All Around Delhi

First of all, let me say that I absolutely love a country that knows how to make (and serve) a good cup of tea.  Ah.....I drank tea and more tea all over India and had not one bad cup.  To the entire subcontinent let me say, "Thank you."

One of the very first things we did in Delhi was to take a bicycle rickshaw ride to Chandni Chowk, the market in Old Delhi.  It is a labyrinth of alleys and streets, shops and people and smells, honking cars, motor bikes, bicycle rickshaws and crowds and the occasional wandering cow.  It was amazing!  I loved the ride and had a thoroughly wonderful time gawking. 

I must say, the wiring reminded me of China....

There were sari shops displaying their wedding finery.  We were there during the height of the wedding season and almost every night we heard (if we didn't see) weddings going on all around our hotels.  There were lights and loud music, lots of guests coming and going, the groom and his family and entourage would arrive in splendor and it was exciting to see.  Many of the grooms came by white stallion.  Some come in elaborate silver wedding carriages.  Others came in cars, the poor fellows, but at least the cars were all decorated and festive.  Everything to do with the weddings is bright, loud, glittery and fun!

This is my lunch one day, an onion uthapam---a sort of pizza-like dish.  It was delicious.  Many of the restaurants are vegetarian and I had a lot of great vegetarian food while in India.

Nonie at a museum

I hope this will give you a taste of what is to come.  I am still trying to figure out how to move some photos around so I can post them.  Please bear with me....I'm not particularly good at solving computer issues and I'm trying to figure this out as quickly as I can.

Happy New Year!

New Camera for Christmas

 My DH gave me a new Nikon J1 camera kit for Christmas.  It came with two lenses and a camera case, too.  I am just beginning to figure out how it all works, but thought I would post a some of my first photos with the new set-up.  It's light weight (compared especially to my D80!) and compact.  I think this two lens camera set up will make a great travel system.

Thank you, sweetie.  I love my gift!  (And you.)

Nonie and I spent two nights in Las Vegas right after Christmas.  I tried taking photos I knew would test the new camera to the max, and it came through brilliantly with each and every try.  The above photo shows some of the conservatory floral decorations at the Bellagio, where we stayed.

Nonie

We had some stunning sunsets while we were there.  I took these shots from the window of our room on the 29th floor.  We had a beautiful view over town toward the mountains.

These two shots are of the famous Chihuly ceiling at the Bellagio.  It truly is beautiful.

These two photos were taken at sunrise, again from our room on the 29th floor, facing the Cosmopolitan.  I love the blue streaks!

And here is an early morning reflection.  It was a fun trip, and while only two nights, just enough time for me to spend in Vegas.  We saw O and ate at some great restaurants, did a tiny bit of shopping (really, we did only a tiny bit....not being into bling!) and walked and walked and walked.

Now I will get back to editing my India photos for the next posting.....

Now I will get back to editing my India photos for the next posting.....

Merry Christmas to All!

Merriest Christmas wishes to you all, Dear Readers, or Joyous Blessings of the Season, or a most happy and healthy New Year, depending on the sentiment you might most prefer.  From my family to yours, Happy Holidays!

Home Again

early morning from Nargakot, Nepal

I'm home again, from India and Nepal.  I had THE BEST TIME and I have so many photos and stories to share with you.  But....

Please be patient.  I am suffering mightily from jet lag and I do want to spare you the whining and wailing of that particular journey.  I am working on my photos as time and energy allow, while trying to decorate the house for Christmas, unpack, do laundry and iron, cook and the usual run of chores that make up our daily lives.  It's a sort of a juggle right now.  I'm in a brain fog, too, which doesn't  help.

But....photos and stories are coming.  I promise.

Soon.