Sunrise

I got up at 4:30 this morning to see the sunrise from a peak overlooking Pokhara. 

Elephants

I will be leaving the Chitwan National Park this morning; heading to Pokarha. 

Pied Hornbills

I woke up this morning to see these Pied Hornbills through the window of my room. 

On the Road in Nepal

I'm currently on the road heading to the Chitwan National Park which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Unfortunately we have learned that a bridge along our route has collapsed and we are not sure if we will be able to pass over what remains. Stay tuned. 

Crossing Boarder Into Nepal

I crossed the boarder into Nepal yesterday. The first thing you notice is a lot less honking of horns on the streets.  The roads are also a bit better. 

My first stop was the birthplace of Budda. 

Ceremony on the River Ganges

The monsoon rains hit near the end of the ceremony making for a very exciting adventure on the way back to the hotel. 

Orchha

I took the train from Agra to Orchha this morning. Orchha is a much smaller city. I will visit a few of the temples before boarding the train again tomorrow. 

A Day in Agra

My first stop in Arga was the Agra Fort. It has been the site of many historical events since its construction in the mid 17th century including a historical battle of the Indian rebellion in 1857. 

And, of course, Agra in where you will find the Famous Taj Mahal; built by the Muslim Emperor Shah Jahan. 

Bollywood

My last night in Jaipur included at trip to the Bollywood theater where popcorn and a Coke cost me about $1.70. 

Streets of Jaipur

Navigating the streets of Jaipur can be an exciting adventure. 

Jaipur, The Pink City

Jaipur became known as the Pink City when it's wall were painted pink (actually terra cotta) to welcome Prince Albert in the mid 1800s. 

This photo was taken in the Amber Fort. 

A Busy First Day in Delhi

My first full day in Dehli took me to many sites; including the Jama Mosque, the Qutab Minar and the Raj Ghat Ghandi Memorial. 

First Dinner

I had a chance to meet some of my fellow travelers over dinner tonight. The food was great!  It made my eyes water and my nose run while I was getting to know my new friends from Chicago, Los Angeles and other parts of the U.S.

Finally arrived in Delhi

Americans are required to get a visa prior to entering India. I applied for an "e-visa" last month; paid the fee and got my papers in about two days.  This was the first time I had gotten a visa "e-visa".  Most countries let Amercans travel without a pre-arranged visa but when they don't, it's usually a more complicated process that requires mailing in your passport and takes several weeks. This e-visa was very easy so I was a bit concerned that I might run into a problem.  Indeed, I did. When the agents at each of the airports couldn't find a visa stamped in my passport, I had to show them my papers and convince them that my passport would be stamped when I arrived at the Delhi airport. I had to wait several minutes at the gate in Abu Dhabi while the plane was boarding and I waited for an airport authority to approve my departure. But, I'm here now and my passport is stamped. 

Last Long Walk

Tomorrow morning's walk will be a quick one; well before the sun rises. So, this will be our last long walk before I return in August. It was still pretty warm but Sweenwy and I decided to just sit on a bench and enjoy the fresh air and our last few moments before I leave. We'll have an extra Milkbone before we hit the bed tonight. 

Predeparture Rituals

My plane takes off in just 14 hours. I'm mostly packed and ready to go so, I'm just spending some time going over some of my pre-departure rituals. One of them is making sure all my dollars are clean and crisp. Many foreign currency exchanges will not accept currency that has been torn or soiled. In Mongolia they wouldn't even take it if it had been folded. Mine looks pretty good. Now I just need to try and get a good night's sleep. I'll be getting up at 4am. 

Preparing for Another Culture

I'll be leaving in just three days. Most of my preparation is complete so I've just been doing some reading about India and Nepal. India will come first and this is what the GEEO website has to say:

India is a country which is very different...... Although this means it is not the easiest place to travel, this is also what makes it so special. Pollution, poverty and the crowds can result in initial culture shock but should be seen as an exciting new challenge.   ...(Visitors)....have come to love this large and wonderfully different country but...should always expect to encounter some difficulties along the way.

In India there are very different attitudes to time keeping, public cleanliness, privacy and service. Trains will sometimes be late, plumbing can sometimes be temperamental and power will often just vanish. Optimistic menus turn out to have only one dish available and everyone, just everyone, will want to know your name. If you are able to travel with a lot of patience and a healthy sense of humor, then you will be captivated by what India has to offer.