My Oyster

The Most Romantic City in the World...

Paris? Venice? Nope. Udaipur.  That according to our driver.

He may not be far off. It really is something else here. Jean and I arrived here, by plane, after spending the first half of the day in Delhi. We went to Humayun’s tomb. Amazing. We also tried, but failed, to get in some last minute shopping. Our driver took us to some dive run by his friends. Ugh.

Once we got to Udaipur we got the royal treatment at our hotel - what was the guest palace of the Maharana.  Bagpipes, dancing horses, little dots on foreheads, beads.  It was actually approaching a bit uncomfortable as the pipers started song number 3 for us.  Still, it's the kind of reception I wish I would get more often.

And here are my Five Favorite Fotos from today...

Nature...

This thing was right there at eye level and inches away as I walked into a tomb.  

Beauty...

That's Dev Patel, right behind Jean.  It's really dark at this outdoor restaurant, so the quality is not great.  But it's him.

Fun...

Our bagpipe reception upon checkin at the hotel in Udaipur.  

Spirit...

Humayun's Tomb.

Just liked it...

I really dig these Mughal windows with the stone lattice work shapes - the lighting effects are amazing.

And more photos here at my Flickr account.

   

New Adventures in Old Delhi...

Today we headed straight to Old Delhi for sightseeing.  Well, after a workout, brunch, and a manicure at the hotel.

We hit three of my favorite spots from my first trip here - The Red Fort (Mughal fortress), Chandni Chowk (crowded old market neighborhood), and Jama Masjid (main mosque).  I really like how the mosque is this island of serenity in the middle of wild, out of control humanity.

We ended the day with some shopping in a trendy New Delhi neighborhood (Greater Kailash) and dinner at the Cafe Diva.  It's a new place and the owner was great.

And here are my Five Favorite Fotos from today...

Nature...

I think Elephants in the main road of Old Delhi count as nature.  

Beauty...

Lotsa color and lotsa humanity.  We were nearly overwhelmed by both at the Chandni Chowk market.

Fun...

Everyone here seems happy to see us.  A smile goes a long way.  

Spirit...

Jama Masjid - Delhi's main mosque.  Getting close to prayer time.

Just liked it...

Atul and Jean being propelled by the throngs through the narrow side streets of the Chandni Chowk.  Come to find out Atul doesn't really like crowds.

And more photos here at my Flickr account.

   

Incredible India!

The work has ended and the vacation is beginning.  My week has been packed with meetings, interviews, speeches, and lots of time in hotels, conference halls, and office buildings.  Nice - but I am ready for a change of pace.

Jean arrived early this morning and he and Atul did the tourist thing together while I was working.  I joined them at the tail end for some lunch at the Taj hotel and then a stroll through through the Dilli Haat - a great food and shopping bazaar in Delhi.

Jean and I did some planning for the weekend here in Delhi over dinner.  I think we are ready to get this vacation started right. 

And here are my Five Favorite Fotos from my first few days in Delhi...

Nature...

The view from my hotel.  Sunrise through the smog.  Nature peeking through man's presence.   

Beauty...

What's more beautiful than meeting a good friend from home in a far-away place? 

Fun...

Spitting petroleum fire out your mouth.  Fun.   

Spirit...

Lots of gods lining the street by our hotel in Delhi.

Just liked it...

Even though my travel nurse warned me to "STAY AWAY FROM DOGS!", I can't resist them.  Just chillin at the market. 

And more photos here at my Flickr account.