/s320/agra-jaipur+119.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680634155299373346" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">the "cool" seats on the bus</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5IK5xjtwLqktRPwhq7tXtbCJF33FdoL5Z_wWkUpFnaufEBCbIiFufes-EaIA3emvuDff3VLsrZFK9-ri2W51WI9GQn5gfJ3ROt2aQGjQU7ucASgG4YUAbdz_DCtl9lXatLmjQgw5KzKx5/s1600/agra-jaipur+118.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5IK5xjtwLqktRPwhq7tXtbCJF33FdoL5Z_wWkUpFnaufEBCbIiFufes-EaIA3emvuDff3VLsrZFK9-ri2W51WI9GQn5gfJ3ROt2aQGjQU7ucASgG4YUAbdz_DCtl9lXatLmjQgw5KzKx5/s320/agra-jaipur+118.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680634151367991586" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">we always wonder if those riding on the roof get to pay less than the ones inside</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535738355647692756.post-4267367518383441742011-11-26T04:58:00.004-06:002011-11-26T05:25:54.038-06:00Made in Marble<div style="text-align: center;">After an early morning visit to the <a href="http://www.indiatajmahalguide.com/facts_taj_mahal.php">Taj Mahal, </a>our guide took us to what some would call a tourist trap. An excuse to get tourists to buy wares or not, it was very interesting. There was a short film about <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Makrana">Makrana </a> where the marble used at the Taj Mahal originated. Then some Agra locals showed us how the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semi-precious_stones">semi-precious stones</a> are ground down for use in marble work.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-lVRkKic76C_PhRQpvfOE6ToD96jH0kCrREdSKfq73eWNdAQbF3nfQawohoSiFOcuxfZ43ceh2Fa7qXnkrG6yNX9xlieN0EjnrmXlnGHXYT9S61EDxHVqeowApIbyElZ_m3c4Sqpq_uv/s1600/agra-jaipur+083.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-lVRkKic76C_PhRQpvfOE6ToD96jH0kCrREdSKfq73eWNdAQbF3nfQawohoSiFOcuxfZ43ceh2Fa7qXnkrG6yNX9xlieN0EjnrmXlnGHXYT9S61EDxHVqeowApIbyElZ_m3c4Sqpq_uv/s320/agra-jaipur+083.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679259135267522578" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;">The girls were able to use the tools and feel how it is actually done. Little one could have stayed here at the wheel for hours helping them.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjplrSjwyBWQAiW0k-k7YmTqdKDGIc2sob0U9rPf_dMVL74Gi2-MecKBCC9IvYIcwYWxbtHTzNfQk879UUVcQJxiWzgAthJ-ragcIkFd4VXaZli6rZNHjr16HIFWZKoWae4mapNxo4I9jNt/s320/agra-jaipur+085.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnYTa9EPIGpzoaylByJmQ1Hf0_1QGPmkpCKg97LN6vha9pUEgy4aixURgOtY9Z_LZ51PukSVXpmkLP08lWc7Mv_pituo4cYtq7v61tmjTx2PvTS30W1ZpRZcKCC2vVkqEraOqpNieIWuj/s320/agra-jaipur+087.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">They use a natural orange tinted stain on the marble. With this they can better see the designs and chip away at the marble. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieqX8tHppzP9irlQU1rBfUEY6DP121qADIj4O73uhaeGGDj1HvaHZgo8pw_VIi1e7l1-BNNcO9OWDbAgibSYcIp0hKAVEzdiFKSh0-st01r8dENhC66ccuIw0eJJ5KWh_Ii-5m6Gex3tNQ/s1600/agra-jaipur+084.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieqX8tHppzP9irlQU1rBfUEY6DP121qADIj4O73uhaeGGDj1HvaHZgo8pw_VIi1e7l1-BNNcO9OWDbAgibSYcIp0hKAVEzdiFKSh0-st01r8dENhC66ccuIw0eJJ5KWh_Ii-5m6Gex3tNQ/s320/agra-jaipur+084.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679259122026427874" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Once the design is carved, the gems are placed and glued. Then the marble is cleaned back to its natural, shining, white color.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1O7GhvYqaPIR6dkI8Wgrmll-OGojaOsphEt9ZDj865_HaE-hSNfekXpBwuvE7fNr-VxneAQT6Ez1QPcM2a5Of-YU5ebIVOrFrgJnLO8aVoKmsPbQ9_09ABeOwcOI6qrTPQ5DyYj8QWmsp/s320/agra-jaipur+086.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">These artisans complete marble work the same way it was done on a much larger scale over 350 years ago. Watching the labor that goes into the small pieces makes the wonder of the <a href="http://www.tajmahal.com/">Taj Mahal</a> being built in just 22 years even greater.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYeUwc_54TOfpO3OqTAp24ZnvllzI_2A1VsTJiQYe5JZO1WKapr5pfgVrbljFbyap22rKtHaGCz1IpNn1nYrLBDiBRUMBdgmzgf61ACvUGATAv5WeubgoBWlI_BLUPP1gaWZRS7iW168zq/s1600/agra-jaipur+046.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYeUwc_54TOfpO3OqTAp24ZnvllzI_2A1VsTJiQYe5JZO1WKapr5pfgVrbljFbyap22rKtHaGCz1IpNn1nYrLBDiBRUMBdgmzgf61ACvUGATAv5WeubgoBWlI_BLUPP1gaWZRS7iW168zq/s320/agra-jaipur+046.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679259108247243250" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">There is fine detail in the lattice work and gem inlay on each and every corner of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taj_Mahal">Taj Mahal</a>. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheu9cwyMWkNpdIBTjUwGAg9InlQrjDxIhynso84O7sc3wSghVc3S1SV0je1ZhFg4C1T-5j8YzWGm7_N9cT9hPbXoF_O-vmM3eZEnxoxdM_dg1W_51syXzxp-lUaY7gcRPwp4UsDNuhmTVv/s1600/agra-jaipur+043.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheu9cwyMWkNpdIBTjUwGAg9InlQrjDxIhynso84O7sc3wSghVc3S1SV0je1ZhFg4C1T-5j8YzWGm7_N9cT9hPbXoF_O-vmM3eZEnxoxdM_dg1W_51syXzxp-lUaY7gcRPwp4UsDNuhmTVv/s320/agra-jaipur+043.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679258131772898610" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzsRcda4b0arTgqzxCKKnc8qeMpi20GvaU_gwzTbCkdXXe3N5OmnQ05wZfQirWzgBebaK7mGZ6-cW_YmEMVGFfhBMIUYxTybG52KyO81shkitb5x1KfC0rdozUngjs7TM3w4OBl2MXnxv/s1600/agra-jaipur+040.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzsRcda4b0arTgqzxCKKnc8qeMpi20GvaU_gwzTbCkdXXe3N5OmnQ05wZfQirWzgBebaK7mGZ6-cW_YmEMVGFfhBMIUYxTybG52KyO81shkitb5x1KfC0rdozUngjs7TM3w4OBl2MXnxv/s320/agra-jaipur+040.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679258120115738258" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjaiqCvzHADClwl0VxFeImqImzVWya0DTu4AKmijEUGMY5s7R5qnPbo9Sj9qjarbHerCPfRfPu9M0_93Rtek5htxJP0I0tpIEwTJ05NKn_Q4H4k2RoB5PJYPMjFcGPPundHqPk8YqRwr2B/s1600/agra-jaipur+073.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjaiqCvzHADClwl0VxFeImqImzVWya0DTu4AKmijEUGMY5s7R5qnPbo9Sj9qjarbHerCPfRfPu9M0_93Rtek5htxJP0I0tpIEwTJ05NKn_Q4H4k2RoB5PJYPMjFcGPPundHqPk8YqRwr2B/s320/agra-jaipur+073.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679258119606459106" /></a><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535738355647692756.post-12812190038661217502011-11-26T01:17:00.003-06:002011-11-26T01:32:26.973-06:00The experience that is the Taj Mahal<div style="text-align: center;">Our first glimpse of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Taj</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Mahal</span> was through the East Gate. See the small archway in the center? From this point we could see just a little of the white marble glimmering through.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApUM8eEilwcR7ACn_8E8uF_tJ4XJMKle3silhdIlxQCjaTdeiXdxW2Glf0kCVkxZ7H51suSxN21hs0w3MTE7xgc2l33_gGxaPOUcPrVmVL76LyTBQ5fCXf9tE7yaKhTkO1b4njGwtx6RN/s320/agra-jaipur+009.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A few steps closer and it was a little more visible.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWnghK_CFb6XJXvrxZ78o2Jh9uh1mePJTIyBwyWC-6xMmwyztyD4eQvpkTI8x4x03xRABQB360uzRuwFuSCvPITBGvhoRE040CM5SgEh8-yqB6CzUeiqKbGnItRZmrema9ELjJ7Djyf1C/s320/agra-jaipur+010.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The way the sun reflects off the white marble is almost blinding.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmc-hnoxLt1SvwoVsoiP8ViM90coullQVPN-YJdkkh3FU_3Wm3g4RnL1JwTv0fTeWLUmIrb-bXlToyiGyaN9whPgHhYXq1ufbZAMyLtPXpMXaE-2zcEcmpcjqtRI281mK1WWTjwS71TCzY/s320/agra-jaipur+011.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Walking through the East Gate was amazing. It is definitely one of those things you have to experience to really appreciate.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYgdTuSXkK1VdFTfU06jnNjlJgpigig7v0zc9lhM30OHfyRNYobba6fnfFt80YpnxS8wXZR6Ay_eN3czWbZ4t9KIYNRMNI4fNbqZK-qeKcjSffoFOd5zIeapk6Fmdq_ktmWA0J3R7lsN4n/s320/agra-jaipur+012.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And there it is....a wonder of the world....a symbol of Shah <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Jahan's</span> love for his wife....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Taj</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Mahal</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXtsZiUSvHQJglz2tG7xUC_OVwCQUoVwMl7QP3gXfLUDSneHDQsPxHuHnmSSXtsc5PRLXfXqHRgTsfoe4ptum2F5ff6IN1wWMSZ4Ts2potixYTTUmOvy_KWchhR_OX45eyMwcraPz9Vkp/s320/agra-jaipur+015.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62UkUPiY4NkmW6zp75rhhIPHjwnfjSVDjUkipqnBeVmnd0pAXCccfaDb49kxGTmYRaeDwmbubMI6duYI0aJYvnq47DDgzUaSr6OHjwxlFOTN3d0cCmc4g8Wj3cqxcqFbY2IPWYAyRCr0G/s1600/agra-jaipur+014.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62UkUPiY4NkmW6zp75rhhIPHjwnfjSVDjUkipqnBeVmnd0pAXCccfaDb49kxGTmYRaeDwmbubMI6duYI0aJYvnq47DDgzUaSr6OHjwxlFOTN3d0cCmc4g8Wj3cqxcqFbY2IPWYAyRCr0G/s320/agra-jaipur+014.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679202325310709426" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><u><br /></u></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><u><br /></u></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><u><br /></u></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><u><br /></u></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><u><br /></u></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535738355647692756.post-73464616435772090952011-11-23T09:11:00.004-06:002011-11-23T09:55:38.735-06:00Old Delhi by Rickshaw Part II<div style="text-align: center;">Just a snippet from our bicycle rickshaw tour of Old Delhi.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwoMngdETqpLBHWf2rGRlig6-ru30ijbWc7L-dyW9mbOe_Kk-F8ZW1mL2hfr1GBJlSP_trMd4QoSygaRWgf' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535738355647692756.post-37322501666686407812011-11-20T21:01:00.014-06:002011-11-23T09:52:38.059-06:00Old Delhi by Rickshaw...the only way to see it!!<div style="text-align: center;">From <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page">Wikipedia</a>...."<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Delhi">Old Delhi</a>, the walled city of Delhi, India was founded as Shahjahanabad by Mughal Emperor <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shah_Jahan">Shah Jahan</a> in 1639. It remained the capital of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mughal_india">Mughals </a>until the end of the Mughal dynasty. It was once filled with mansions of noble and members of the the royal court, along with elegant mosques and gardens. Today, despite having become extremely crowded and dilapidated, it still serves as the symbolic heart of metropolitan Delhi." </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Visiting Old Delhi is a real adventure for everyone, and the only real way to see it is by bicycle rickshaw. You travel slow enough that you can take in all the sights. There are no windows to roll up so you are able to hear all the sounds and hustle bustle of daily life. It is open air so you are experiencing (and sometime being uncomfortably accosted by) the smells, feels, and heat of the city. On a different note, you are up off the street so feel a little safer from the traffic, trash, and uneven pavement that can be quite tricky to maneuver. It is the only way I have found to leave Old Delhi feeling as if I have truly experienced what are the charms of Old Delhi.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUV4B6VHfd3AVb6cl2c7eiZU_cBTCdVvM-KQFnMgfXjW0CJoe0rf9fYZfZFxB-gYKJoNIPlX0uD-fhZBUQjc1SgHqz12eDhbg65co0M4ClmH22ewTSiOeD1iOffOIMxjiE1EApzUg4Q3d/s320/e+042.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Through the help of friends, I found Kalu and his guided tours. He is a petite Nepali man with a group of drivers who give excellent tours ranging from two hours to all day depending on what you would like to see. Our driver calls Kalu and arranges a meeting place where he is always waiting with however many rickshaws are needed for the size of our group. We start out on a main street near the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_fort">Red Fort</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3QtywpM0jEZQVCo5YnKZE0vG9gakhtilUoCKDi3VE9d9-qQlJ88v3XB6AiIdWKQ7yQTnIGaF9Grglnt9DmbPbqcFBQKw8zwUUZittshssnxtAJLKYJPNolv-L7QQEALI5T78rWYvFijh/s320/e+004.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Then he takes us down <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chandni_Chowk">Chandni Chowk</a> which is the main street in the walled city of Old Delhi.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKQUJFdiB-SPJQBbzdsQzRI5T76osn64KcIU1LQjCblZN1dS-9pAKFYlN8czu5y4S7H-chM755_JEvXxZvw0FHVl_svLGKNUHqjbVex-cXmP-tKX18QyhTYhkrNR1GZ073rqKcv1a0cv1/s320/e+007.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">He takes us past the shops and markets, and points out all the different points of interest. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4AN-fE4W2YRqQcCanG7gtsfA3pqbaGv3EPZHIrNdLvPZUQCGjFUAFw-qr9GHDOvXTQVa0NUTmAfjzETtqG7Yq11Tf8Z6ubr2l_yxgFiJqT77Pqb7KPYYbCNbYK3BR_Ic-1joxJUzdekd/s320/e+006.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">After that, things get interesting as we turn down one of the many small alleys that make up Old Delhi. The one below is actually very wide. On many of the other alleys, you can reach out and almost touch the shops on both sides of the rickshaw.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexXPS4PhMJJ8sUnRwXrztH9rr0MKN9MGm-ZYzlHl04h618QrzPD3zbcqY5lMs3tNDdUhCmgvAWZnG5pYlBxW1lPciuyUpYd_k78AvUcF2Z01XyuydxTNjevzvnrDySRn3FSbFh7olV1DW/s1600/e+025.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexXPS4PhMJJ8sUnRwXrztH9rr0MKN9MGm-ZYzlHl04h618QrzPD3zbcqY5lMs3tNDdUhCmgvAWZnG5pYlBxW1lPciuyUpYd_k78AvUcF2Z01XyuydxTNjevzvnrDySRn3FSbFh7olV1DW/s320/e+025.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677286621896284674" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The alleys are known for what is sold there. Shoe street, bead street, wedding street, etc. Fall is the big wedding season in India as the weather is just about perfect. The bride-to-be, her mother, and the "aunties" spend days and hours finding the best and finest <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sari">sari</a>/saris for the many different wedding celebrations.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQ-D3Pyhc8dDKZsZJt2POY3TWPyS0DO2pQMkXodCl8fEP8Maa4Til5_wyEyIrTQqksoU7JA33j3yG-2x2rGahF5WQU5Pe-upblbXVEHZCAO9byEbLb_lm0dVdJYazF5FChFOHfoeC8l5r/s320/e+024.jpg" /><br />I have been told there is a whole tradition and order of events when choosing the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wedding_sari">wedding sari</a>. The women go into the shop, are offered a seat and a cup of tea, and fabric upon fabric is brought out. It is looked at, touched, held up to the bride, and the negotiations begin.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkyGoRTkxUiZt6NzdcHNa1s9TXbEaFr8epbmoikmBdHV-7Go9EZcBaRbmJEPF6uI8MsZRwiSmIhW3EjpPqDlNNv303zSyM0D8cd8vNAg6BB4wedJJFF3D_K-2w14LjyjgHXeRmyYllLYub/s320/e+027.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Up and down the alleys we traveled to find the spice market of Old Delhi. Our guide tells us that this is the largest spice market in all of Asia and spices are exported to the world from this point. The smells and dust were overwhelming. A scarf to cover your mouth and nose along with a bottle of water is an absolute necessity when visiting the spice market.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3yXKpNbOeKtVt68jxkvT_sB9_WOa0quNYLt573g_7nuGIr7Sq8GrNIWd_Ykr39TIwdekUFerby5i8P-WgfcrtSI7ns-yIyPZLW4vkLSddzoGOjiEtZ1TYsth2oms1JCSffwr8403f-yTc/s320/e+017.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9Y9O7W3bDqt0IUUVjiDkFDir6xJ4rx6rguJ_RDhkwAsWsCCu4Xm4rDE-3mEiDWkRbfqlVW8R9QnnszKgP3y8GgeQZNPeSjrGFGgkADSAfglmQWAn9gJizLSTgsG7VHLiXSGeMCjlCOnz/s320/e+008.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We wandered up and down among the stalls of spices and down a dark, dirty hallway to a set of narrow, steep steps behind our guide. Yes, he could have been taking us anywhere, but we trusted him and climbed flight after flight past bags of spices.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1V3Wa0pDJ0fkd17DHKQVdj8R8TiiW1Vl3aTWE3e2uzKqM4BvqpHfiLDVvrT4_2LlFjWHSAzM0KFMuskKsy0IxY6Fofyc4W-nXUGZa1PKP_v5Umki_vU09B-DmLBHb-KFfTR1TEFAD9-66/s320/e+009.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">About halfway up we could see where the spices are stored and how the people are living among the essence o' spice. </div><div style="text-align: center;">At the top we went out onto the roof and looked down on Old Delhi.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9U6bau1xOLZD-tokbnpucM1bupCvTEamElOEWdZP4-twGbvffuDhv2lI6xeownorr3O1Q-cH4f51ROa7donGug_X3fyCAyVtHbct5HYqgRxuaPbMR0d1b5FKQ_7WhnkTIcCi5Ce-2Rgi1/s320/e+013.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Back out onto the street, past the sights, sounds, and smells.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX9wnOs2mQGtqkr4xeM1Qp0aFDuAXU0u_S5xrsFf0ASbeqLfLkVPFanpOR_2jH3XRes9QuL27RExq3oJe0H-DGciChdWggR_1DRgITwEGDL6jKCXOd9-1cOrqqZqZHDwaBUKeMlEUFH4ev/s1600/e+030.jpg" style="text-align: left; " onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX9wnOs2mQGtqkr4xeM1Qp0aFDuAXU0u_S5xrsFf0ASbeqLfLkVPFanpOR_2jH3XRes9QuL27RExq3oJe0H-DGciChdWggR_1DRgITwEGDL6jKCXOd9-1cOrqqZqZHDwaBUKeMlEUFH4ev/s320/e+030.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677286617847315330" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Past the laundry drying on the side of the generator and over the piles of trash. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw27GsDKVvAJKf2mTEEGcH8DCZoJGx7dJ8o1fBFYkbvyBLn0GedaUF6dk3V9n96cOBOaf4QwctIp13kj3AicKJc_QF7XPi-gjDDcCXXzmjsZlrL3zzoaifK71JK2Fujj305A_ZI_ZAHVpt/s1600/e+022.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw27GsDKVvAJKf2mTEEGcH8DCZoJGx7dJ8o1fBFYkbvyBLn0GedaUF6dk3V9n96cOBOaf4QwctIp13kj3AicKJc_QF7XPi-gjDDcCXXzmjsZlrL3zzoaifK71JK2Fujj305A_ZI_ZAHVpt/s320/e+022.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677285352088064258" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Past a local vegetable stand and down another alley.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDJv1IYwkWH-P6KhwNMSK9pQaxfN8f8EVEB9UVAhMdWhyphenhyphenqmcA0rLEx4FLeJZ__QGUvrtF79N686fm3mjVMjh6SzZxgqeZeXZ5AGGTZq4VZBHX4_gP49lMpJVwmG3MtIX7moXJsVZC7-ad/s1600/e+021.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDJv1IYwkWH-P6KhwNMSK9pQaxfN8f8EVEB9UVAhMdWhyphenhyphenqmcA0rLEx4FLeJZ__QGUvrtF79N686fm3mjVMjh6SzZxgqeZeXZ5AGGTZq4VZBHX4_gP49lMpJVwmG3MtIX7moXJsVZC7-ad/s320/e+021.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677285348554277234" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Down the side alley to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jain">Jain Temple</a> and past some beautiful doorways. I could have taken hours of pictures of the colors and painted doors.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><u><br /></u></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjogKO2B5Ec5CxnINrqG2HH1yrALzBJvFAvMhH-mVnl-60ShwP1HoydIx4vRaTxgMmhf71EpqJ4Zuscg8zDDJqJwCScPLhmVN4g5-JxPnEBoKyBC9SrkWG3SsyutSERvaw99vyXmswq7D4e/s1600/e+034.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjogKO2B5Ec5CxnINrqG2HH1yrALzBJvFAvMhH-mVnl-60ShwP1HoydIx4vRaTxgMmhf71EpqJ4Zuscg8zDDJqJwCScPLhmVN4g5-JxPnEBoKyBC9SrkWG3SsyutSERvaw99vyXmswq7D4e/s320/e+034.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677283460773865778" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexz5m2ebJN5s74HmzINMIqbgrQnG337duh5OqFm9MuWWdmR5tzs9hFcglFXtSzjcHQ7_SHa9DcNu9bW1gtKSfnSP1KzcWujArXePX9KINm1aWPZPTNPuwxCtYe_BozUxOf_f6fopwWX1P/s1600/e+033.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexz5m2ebJN5s74HmzINMIqbgrQnG337duh5OqFm9MuWWdmR5tzs9hFcglFXtSzjcHQ7_SHa9DcNu9bW1gtKSfnSP1KzcWujArXePX9KINm1aWPZPTNPuwxCtYe_BozUxOf_f6fopwWX1P/s320/e+033.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677282117957646706" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">And finally a quick stop at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jama_Masjid,_Delhi">Jama Masjid</a>. (from Wikipedia) It is "the principle mosque of Old Delhi. Commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal, in the year 1644 and completed in 1658, it is the largest and best-known mosque in India. It lies at the origin of a very busy central street in Old Delhi."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcu5tiwGPXdDGSyGFZrUQOG_UwuSrmBvbhQKz-l3g-NBpImJgaZ36Mfy-sTkRHQAlcpmafWpJr4cJhAvbinrBx3pPZdwVzFN3Fv07XYpAyyJ0RgbVffvztd7WS4uL7MTL935iSwien5CK/s320/e+026.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We arrived too late to see the inside and were greeted by the beginning of Friday <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adhan">call to prayer</a>. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1gjfCtwqr-iTM3PtAYWK0VhrgRVBQZjr1IzngapBNsuJyJst-G1OOiwW-RsN2HnAFJpPhWCWBJbVPYKzWNUbSmDmsTfmS4nEYc711Trtws-EUxuhCA7FYOkityOWCnu_oWHOAFhwBFEb1/s1600/e+036.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1gjfCtwqr-iTM3PtAYWK0VhrgRVBQZjr1IzngapBNsuJyJst-G1OOiwW-RsN2HnAFJpPhWCWBJbVPYKzWNUbSmDmsTfmS4nEYc711Trtws-EUxuhCA7FYOkityOWCnu_oWHOAFhwBFEb1/s320/e+036.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677282106575270162" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7oeZrdHgNJGPmTux001d4tZShQBfUzoYKzKjapl9owwJyI40cdp1uG6-ktsQdlOvePTetQm0Pj_IBfwB3AJQ5mypZE4ncluNV2QIkNS4OTVmtYBPX7ZsS2Xki_-E5zaz0eMHD8gCyrqfn/s1600/e+041.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7oeZrdHgNJGPmTux001d4tZShQBfUzoYKzKjapl9owwJyI40cdp1uG6-ktsQdlOvePTetQm0Pj_IBfwB3AJQ5mypZE4ncluNV2QIkNS4OTVmtYBPX7ZsS2Xki_-E5zaz0eMHD8gCyrqfn/s320/e+041.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677282098997202450" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Thus ends our tour of Old Delhi back at the Red Fort.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfw3DGwhjxenifLyE-ojc_-BAdcZGCaAi67SJhWtKlHHbRQe5hyxusHJ5nth-GgESXzgpuxEa3l_zQmY0J1timlDpnFa-GMb02T1kggjEgTP8m980ueA5iumDBr-w9QGpAMHcoBrTaJBDt/s1600/e+049.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535738355647692756.post-50722651457441127552011-11-10T09:32:00.012-06:002011-11-10T12:20:05.592-06:00Gurudwara Bangla Sahib<div style="text-align: center;"><div>I vowed to start and explore more of Delhi and its surroundings this fall and winter. Now that both girls are in school, I have more time and opportunity to see what I can see. There have been a few adventures and outings. Embarrassed as I am to say this, I'm not good at getting out on my own. This week, it has been fun and interesting to have my in-laws visiting. They are great companions and good sports when it comes to adventuring. Thanks to the advice of a couple good friends, we found the <a href="http://www.banglasahib.org/">Gurudwara Bangla Sahib</a>. It is one of the main <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikhism">Sikh </a>temples in Delhi. It is a smaller version of the <a href="http://www.goldentempleamritsar.org/">Golden Temple</a> in Amritsar which <a href="http://whatsournextmove.blogspot.com/2011/02/golden-temples-and-police-escorts.html">we visited</a> in February.</div><div><br /></div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAod0GE_B8ZBBuF7vVEpOHsoG97fSljVnc-fO-eNNSbio-8nk-HT79eMY2y3nahyUH833PkMohwotxr8ZbG2Mjtqs0Vp7G5oFAQtMLKpC_Cy46LokPyxSSEpQl6RilkKT0BOki3V9tmr5y/s1600/november+2011+002.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAod0GE_B8ZBBuF7vVEpOHsoG97fSljVnc-fO-eNNSbio-8nk-HT79eMY2y3nahyUH833PkMohwotxr8ZbG2Mjtqs0Vp7G5oFAQtMLKpC_Cy46LokPyxSSEpQl6RilkKT0BOki3V9tmr5y/s320/november+2011+002.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673422989064670530" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">As we were waiting in the long lines to store our shoes, don our head covers, and enter the temple, someone pointed us to a side door that led to the area for "tourists." India has made me somewhat cynical and un-trusting. Assuming that it was a ploy to get us to pay more money than the locals, my feathers got ruffled. I asked, in my sternest voice, "Why can't we put our shoes with the locals? What is going on here?" It was a pleasant surprise to find an office for tourists where a kind guide took over and gave us a very informative tour of the temple.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkeFrDXkC2KP9XTisGInZgRLmNOEQq32ZZzmkhryByATErOWAi3_KHnWrEZBTxBWNMdvuLhDr1ju9FqilwLsXinnQgrQZ02UvYhlAQA5G7-a3LkWwkq9RJwdbHv0lNv28x8vjZhup2axxJ/s1600/november+2011+001.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkeFrDXkC2KP9XTisGInZgRLmNOEQq32ZZzmkhryByATErOWAi3_KHnWrEZBTxBWNMdvuLhDr1ju9FqilwLsXinnQgrQZ02UvYhlAQA5G7-a3LkWwkq9RJwdbHv0lNv28x8vjZhup2axxJ/s320/november+2011+001.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673422983735127554" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">He led us through the pool to cleanse our feet, past the pilgrims, and through the temple.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXy_HRZx_xuYuqevN1Ap617GxrrBidyA7cacPmkQ2DRHsSBNhe51yW2MaVFJzBjOBBjwy0TYD_ecPL0eDjnbczx_MvwJoWJ39kRub53WG-B04HoBfSJjSSxKbgUa7MueccV8CRb4Kwl1q/s1600/november+2011+004.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXy_HRZx_xuYuqevN1Ap617GxrrBidyA7cacPmkQ2DRHsSBNhe51yW2MaVFJzBjOBBjwy0TYD_ecPL0eDjnbczx_MvwJoWJ39kRub53WG-B04HoBfSJjSSxKbgUa7MueccV8CRb4Kwl1q/s320/november+2011+004.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673392505554806226" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zkfI96hFmeg-jftYvrR1Y1b8hyphenhyphen1lLsNXnhYbjKO5RTee3h9jsOEveV3lcdXW8gxP38VBtT4J5_ML73Ej3Hmbuo4ifQKKQP78wQfZ84qFJE2MTV03YS0BfFOHt5gxDRC9JJgz0VN7d_Fv/s1600/november+2011+005.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zkfI96hFmeg-jftYvrR1Y1b8hyphenhyphen1lLsNXnhYbjKO5RTee3h9jsOEveV3lcdXW8gxP38VBtT4J5_ML73Ej3Hmbuo4ifQKKQP78wQfZ84qFJE2MTV03YS0BfFOHt5gxDRC9JJgz0VN7d_Fv/s320/november+2011+005.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673392501261285218" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The best part of the temple was seeing the kitchens. Volunteers prepare food for any and all pilgrims and visitors to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangla_Sahib">Bangla Sahib</a>. Over 20,000 people of all castes, classes, religions are fed every day at this location. (See this <a href="http://www.cnngo.com/mumbai/none/feed-world-or-much-it-you-can-bangla-sahib-gurdwara-654532">CNN article</a> to read more.)</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJ-vV2l_t4lr67ZBGr4USMezCMET6Vs4qMllp8SIxEbud2XvqtZY2N_GY_jH1X4_fBAcnAtf6MAfrRhiLqQdn6Lzikic-0IpRDzxWqDM2Sp17-DA5MlwjHJXDL5_W_G7R0IjCkghug72Q/s1600/november+2011+009.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJ-vV2l_t4lr67ZBGr4USMezCMET6Vs4qMllp8SIxEbud2XvqtZY2N_GY_jH1X4_fBAcnAtf6MAfrRhiLqQdn6Lzikic-0IpRDzxWqDM2Sp17-DA5MlwjHJXDL5_W_G7R0IjCkghug72Q/s320/november+2011+009.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673392497949160482" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWyf5DKYqf7ACmGzS-1tqhIIVGEDghr1rz9fm1dj_6kOMSKn1JhlcSOO__BGOcoCGsrbk1ijP4ZjY8pNAHVn9QMSQG1dMije-mSMMGUcL7UMpyAkEKKdFdd0OaUmirWL5rbTBHrJ-UaF0/s1600/november+2011+010.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWyf5DKYqf7ACmGzS-1tqhIIVGEDghr1rz9fm1dj_6kOMSKn1JhlcSOO__BGOcoCGsrbk1ijP4ZjY8pNAHVn9QMSQG1dMije-mSMMGUcL7UMpyAkEKKdFdd0OaUmirWL5rbTBHrJ-UaF0/s320/november+2011+010.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673392483007272562" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4OFKPfeZGAxmmXdh99HTM_2xwu9DLmKnY3gtuaT57oB1_pFl35nLF9to10N2Y1HlN9xfpRH-047639VqUA9YQc_YeY8YS3rrycsL595GJ-5MgR4E4xBUKuQ36e88R4wzOqSbVpQCFps7/s1600/november+2011+007.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4OFKPfeZGAxmmXdh99HTM_2xwu9DLmKnY3gtuaT57oB1_pFl35nLF9to10N2Y1HlN9xfpRH-047639VqUA9YQc_YeY8YS3rrycsL595GJ-5MgR4E4xBUKuQ36e88R4wzOqSbVpQCFps7/s320/november+2011+007.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673391421585957986" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHR-OutwQ04fCOJgVWGHET1ayvzWRc_6egVwOiI3w0MaI8ciBdGPy6EEASaex8OCgdJ0z1CN4sDUaHYgqhZmmBo4V3hfl-I_jjroKCThDLN6gHM6jE1mSHjkqkpb4QG1Pw1PUK-rHkxOk8/s1600/november+2011+011.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHR-OutwQ04fCOJgVWGHET1ayvzWRc_6egVwOiI3w0MaI8ciBdGPy6EEASaex8OCgdJ0z1CN4sDUaHYgqhZmmBo4V3hfl-I_jjroKCThDLN6gHM6jE1mSHjkqkpb4QG1Pw1PUK-rHkxOk8/s320/november+2011+011.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673391411520532466" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8hq0yrMVXe0BftrFXfq5heIjPcxn27EiR9BP8u43xAkK5tQVV3tWqD9aKIVCRk-guy73APXI0BiN1QG23otAaJXjWJc0BoPP2lt37kR8y4ygubNbVgLLLO6WFRtf5ogOKXXMMW6HYJpD/s1600/november+2011+014.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8hq0yrMVXe0BftrFXfq5heIjPcxn27EiR9BP8u43xAkK5tQVV3tWqD9aKIVCRk-guy73APXI0BiN1QG23otAaJXjWJc0BoPP2lt37kR8y4ygubNbVgLLLO6WFRtf5ogOKXXMMW6HYJpD/s320/november+2011+014.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673391409044436674" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpmTc0PhyphenhyphenAvpWL74lzPn015-xIf5LisCPiRIi_AvMzgEztRog_1OoboaX3Vs-7veQ0FrYzFGGBIqEvioawLaO9rkxVF0GuacTP0rKi92dtWcj8L5GsBxb4S9jgYumHPWj0FlwCJ9TX7ccS/s1600/november+2011+013.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpmTc0PhyphenhyphenAvpWL74lzPn015-xIf5LisCPiRIi_AvMzgEztRog_1OoboaX3Vs-7veQ0FrYzFGGBIqEvioawLaO9rkxVF0GuacTP0rKi92dtWcj8L5GsBxb4S9jgYumHPWj0FlwCJ9TX7ccS/s320/november+2011+013.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673391402493766770" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExVclAq91lJ7aRG7a_it_kxLqFIngBzXN26jXsGJ6El_5MqAH9GLfUHKJCN6VhWnW9yFCvNOLkz9yZSU-WLWlt0gfn6xQfWtU91owPY3gujytdNcL3YUSNYmv8uym0SYU56CIg8Dq1cvN/s1600/november+2011+012.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExVclAq91lJ7aRG7a_it_kxLqFIngBzXN26jXsGJ6El_5MqAH9GLfUHKJCN6VhWnW9yFCvNOLkz9yZSU-WLWlt0gfn6xQfWtU91owPY3gujytdNcL3YUSNYmv8uym0SYU56CIg8Dq1cvN/s320/november+2011+012.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673391398061370466" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535738355647692756.post-35790913986535620752011-10-22T01:42:00.003-05:002011-10-22T01:59:59.258-05:00forgive me<div style="text-align: center;">I have been on a blog hiatus....no excuses. Laziness, lack of motivation and organization, and new schedules have been the name of the game this fall. As an apology, I am shamelessly using our adorable four year old. She has learned to sing "Eensy Weensy Spider" in Hindi at school. She loves to sing it (all the time) and is even happier if we record and watch it over and over. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxGNajL51KDGeSs-FzXzPafnNPUYViTieffEpHNfW5rZcJlyddbSkoS9QNkTU_B11O_phKDIy3Yy5qFJ7GR' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;">Now that you are all softened by the sweet singing voice of little one. I can tell you that I won't be posting again for a week. We are off during Diwali for a dream vacation of sun, sand, and relaxation. I plan to hit the ground running when we return and have a goal of ten posts for the month of November. I expect you all to keep on me and help me meet that goal.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Diwali!!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535738355647692756.post-69613160436787673262011-08-30T04:25:00.007-05:002011-09-02T08:47:11.300-05:00Not the typical girls' weekend<div style="text-align: center;">Late summer 2010 a friend proposed a moms' only trip. Woo-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">hoo!</span> We had been in India for three months. I hadn't been out of Delhi/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Gurgaon</span>. I thought, It's about time for a nice relaxing, pampering beach vacation. Then she said, "I'm thinking Dhaka in Bangladesh." My reaction must have been wide eyed and a little shocked looking. <a href="http://www.virtualbangladesh.com/">Bangladesh</a> had never even been on my radar. I wasn't even sure if I knew where Bangladesh was. Safety, health, visa issues, and on and on went through my head. Then the adventurer in me took over and said, "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Ok</span>, Bangladesh. This could be interesting." So Bangladesh it was for a much needed long weekend away without kids or spouses.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx434eLiP1KT8sW3r4qyZ4IlO-lwCKeK0p2qOZOIjtrKB4hDS5af9Mb9LoLwOo8eWn7zFZ_MKnu-tieevf0QQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div>
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We splurged a little and stayed at a nice <a href="http://www.panpacific.com/Dhaka/Overview.html">hotel </a> which had a lovely restaurant and nice spa services. The massage was much needed after taking the above ride on a bicycle rickshaw. </div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">What can I say about Bangladesh?</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's dirty, noisy, smelly, and altogether foreign. At the same time, it's amazing. The people were warm and welcoming. They were kind. They were helpful and interested in us. From what I can see Bangladesh still does not get many foreign tourists. The people aren't jaded and thinking about what they can get from these "wealthy foreigners."(Yes, all over the world people assume that if you are American, British, Australian then you must be filthy rich) More often than not, the people wanted to know why we were visiting their country, what we thought of it compared to the west, and if they could show us around. It was extremely refreshing.</div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Before traveling multiple guides and people said to be sure and see the <a href="http://www.artsricksha.com/gallery1.htm">Bangladesh Rickshaw Art</a>. We searched and searched, walked up and down many streets and back alleys, asked, pointed, and tried to find the street where this is all done. No luck but just visiting and traveling around Dhaka is a live, moving gallery of Rickshaw art. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJ1X9Z7luGBlf-fDs5bLlB5GIOdR69e6OH5Ix7o5uL1mSXbNRZeJTyn_JCD78GvKaqtrMyLA9Xe94ZaqaNoNRmxTAwnuVFqL2EL2AyYfMeajRyZUGBJaB3U2SxzH1cm3qTfjG379_Y1dh/s320/DSC07628.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN22iNO0RlXUvly1a3U5WHtwDsBCsFquzy_6LjHc3aMyQ5uhNbRjhlZrDthYEhjnpF3jcwA5AoGWCqgx-NsSd7rZIQZpH8dvW2TWP-_QejeU9kzew22VJvf-XSkI-n2xT_SisM0MCmS12y/s320/DSC07630.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_oI-ZsHfzDY8I3gfYzW-TzGyx_fqho81qfGrelFZqBfHfhStS0EECd10ltoEtbJaSeqLnc0XtOpRvb2h_QiJvVC7GpvZIUkE9a4dfRhlw3B3XQS96BqDU46FF4xrGHosQbDOf9HV_zDUe/s320/DSC07631.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKe1bXHf85mqc49LGpTFaEW05bHLQE_etHYukxb1JGdhAdaXAkMkTDa2k4MWw6oDXYdkeVgTSCvI19SYPv2mNEKqC1qQvelj6hc33doFjyRfznHfBgMFZ84l4vMw1Pwn4QPl79IGUmuDwG/s320/DSC07632.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The drivers are very proud of their rickshaws and the artwork on them. These men in their <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhoti">dhotis</a> or what looks to us like a wrap-around skirt work very hard for small fees ferrying locals and tourists alike around the city. In among the traffic, smells, and noise, they zipped and got us from place to place. It was nerve wracking at times but a fabulous way to see and feel Bangladesh. </div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Stayed tuned from more photos and observations from Bangladesh....</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535738355647692756.post-85638747751233716922011-08-27T02:17:00.011-05:002011-08-28T05:50:34.848-05:00INA Market<div style="text-align: center;">It is so easy to get in a rut no matter where we live. We end up going to the same spots, shops, and cafes. Every so often I need someone to give me a kick start to get out and see more of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Gurgaon</span> and Delhi. This is written with thanks to a friend who recently pushed me out of my comfort zone. I have finally made it to INA Market in South Delhi. From <a href="http://www.bharatonline.com/delhi/shopping-places/ina-market.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">bharat</span> online</a>, "The INA Market of Delhi has its full name as the Indian National Army Market....It is famous as a food bazaar of the capital city of India. From fresh seafood to meat to spices to vegetables and fruits, you can get anything and everything related to groceries here. Shopping In the INA Market is a unique experience, since it is one-of-its-kind." Unique experience?? Definitely unique but even that word doesn't seem to cover the idea of INA. </div><div style="text-align: center;">n D<img src="http://www.google.co.in/maps/vt/data=Ay5GWBeob_WIPLDYoIWcfVXxvZu9XwJ55OX7Ag,zin6EvSo1tU9Bya7Gk7knrbsKtTU_Vu2IHLJWfjcdkSAM0DxSqAEGF2lGbWcuga963nwPzlHIApGOusHHyhvDO80b1zXhRSnLwrmMWG2yOx0PhopH6qYcIeoncvJj27_C-6xn5GvFnY" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If there were only a way to incorporate the noises, smells, crowds, and simple hustle and bustle of INA into a blog. See the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">youtube</span> video at <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJ0t9aOoBBE&feature=related">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJ0t9aOoBBE&feature=related</a> to get a better glimpse of INA than my pictures are able to share. </div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJVShzXKCWiF0Nv2Lvj8dNUsvHc6hoY6vVYtUgiL8Cpsw_sGT6632BgVg9lv7rtrQv5iSBrJ-mVqomR4rc-W9LWFMoulBzrKXH8CEd7Yaqe1iph-ssdBMO7E5SLLbWfkHqLfz5u-BsOIw/s1600/DSC09500.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJVShzXKCWiF0Nv2Lvj8dNUsvHc6hoY6vVYtUgiL8Cpsw_sGT6632BgVg9lv7rtrQv5iSBrJ-mVqomR4rc-W9LWFMoulBzrKXH8CEd7Yaqe1iph-ssdBMO7E5SLLbWfkHqLfz5u-BsOIw/s320/DSC09500.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645841064326116466" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcc0WZHYTSqVC0wW6ygWWRssluJI-vQgIXVPLci3PFJNmhEPOXt0X5oteVe7XX6_21V4i2CkZVdNTuKBxBdAxetR99Tp2kd_7B068i2_RHbrw-apyBXZzqYdkGREDjOYiKA2pvjRAknanu/s1600/DSC09495.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcc0WZHYTSqVC0wW6ygWWRssluJI-vQgIXVPLci3PFJNmhEPOXt0X5oteVe7XX6_21V4i2CkZVdNTuKBxBdAxetR99Tp2kd_7B068i2_RHbrw-apyBXZzqYdkGREDjOYiKA2pvjRAknanu/s320/DSC09495.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645841058580153234" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">How fresh do you want your chicken?? Eggs on top of live chickens in cages in front of chickens being butchered. Note the man in back wearing blue striped shirt who almost has his bare feet in the chicken he is cutting up. Maybe a little toe adds flavor?</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGpz4lmfImpO4l3-XdteRnsxl5f3NIPtArjmYmytHsFTp8j4kVj89IICVy51bncvTQTkIGe9ra7QRjS7Ejl3wOUZZt7ys7RtdUN3bHcOUbjOu1uSnb6kO_Ecrn_9BCoggidhOwBWlhyphenhyphen4DK/s1600/DSC09496.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGpz4lmfImpO4l3-XdteRnsxl5f3NIPtArjmYmytHsFTp8j4kVj89IICVy51bncvTQTkIGe9ra7QRjS7Ejl3wOUZZt7ys7RtdUN3bHcOUbjOu1uSnb6kO_Ecrn_9BCoggidhOwBWlhyphenhyphen4DK/s320/DSC09496.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645838906629039874" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwp47lnf5x7cDBtqLPYYsJPZCsBLqEjtMo-kgA8I1SPhWqbnXUIapZomXGs9Zj1N2rtiPgpEFhvK6t2vMfD80Z8lVuc7xDWWv3CJw0dhtBE1Wqqy4Km7wQ2LV_Lilu5oQmOEwUI88_gec/s1600/DSC09497.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwp47lnf5x7cDBtqLPYYsJPZCsBLqEjtMo-kgA8I1SPhWqbnXUIapZomXGs9Zj1N2rtiPgpEFhvK6t2vMfD80Z8lVuc7xDWWv3CJw0dhtBE1Wqqy4Km7wQ2LV_Lilu5oQmOEwUI88_gec/s320/DSC09497.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645838901888694466" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gaLEFGJ4vqjSUJCLkQMwva-NjYvxDqfWKdZzUgj3j9MOMrsMTlHDVBGRA-rIa4-R2fO1ZS8jCFum2x1b6vHHLSGmkuqIX42o3YcMf67_9w7m15lePWDGaZkmDvFPEQBDgfuE6YujELoE/s1600/DSC09498.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gaLEFGJ4vqjSUJCLkQMwva-NjYvxDqfWKdZzUgj3j9MOMrsMTlHDVBGRA-rIa4-R2fO1ZS8jCFum2x1b6vHHLSGmkuqIX42o3YcMf67_9w7m15lePWDGaZkmDvFPEQBDgfuE6YujELoE/s320/DSC09498.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645838898312410178" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We were able to find some of the freshest and nicest looking fruits and veggies at INA. I found broccoli and quite a few other veggies that are hard to find closer to our house. Above my friend is giving the spinach a close inspection. She is fanatic about her fruits and veggies and wants them with "No marks. No marks, at all." Listening to her say this, I kept thinking, "You do realize we live in India, right?" </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQWsxPTq-3ge86FzsF3iJDU0UUGjJURxrEt1iDNaP1S6iS79odYm2xmiGaOEYADw6_iv_iUZ6YcEnimQwJUL0ETUdQbWeLtp14a1jt7p_Uf_f5lq3DIIg174xGIjz1S4yZlzeJ9MnSauW/s1600/DSC09499.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQWsxPTq-3ge86FzsF3iJDU0UUGjJURxrEt1iDNaP1S6iS79odYm2xmiGaOEYADw6_iv_iUZ6YcEnimQwJUL0ETUdQbWeLtp14a1jt7p_Uf_f5lq3DIIg174xGIjz1S4yZlzeJ9MnSauW/s320/DSC09499.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645838892909427394" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Cars parked upon cars. It took us fifteen minutes just to get out of our parking space once the shopping was completed. So glad we have a driver that was doing the vehicle maneuvering and not me.</div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">All in all an enjoyable experience. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Bought tons of fresh fruit and veggies that lasted almost two weeks. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Found Dr. Pepper and was thrilled. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Hung out with someone who always makes me laugh. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Experienced more of the amazing-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ness</span> of India.</div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535738355647692756.post-73322709672168018852011-08-27T01:47:00.004-05:002011-08-27T02:14:21.861-05:00Visit the campus<div>
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I was reminded recently by a stateside friend that I often refer to the beauty of the the girls'<a href="http://aes.ac.in/">school </a>campus. I was also reminded that I have never shared many photos of said school. Since little one is only in school three hours this year, I spend large chunks of my weekdays on the campus. Thankfully, the campus has wi-fi, a nice library with a/c, and a fun and funky little cafe/hang out spot. Here are just a few views of the campus. I will try to get more throughout the year.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8E567nue8NrlRgcZbdwmsRbDYYH1zaw7ZP_jhwdaX-eVwYxk-HwAwbq7QuQT0bqhFsEBSYQ9gDAcbrh0WuASLfsNaqGhv-fiz6aic1XJGua8ApwUFhwVLXjmprRLtou1mLV77BET5cSnN/s1600/DSC09514.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8E567nue8NrlRgcZbdwmsRbDYYH1zaw7ZP_jhwdaX-eVwYxk-HwAwbq7QuQT0bqhFsEBSYQ9gDAcbrh0WuASLfsNaqGhv-fiz6aic1XJGua8ApwUFhwVLXjmprRLtou1mLV77BET5cSnN/s320/DSC09514.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645426769460203506" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE01wBQdha0I24L-Xwe5mzdp7O02k9xCR5ZdJuj6SXZG6iOWDWn1arkXZBeldnuZbWyc1ks10hjRy6dWI1fEdI99AclvA1ycD5CGvZ70LGSTCq4YN5W4yLfPmOK6C1sjzozQALa790i6dm/s1600/DSC09459.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE01wBQdha0I24L-Xwe5mzdp7O02k9xCR5ZdJuj6SXZG6iOWDWn1arkXZBeldnuZbWyc1ks10hjRy6dWI1fEdI99AclvA1ycD5CGvZ70LGSTCq4YN5W4yLfPmOK6C1sjzozQALa790i6dm/s320/DSC09459.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645426767075775282" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTYapB5wuv2zm68TCA46s_ZIaU5LBLFZkJggREuExRubOZ-nkQ2C6TNQ0S-BFbcjy1xUDyH0GxnbSn01SzgW7o5ux1Wve9iD9tkadEGPULtkgcMpu32bBBU4WCbOTiQi1titlJUfmbJdr6/s1600/DSC09515.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTYapB5wuv2zm68TCA46s_ZIaU5LBLFZkJggREuExRubOZ-nkQ2C6TNQ0S-BFbcjy1xUDyH0GxnbSn01SzgW7o5ux1Wve9iD9tkadEGPULtkgcMpu32bBBU4WCbOTiQi1titlJUfmbJdr6/s320/DSC09515.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645426762419187986" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >(credit for above photo goes to Rebekah....almost every day she has to stop at the map and make sure we know where we are going)</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1I4XwE0f1HJESbq9vNNgXXOOOnO0skAU12x4ZDl-EiaMu9H6FBV8ZkCPTRF5uVZ7sZ1KrOsN73eKl0YySFnUm5_tTH4DEco7GkQ0HobGl6_ef5f4Ivlo-m6j9Qy0MNXaFWzR07aOF4ejE/s1600/DSC09469.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1I4XwE0f1HJESbq9vNNgXXOOOnO0skAU12x4ZDl-EiaMu9H6FBV8ZkCPTRF5uVZ7sZ1KrOsN73eKl0YySFnUm5_tTH4DEco7GkQ0HobGl6_ef5f4Ivlo-m6j9Qy0MNXaFWzR07aOF4ejE/s320/DSC09469.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645426761597404770" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9spuT3fl0Er-8AS31X7PavYeS5reo2riBuGNlO-T4O4SYZh4cC8Bc_uDb-PTDg_eEgUVmeLvP0VIYwvYKkc8xNwq0854WeQxxiYB3DC9IryHfcSq8wsJbhVAUdHAdfCHDZOz1nLd7MJ2/s1600/DSC09470.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9spuT3fl0Er-8AS31X7PavYeS5reo2riBuGNlO-T4O4SYZh4cC8Bc_uDb-PTDg_eEgUVmeLvP0VIYwvYKkc8xNwq0854WeQxxiYB3DC9IryHfcSq8wsJbhVAUdHAdfCHDZOz1nLd7MJ2/s320/DSC09470.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645424426589234242" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The above mentioned cafe. They have the best chocolate brownies I have found in India so far :)</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBzZP42CNSud-c9pAv3LYWuUDUxLept1wlX7GBy49mMD9cGeM7vJnDwQBKscS3XdSQ1qCXF9xfK3vEPOJ-JQOmEfz-0naXO39dChvtfPzoRqYYy5lAWsL-TueELpCuHv57g9dOWOSyge1/s1600/DSC09472.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBzZP42CNSud-c9pAv3LYWuUDUxLept1wlX7GBy49mMD9cGeM7vJnDwQBKscS3XdSQ1qCXF9xfK3vEPOJ-JQOmEfz-0naXO39dChvtfPzoRqYYy5lAWsL-TueELpCuHv57g9dOWOSyge1/s320/DSC09472.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645424415520149202" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQA1yoggrM4hoSMnAf7co6Azeini8Ns_PKFE3e7gU7GTrBoAqKGPinsMrn5VFfFdiAotCw7w2tWMJzQ_duAVUi_lLF1Vq2t9s5dA9-0rqYRo9p0b3-Q_fSGSY6zAjq9nSok_wjOcWbMSn/s1600/DSC09471.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQA1yoggrM4hoSMnAf7co6Azeini8Ns_PKFE3e7gU7GTrBoAqKGPinsMrn5VFfFdiAotCw7w2tWMJzQ_duAVUi_lLF1Vq2t9s5dA9-0rqYRo9p0b3-Q_fSGSY6zAjq9nSok_wjOcWbMSn/s320/DSC09471.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645424415029023234" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yybq6G4IyYIzDNIywiOVyv4R_J9G0a8g3p7ZI_vLzYlEv-mMse3xOb87tTdnRBmatpdK9-HUpmv9tls0M_gQ-Vs14MG-aD-hN7wrkLWWsqGj8YI1rf8YQp8huI5TYW9YoAuiix_pBceD/s1600/DSC09522.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yybq6G4IyYIzDNIywiOVyv4R_J9G0a8g3p7ZI_vLzYlEv-mMse3xOb87tTdnRBmatpdK9-HUpmv9tls0M_gQ-Vs14MG-aD-hN7wrkLWWsqGj8YI1rf8YQp8huI5TYW9YoAuiix_pBceD/s320/DSC09522.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645424404280965362" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">To finish it off, I just had to add a photo of the monkey we saw on Friday. He comes in to chase off the wild monkeys who have decided that the school playground is a cool place to hang out. After chasing them away he pees all over to mark the territory as his and hopefully they don't come back. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535738355647692756.post-49258154187980380992011-08-09T04:36:00.006-05:002011-08-09T09:27:27.223-05:00What a difference a year makes.....<div style="text-align: center;">Let's see.....this time last year....school was starting, we were living in a <a href="http://www.theleela.com/hotel-gurgaon.html">hotel</a> crossing our fingers every day that our apartment would soon be finished, and trying to track down our shipment from the US. The little one started at a local <a href="http://intellitots.in/aboutus.html">preschool </a>and big sister in grade 2 at <a href="http://aes.ac.in/splash.php">AES</a>. She was sure she would need me close by so I spent the first two days wandering around the school campus. Don't get me wrong, it is one of the most beautiful school campuses I have ever seen, but there is only so much to do. Especially, when you are a new parent and know, if I remember correctly, one other parent. At pick up time, little one was usually sleeping and I would stand off to the side watching all the other moms and dads catch up. Hearing, "How are you? How was your summer? It's so great to see you." It actually made me a little sad and lonely. Thankfully, we have been through this, and I kept telling myself that this too will pass. Even though my head knew this, it still is never easy being the "new kid."</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAA4RrTJIpzqQ6amLv99_7lWDJg04griKD2udoxHKZWnarBkjp3-j2ZZS0Ax12tWk-WfDOMANyViVRoeWffbSQy4lPpWbQfn4JyeEG_oRpKw68UXCmp_nPHhH-uajne2xwgG0PU_AS19d0/s1600/august+20100001.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAA4RrTJIpzqQ6amLv99_7lWDJg04griKD2udoxHKZWnarBkjp3-j2ZZS0Ax12tWk-WfDOMANyViVRoeWffbSQy4lPpWbQfn4JyeEG_oRpKw68UXCmp_nPHhH-uajne2xwgG0PU_AS19d0/s320/august+20100001.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638798272582430242" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Fast forward a year and she doesn't even look back when heading for the gate on day #1. The little one was telling me, "It's OK mama. We can do this without you." </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pZQrwErCn-I4fVtX2DjC2EhR_PBkY6eFx_wOBn_IvAgJARzRFQGxFyyJHg2nXP__6tU7BZjIn44KURs9YdjmehTN0B_R3nmjf51PoY08FMpq2HIoDVIHzVPlcP6JbODajonPCFmDl9ch/s1600/august+20100003.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pZQrwErCn-I4fVtX2DjC2EhR_PBkY6eFx_wOBn_IvAgJARzRFQGxFyyJHg2nXP__6tU7BZjIn44KURs9YdjmehTN0B_R3nmjf51PoY08FMpq2HIoDVIHzVPlcP6JbODajonPCFmDl9ch/s320/august+20100003.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638793780549813714" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We go through the gate and check out the class lists and actually recognize multiple names in each of the girls' classes. I look up to see friends I haven't seen all summer. Sigh of relief. I am no longer the new kid. I now belong. That seems petty and elementary schoolish but was actually how it felt. We knew where we were going and even stopped to help some of those lost looking newbies who still have "V" for visitor badges. (Sidenote: getting rid of the "V" badge and getting the real one with your photo is another huge step.) I even helped give tours of the campus to new parents this summer and somehow got roped into being a room mom before classes even started. Hmm...maybe it is time to not belong quite so much??</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWnj14u8zT1z3YZQOxpz5vyv0HQGU0RKXfOjSYkT6lLqi5I2_abIyWlU6jYQwKG5A1V-OC5cg40tgUMY9ADe7II2kDqHEhFErLECqJk70wbEcef9Tcf4cXEWAqnzkWPQKrtUCWTFy_er0E/s1600/august+20100004.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWnj14u8zT1z3YZQOxpz5vyv0HQGU0RKXfOjSYkT6lLqi5I2_abIyWlU6jYQwKG5A1V-OC5cg40tgUMY9ADe7II2kDqHEhFErLECqJk70wbEcef9Tcf4cXEWAqnzkWPQKrtUCWTFy_er0E/s320/august+20100004.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638793763314631778" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535738355647692756.post-24283292586100266672011-07-25T03:19:00.002-05:002011-07-25T03:47:03.644-05:00just a clip<div style="text-align: center;">Most days when we are out driving about, running errands, and living life in India I am preoccupied with what is going on inside the car. If the girls are with me, I am busy reading to them, singing songs, and refereeing arguments. When I am alone, I often have a book to read, a phone call to make, or a nap to take. Recently I had a day that was different. Rachel decided to stay and help at Bekah's preschool. My book was at home beside the bed instead of in my purse. All my messages had been sent and phone calls made. I just sat back and looked out the window. Yes, this is an advantage of having a driver. Instead of worrying about traffic and being on defense all the time, I am able to take in my surroundings. While watching morning life unfold around me I realized how often I use my book, phone, or children as a distraction. It is not always easy to sit and look out the window at life here. The dirt, the poverty, the crazy traffic, the beggars are all reasons why I focus toward the inside of our comfortable, cool <a href="http://www.toyotabharat.com/cars/new_cars/in_innova/index.aspx">Toyota Innova</a>. But there is also a vibrant, active world going that I am not seeing. The colors of India are amazing, the sounds, the activity, the LIFE. The markets are opening. Men and women are on the way to work. Children are off to school. You see groups of men around small chai stands having their morning tea. (Click on this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdYpG3mMoeQ">link </a>for a better video of chai being made) and/or sitting under a tree having a shave and haircut. So much happening and unfolding that I am unable to describe to someone who has never been to India. Today when taking Bekah to school I remembered to bring my camera along. She was busy telling a story and talking to herself. Below are two clips of what we see while driving to the school. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxsmbzDZj9FmbsNSYd-SISiGqyCD1HqeufHpnXHGWuoBceMGAqqbeBU0PoZuKfaYGD9KeTAy26HpFJaKb9OwA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dybg0ez1AcIcRWz4jxbkOyHQNeTBUMCZ2vuOKzU_fwHr2B0_rF3M0GCaTDkl211Xu7E88yqfrTAF8m64qZfEg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0