As we expected, the going wasn't always easy. But we are so glad we came and experienced some things we may never see again. The Good: -We loved the sights, from the Taj Mahal, the most beautiful building in the world, to feeling like Lawrence of Arabia riding our camels... Continue reading

There is a very distinct divide between the sexes here. The literacy rate among men is 73% and among women is 48%. The men clearly wear the pants in India. All our waiters, drivers and service staff direct their questions, comments, and requests for payment to me rather than Jess.... Continue reading

Above photo: Butter garlic crab from Mahesh Lunch Home in Bombay. Alright, we ain't gonna lie to you. Our waistlines have expanded a few inches here in India. Just take a look at exhibit A: You are probably thinking, "From Ironman to house (or more appropriately haveli)!" But are you... Continue reading

After exploring Kerala's jungles, we went west to explore Kerala's famous backwaters. Taking a kettuvallam cruise in Kerala's backwaters is an essential touristic experience. The backwaters are made up of lakes and canals with skinny palm trees lining the waterways. Along the canals you get to see village life -... Continue reading

At first glance, India's beaches are just like the ones found in the rest of the world. There is sand, no shortage of people wearing bikinis that shouldn't be wearing bikinis (myself included) and the same tropical drinks found on every beach bar menu - daiquiris, margaritas and every college... Continue reading

The southwestern state of Kerala coins itself as "God's Own Country." I'm not sure if this is a reference to the Christian influence down here (though of course there are plenty of Hindus and Muslims too), or if they are simply describing Kerala's divine beauty. Either way, I can see... Continue reading

The two growing giants have a lot in common: huge populations, growing and developing economies, awful pollution, crushing poverty plus a growing middle class plus a small but opulently wealthy upper class. Both cultures love to live densely. The cities are very dense, and there is an abrupt transition from... Continue reading

As mentioned in this previous post, Tim and I decided we could have one never-would-we-pay-this-much-for-a-hotel splurge on our honeymoon, and we chose the Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur (the Lake City). For the last three years, Conde Naste has ranked it among its top 10 hotels, so it is uber swank.... Continue reading

Communication Jess: (At Jodphur Airport) Tim, I am craving salt. I need some Pringles. Tim: Jess, you eat a lot of potato chips. They are bad for you. I want you to live a long life with me. Compromise Jess: I promise I've stopped eating as much as I used... Continue reading

We've reached the point on our trip where we've lost track of the days and time. This feeling, elusive in everyday life, is one of my favorite parts of going on vacation. You stop counting down the days until the weekend as every day is the weekend, to be enjoyed... Continue reading

The world's highest practitioners of chess are Indian drivers. Chess here is a daily battle, a life-or-death match played against the clock, only all the pieces move simultaneously. Contestants must think many moves ahead; they must consider each piece, what its motivations are, its likely moves, and the threats it... Continue reading

12/14/10 There are absolutely no words to describe the Taj Mahal, so we won't even try. Enjoy the photos: Continue reading