Home again, home again

The taxi drove Greg and I into campus as the sun was rising this morning.  It was chilly, but there was no snow.  I am back to Woodstock, back to work and life on the hillside - Professional Development and Visionary meetings next week :)  I'm also looking forward to moving in to my new apartment.

I might have to do some organizing... :)

Christmas in January 

(a recreation, in photos and words)

Three days ago: Greg, the photographer, and I were waiting for breakfast on the beach.  

Pretty quiet. Brisk enough to put on a stylish, new long sleeve.

the Ray Charles

The joy of receiving presents - smart wool socks, an official "Scott Landseidel calendar", among other great gifts.

Ok Greg, I'm glad you're having fun with my camera...

... but thats enough.

The coffee was great!  I already miss it.  But I don't miss it more than I miss my fam.  Thanks for sending some love.

Beaches of Goa

I'm in Goa India now.  Its the state to be in if you love the following:
A. Sunny clear skies
B. Salty breeze off the ocean
C. A diet including beef and/or pork 

:)

This morning I woke up with the sun, rented a kayak, and paddled into the wind and waves.  I saw some more dolphins and watched the rising tide crash up onto the rocks.  I was off the water before the sun was too high and hot, and cleaned up for breakfast.  I love south India because I can enjoy a great cup of black coffee (Not instant coffee.  Not "a little coffee with my sugar-milk".  Just GREAT coffee.)

I will be here until the 27th.  Then Greg and I will fly back to Delhi and take a train north to Woodstock.  There I'll have to bundle up for the cold February weather in Mussoorie.

I cannot wait to post the photos from the last few weeks.  I've taken an interest in the abundant flora in this part of the country.  You can also expect many pictures of the beautiful seaside scenery.  Stay tuned.

The following link has the Complete Itinerary.

Its only 2 days until Christmas in January!  My friend and coworker, Nan, has agreed to play the role of Santa when she arrives on the 25th.  She went home to WI/MN for the break.  She is coming back to India with a package of Christmas gifts from Alabama Rd in Bloomington, MN.   Can't wait!

Flowers on Pongal

The Southern Indian harvest festival, Pongal, is known for kite flying and rangoli.  I'm in Hyderabad, but I am staying with a friend/coworker in a quiet neighborhood with fresh air and manicured gardens.  It is refreshing compared to the bustle and polluted city.

rangoli - a traditional decorative folk art of India

Common White Frangipani - one of my favorite flowers in India thus far. 

I'm in Hampi now - just finished some amazing pizza a few minutes ago.  Highlight of today was napping in a shady nook on top of a boulder in between chapters of No Country For Old Men by Cormac McCarthy.

Where's Devan?

Its been a while since my last post - unfortunately posting is always one of the last things I remember to do at these cyber cafes.

My mom had the idea to post a Google map tracking my tour.  Click this sentence for a google map.

In the last few days I've had cuisines from the following countries/regions: Lebanon, Africa, Central America, USA, Thailand, Italy... Greg and I have been enjoying a break from the rich and spicy Indian curries!

I hope to get some pictures up soon.
Until then, be good.

Jaisalmer - The Golden City

December 21st - 22nd

Above: where we had breakfast. 

 This is really what the majority of the buildings in this city looked like - ornate and beautiful.

 The front of the hotel.  

 And the back of the hotel.  Unfortunately, not every nook and cranny was beautiful.

Sam Sand Dunes 

Probably the closest I'll ever get to Pakistan (within 25mi).

 Little Beetle

 Pretty Flower

Within the fort/city

Jain Temples - street view

The same temples from a rooftop restaurant near by.  

Jodhpur - The Blue City

December 23rd - 26th

 A view showing some of the blue in the city.  Our hotel was blue too. 

 There were many gates leading up to the fort.

The audio tour guide told me that courtyards are the architectural center piece in this fort - this is one of them.

 View from the top of the fort.  The white building next to the lake is the Jaswant Thada - the tomb for royalty, which Greg and I checked out on Christmas. 

There were hundreds of birds everywhere.

One of the staff at the fort and a camel sitting outside the fort.