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Showing posts from March, 2007

BHU - Varanasi

We took a hiring trip to Varanasi and as the plane flight arrived and left midday, so we had some time to see the city. Varanasi was chaotic in the greatest sense of the word. There were even streets that no cars were allowed on, but were so packed with pedestrians and rickshaws, that it was hard to walk. There are also many small alleyways that wind throughout the city between the larger roads. I think you might be able to get lost in them. The first night we headed down to the ghats and took a boat ride. The river was beautiful with tea lights in banana leaf boats floating along. That night we had a relaxing dinner at a Nepalese restaurant, which served Mexican and Italian food. Although difficult to find, the family running the restaurant was nice and the seating outdoors. There were just a few tables that felt like picnic tables. The next day was spent interviewing, but we finished quite early so we headed to one of the ghats to meet Neeta's uncle. What a joy. He's been liv

Udaipur - Holi Madness

Udaipur was one of my favorite places. With a large lake that splits the town, it is reminiscent of cities such as Venice or Budapest. The city was a relaxing place to hang out, even during Holi . Breakfast at Udaikoti Hotel. The man on the left flagged us down when we were paddle boating the lake. Despite warnings not to touch land, we couldn't say no to such a display of enthusiasm, so we stopped and enjoyed his lakeside property while sipping lassis. The fun begins. There were huge bonfires at night filled with firecrackers. It was deafening. I was told that part of Holi is buring the dead from the winter, hence the bonfires. The colors used to be various minerals to help the dried out winter skin. I was excited to get in the middle of the action, so I headed out into the streets with the goal of getting colored and picking up some art. It took me walking down the driveway of the hotel in a white shirt to be spotted and I was I was politely painted on my face by a few guys. My f