Photoblog

Naked Squirrel 003

2009-01-23T20:17:00.001-05:00

2 Village Square

2008-09-12T09:41:00.004-04:00

We stayed at this B&B about 6 years ago before the current owners, Joe & CT took it over. They have made many improvements on an already great place to stay in Ogunquit. The Inn is located on US 1 with ocean views and a short walk to the beach.

Wind mills in Illinois

2008-08-29T09:43:00.004-04:00

While visiting friends in Illinois, we had a chance to see the wind farm west of DeKalb. I didn't think they were very noisy. They have a cooling unit at the base of the "stalk" that is about as noisy as an A/C unit. The blades are no noisier that a ceiling fan. I'd put one in my backyard if I could hook into the energy it is generating.

Legos at the Stamford Museum

2008-08-29T09:15:00.009-04:00

We stopped by the Stamford Museum to see Nathan Swaya's Lego creations. It is a fabulous exhibit. The artist included a self-portrait dome in Legos.

We have Kitties!!!

2008-08-17T13:30:00.007-04:00

We finally adopted 2 cats from PAWS, the animal shelter in Montclair. Phoebe and Toonces are sisters that had been placed separately but returned within a week of each other. It took Toonces a while to adjust, preferring to stay up in
the rafters and in the suspended ceiling. Phoebe adjusted quickly and took up residence on the sofa in the TV room. We love them. Please consider adopting a pet from your local shelter. With the bad economy in the US, many people are forced to give up their pets when the move to new housing. Please bring your pets to a shelter rather than abandoning them.

Navigation Mural

2008-08-17T13:18:00.005-04:00

These panels are from the S.S. Normandie. They were designed by Jean Dupas and executed by Charles Champigneulle for the corners of the Grand Salon in the first class section of this luxury ocean liner.

Through the Time Tunnel

2008-08-17T12:05:00.006-04:00

We stopped by EYEBEAM to view the interactive exhibits. My favorite was "Through the Time Tunnel" by Miseong Lee, an artist from South Korea, where she studied industrial design. See more at the EYEBEAM website: http://www.eyebeam.org/learning/interactivos.php#miseong I've uploaded another video to my YouTube site and have linked it to my blog In the meantime, here is a shorter video I shot with my point & shoot Canon:

Jeff Koons

2008-08-17T11:33:00.006-04:00

We visited the Metropolitan Museum in NYC to see the Jeff Koons exhibit on the rooftop of the museum. As you can see it was a fabulous summer day. The exhibit was wonderful, especially seen against the skyline of Central Park. Hope you have a chance to see it when in NYC.

Playing the Building

2008-08-17T11:14:00.011-04:00

We stopped by the old Battery Maritime Building to "Play" the building. We first had to sign a waiver acknowledging the poor condition of the building and waiving our rights to sue if we were injured. The building wasn't in that bad of shape, however. The artist, David Byrne, hooked up an old organ to various parts of the building. Playing the keyboard played different parts of the building. We wonder if he was inspired by the knocking of his radiators??? Check out his website: http://www.davidbyrne.com/art/art_projects/playing_the_building/index.php
Take a listen; the last picture is a short video!

The Waterfalls - New York City East River

2008-07-07T13:50:00.001-04:00

These waterfalls were erected by Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson. These structures recycle water from the East River and operate from early morning until 10 PM. They are lit at night. They will operate until October

New York Skyline - Jersey View

2008-04-05T19:25:00.001-04:00

I took this video as I was leaving the Lincoln Tunnel.

Cheyenne Diner

2008-04-05T11:48:00.003-04:00

The Cheyenne Diner has been on this corner for many years. It is one of the last railroad car style diners in New York City. It closes for good on April 6th to make way for a new building. I was going to stop in for a meal but my friend Joe warned me it is a real "greasy spoon."

Another Kind of Cowboy

2008-03-23T18:22:00.004-04:00

This guy is famous in New York City. Today it is about 45 degrees Fahrenheit or 7 degrees Celsius. He always wears the same "outfit." Rumor has it he makes about $100,000 a year doing this...tax free of course!!

American Cowboy

2008-02-09T22:24:00.000-05:00

This is one of the real ranch hands at 1000 Acres resort. A real American Cowboy

Bumper stickers

2008-01-29T13:12:00.000-05:00

I saw this when I was returning home from the YM-YWHA this morning.

New York's Bravest

2008-01-23T21:09:00.001-05:00

In New York City, the fire fighters are referred to as New York's Bravest and the police officers are referred to as New York's Finest. The fire fighters here were answering a call in New York's Theater District. It turned out to be false alarm

New York's Bravest

2008-01-23T17:26:00.001-05:00

Unmarked Car

2008-01-23T17:18:00.000-05:00

This is the car that waits to catch speeders in Montclair. He nabbed our neighbor so I took this picture while he issued the ticket. Better follow the speed laws!!

Dancer at Palm Meadows

2008-01-04T10:53:00.001-05:00

We were treated to a demonstartion of native dances during Navratri at Palm Meadows.

Back to the USA

2007-12-21T05:30:00.000-05:00

We're heading back to the USA after 6 months in India. I'll be off-line for a few days so check back then for more pcitures!

Bears at Bannerghatta National Park

2007-12-18T06:34:00.000-05:00

When we first arrived, we didn't see any bears. Eventually, some of the park employees got them to head down this road. Though it might seem that they would be tame, they are not. The great thing about going on this safari is we were in the cage and the animals were free.

Waiting for the Bus

2007-12-18T06:30:00.000-05:00

We saw these buses pull in at a stop and people madly running back and forth between the buses to tranfer to a new bus. People line up to wait like anywhere else. We were told women should avoid taking the buses as they are likely to be groped.

Bangalore Truck

2007-12-18T06:27:00.000-05:00

I never got tired to looking at the paint jobs on trucks in Bangalore.

Sarah and Kavitha

2007-12-18T06:23:00.000-05:00

This is Kavitha, our maid while we are at Palm Meadows. I tried to get her to smile, as she has a great smile but this is the best I could do!

Cobra at Bannerghatta National Park

2007-12-17T06:13:00.001-05:00

Bannerghatta National Park

2007-12-17T02:27:00.001-05:00

Bannerghatta National park is just outside Bangalore. The animals are allowed to roam free within set areas of the parks. There is fencing around the park but this is to keep poachers out more than the animals in. We were able to go on a photo safari for about an hour and a half for about $2.50. This was a really great way to end our experience in India.

Channa and Sarah

2007-12-11T05:32:00.000-05:00

This is Channa, Sarah's driver and his "ride." We took this picture at the temple in Mysore.

Monkeys at the Temples

2007-12-11T05:01:00.000-05:00

These monkeys were at the two temples we saw in Mysore. They are fat little fellows!

Mysore Temple

2007-12-11T04:41:00.000-05:00

This Hindu temple overlooks the city of Mysore.

Lalitha Mahal Palace

2007-12-10T07:02:00.000-05:00

When we went to Mysore, we stopped at the Lalitha Mahal Palace, built by the Maharajah for his guests. It is now a government-run hotel. The Blue Ballroom is now the restaurant. We stopped in for a very nice buffet. When in Mysore...stop at the Lalitha!

On the Road to Mysore

2007-12-09T23:39:00.000-05:00

We saw these rock formations on Mysore Road, the highway between Bangalore and Mysore. They reminded us of Bedrock!

What do you do when a Cow is in the Road?

2007-12-09T01:10:00.000-05:00

SWERVE!!!

Maharaja's Palace at Mysore

2007-12-09T00:37:00.000-05:00

Sarah and I visited the Maharajah's Palace in Mysore.

Traffic in Bangalore II-Narrative

2007-12-06T04:50:00.002-05:00

There are other traffic videos for Bangalore traffic on YouTube but this is illustrative of the typical weaving and beeping you encounter

Traffic in Bangalore II

2007-12-06T04:50:00.001-05:00

Traffic in Bangalore-Narrative

2007-12-06T01:31:00.000-05:00

Unfortunately, Blogspot is still having difficulties allowing video uploads. So the only alternative is to upload to YouTube and tranfer the video to my blog!
Here motorcycles rule in Bangalore. They weave in an out of traffic and never look behind them. It is up to the driver they cut off to yield.

Traffic in Bangalore

2007-12-06T01:29:00.001-05:00

Tobacco Barn

2007-12-05T23:59:00.000-05:00

OK, I'm getting ready to head back to the US and have started looking at other pictures to put on my blog. This abandoned tobacco barn is right next to the golf course I was playing in Tennessee.

Mughal Music - Narrative

2007-12-05T23:58:00.000-05:00

Molly and Sarah are invited to meet the King. Of course, right in the middle of filming, two photographers decided to get in my line of sight, requiring me to get up and move. In the background is the music we listened to all during dinner. The gift was a dozen mini-bar sized bottles of Bacardi rum, something I'm sure never happened back in the days of Shah Jahan!

Mughal Music

2007-12-05T11:30:00.001-05:00

Mughal Night at the Rajgarh

2007-12-05T07:51:00.001-05:00

Molly, Sarah and I had another opportunity to get together before Molly heads back to the US. We were entertained by a theme dinner..Mughal night. Great fun!

Sarah at the Fruit Stand

2007-12-05T04:23:00.000-05:00

Finding good fresh fruit is a constant challenge in Bangalore. We found this stand on Brigade Road and have been fairly satisfied with their produce.

Child Dancer Narrative

2007-12-02T05:47:00.000-05:00

This little girl is dancing for stopped cars to get money. Her mother, seen in the beginning of the video is keeping time with a stick on a tin. The ring around her neck is used to run over her body, a move she makes at the end but she forgot the ring. Taken in Bangalore, India.

Child Dancer

2007-12-02T04:18:00.001-05:00

Street Sights & Sounds

2007-12-02T00:06:00.000-05:00

Finally, a video that actually loaded!! I shot this walking down Brigade Road, a busy shopping street in Bangalore. I started shooting to record the noise from the traffic. This is VERY typical on streets all over Indian cities. Next I noticed a couple of disabled beggars. Notice the boy stooping to leave a few coins on the first beggar's blanket. Just a little glimpse in to what we saw in Bangalore.

Poinsettias

2007-11-30T02:39:00.000-05:00

Our neighbors has some lovely poinsettias in their garden. We noticed a number of poinsettia plants in the neighborhood but they aren't connected to Christmas as Christians are a decided minority in India

Thanksgiving

2007-11-30T01:48:00.001-05:00

Molly is a fellow IBMer and Cheesehead. She and Sarah, posing in front of our door, are celebrating Thanksgiving in Bangalore.

Chipwhirls

2007-11-29T00:01:00.000-05:00

I call these guys Chipwhirls...ok, they are three-striped palm squirrels but that is so boring! They make very LOUD squeak-screams. Can't miss 'em! I photographed these guys at the Taj Mahal.

Want some fish

2007-11-28T05:38:00.000-05:00

Ignore the fact that there is no refrigeration. You probably don't want to know where these were caught given the number of people who lack plumbing and use the waterways for latrines.

Motorcycle travel

2007-11-27T08:16:00.000-05:00

The rider right behind the driver is called a pillion. Often, you see the women riding behind the man (who is supposed to be wearing a helmet). This woman is carrying her child. I am amazied that they can ride side-saddle, carry a child, and keep their balance as the motorcycle weaves through traffic.

Diwali Drawing

2007-11-27T07:14:00.000-05:00

Thi is an example of the eight-sided lotus found in front of many entrances both commercial and residential during Diwali. Swastiks are also found on door frames, vehicles and store fronts.

Diwali Door

2007-11-24T22:41:00.000-05:00

Hindus leave lights by their doors during Diwali to welcome the goddess Laxmi. Windows are left open on the eastern, western, and northern sides of the house all night to allow her to enter. If you listen, you can hear some of the firecrackers going off in the distance. People are supposed to always face east when lighting them and viewers are supposed to face east or north.

More Palm Meadows

2007-11-22T00:20:00.000-05:00

I have noticed people accessing my blog looking for information on Palm Meadows.

Try the URL www.palmmeadowsclub.com

I've added a picture of the street cleaner. They keep this place very clean. I also included a couple shots from the clubhouse. There is a monthly fee associated with using the clubhouse and an additional fee to use the pool and gym, but there is a family plan available. The tavern and two restaurants are in the clubhouse.

Malls

2007-11-22T00:06:00.000-05:00

The first shot is the entrance on a Sunday at the Forum Mall. There are metal detectors at the entrance an a security person to check inside bags upon entering. By looking at the entrance you would think we were in the midst of an evacuation but that is a typical crowd on a Sunday. What I don't show on the outside is the line waiting to gain entrance, The last shot is a reminder that even with all the new stores and millions of newly affluent Indians, poverty is just around the corner. This was shot while I travelled down the escalator at a new Mall.

Dinner at Inder & Mary Louise's

2007-11-21T23:55:00.000-05:00

We were invited to dinner at Inder & Mary Louise's beautiful home the other night. Inder and Sarah work at IBM in Bangalore. When we arrived, someone started setting off fireworks in the distance. We watched from their balcony. I did the best to get some shots with my camera. This was just a sample of what it was like during Diwali!!

No videos for a while

2007-11-21T23:53:00.000-05:00

Blogspot is having severe technical difficulties allowing uploading videos. They perhaps should have worked out the kinks before offering us all this option!!

Beggar

2007-11-21T23:46:00.000-05:00

Usually you will be asked for money when walking along a street in India, though I was suddenly surrounded by several school girls with palms extended when I entered a museum. Begging isn't limited to the poor. When your car is stopped in traffic, you are likely to be approached by vendors selling fruit, magazines, or facial tissue. Here I was struck by the age of the man looking for money. NOTE: I have added the head shot since I saw the same man a couple weeks later at the same intersection.

Navratri at the Rajgargh Restaurant

2007-11-20T04:21:00.000-05:00

Sarah and I went to the Indian restaurant at Palm Meadows where they had decorated the entrance for Navratri. We all received bindis on our foreheads upon arrival.

Outside Bounce

2007-11-18T08:39:00.000-05:00

This is what I saw outside of Bounce, the hair salon we frequented in Bangalore. I liked the oxen. The cages with yellow tops are used to divide traffic lanes. They are needed because people push into each other's lanes all the time. It is the only way to guarantee keeping traffic divided. All these AC units were just down the street from Bounce.

Flower Pots at Diwali

2007-11-15T01:44:00.000-05:00

These fireworks are called "flower pots" and are very popular at Diwali.

Firecrackers

2007-11-15T01:18:00.000-05:00

Now you have to imagine, strings of firecrackers this loud. Then imagine thousands of people lighting these at the same time, along with bottle rockets, "flower pots" and actual fireworks going on at the same time. When Sarah and I walked home from the clubhouse Saturday night, it sounded like a war zone! Now imagine this happening all over India for days!! Diwali is India's favorite holiday!!

Celebrating Diwali

2007-11-15T00:14:00.000-05:00

Here our neighbor sets off a cherry bomb. Notice how excited his son is getting in the background. To the left is Anju and her little daughter, Nandu. Later Anju was lighting firecrackers, too. I have to admit, seeing mothers getting into lighting the fireworks was new to me. I can't imagine my mother lighting firecrackers!!

Children celebrate Diwali

2007-11-14T23:08:00.000-05:00

The children really get excited celebrating Diwali. The neighbor boy gives us a good example of this. He is joined by some of the children of the neighborhood. Note the little girl rushing out with her hair still in a towel. The boy is showing his friends the large firecracker he plans to light...hence the screams!

Sarah

2007-11-11T04:45:00.001-05:00

I'm posting some pictures of Sarah taken recently at the Oberoi and at the Taj Mahal. We're having some technical difficulties at blogspot so my videos haven't been loading properly. Hopefully in a few days, this will be fixed.

Diwali Food Sculptures

2007-11-07T07:05:00.000-05:00

The mermaid is carveed out of an Indian pumpkin.

Diwali

2007-11-07T06:52:00.001-05:00

Some of the people attending the Diwali dinner. David Tai and his family: David is Sarah's boss while she is in India. I had to take a few pictures of this cute little boy. he was the hit of the evening. The last picture is of Sarah's friend Chef Bala who was able to make sure her dietary requirements were met.

Diwali Fusion Music

2007-11-06T23:17:00.001-05:00

I thought you might like to hear the vocals and music. The high female voice is the preferred style here. You hear this type of voice in the Bollywood movies.

Diwali at Palm Meadows

2007-11-06T00:19:00.000-05:00

Palm Meadows put on a Diwali celebration around their pool. The lobby was decorated with flower displays. The poolside cafe had a banquet.

Bug in our Garden

2007-11-05T11:28:00.000-05:00

I have no idea what kind of bug this is. I at first thought it was a piece of plastic. It is about the size of a fingernail. I hope you can pick up the pretty detail. You may have to click on the pictures to enlarge them.

Dining at the Maurya

2007-11-05T11:24:00.000-05:00

I noticed that the walls between diners at the restaurant had large holes in them. These holes made this interesting picture possible. The Maurya in Delhi is a sister hotel to the Windsor, our home for the first 5 weeks we were in Bangalore.

Dancers at the Oberoi

2007-11-05T00:25:00.000-05:00

Every night the hotel featured dancers and music for the guests. They performed on the roof top by the pool. This was shot from our balcony.

Agra Cantonment Train Station

2007-11-02T00:13:00.000-04:00

This was a very busy place. As were left the train we saw a large group of men marching and shouting slogans. They assembled outside the station and continued to chant. It appeared to be people dissatisfied with the government. While we were leaving, a soldier (they are everywhere in train stations and air ports) reached out and touched Sarah's arm. I guess to see if she was real. Of course, to whom do you complain??

We were almost immediately beset by beggars. They tend to be very aggressive and simple "Nos" don't work. Here a boy beats on the car window until we drive off. There are also disabled people and mothers holding babies who approach you as well. All of them are begging for food.

Taj Mahal

2007-11-01T09:15:00.001-04:00

Notice the line of people along the base of the Taj. This is part of the line of people waiting to see the inside where the tombs Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal lie. They are not actually buried there, they lie in a dark crypt below, which is not open to the public. The line extends the entire length (front to back) of the Taj on the right, crosses going right to left across the Taj (this is the line you see) and then doubles back to the entrance in the middle. It sounds like a long time but I think we only waited in line about 15 minutes. No pictures are allowed inside. Her cenotaph is on a raised platform. She must have been at most, 5 feet tall. It looks like a child would have been been in there. His is much, much larger and taller. The addition of his cenotaph disturbs the symmetry of the chamber. I wish they would have allowed pictures because the cenotaphs are surrounded by an intricately carved marble screen made from one piece of marble.

Taj Mahal

2007-11-01T08:26:00.000-04:00

Again, this might appear as a black square. I don't know why, just click on the play button.

I am standing where we were allowed to be during the night viewing. This is also where you were to stop taking video. Fortunately for me, my little digital Canon SD 800 also takes videos so though it looked like I was taking still shots, I was actually using the video part of the camera. This is how I could take the videos of the oxen mowing the lawn. Heh heh heh.

Pietra Dura at the Taj Mahal

2007-11-01T07:48:00.000-04:00

The inlays are semi-precious stones like lapis lazuli, malachites and turquoise. There is evidence that the stones have been removed and repaired. These flowers are symbolic of the gardens of paradise.

Taj Mahal in the Moonlight

2007-11-01T07:26:00.000-04:00

This is grainy because I had to shoot it with my point & shoot digital camera. I was not allowed to bring in a tripod, which was necessary to use my SLR. I had to move the ISO to 800 to get this. The Taj is open for viewing two nights before, on the full moon and two nights after. Tickets must be bought in advance. They require your age, birth date and sex to be printed on the tickets. The groups are limited to 50 and no more than 8 groups a night. Cloudy nights...no viewing and no refunds (about $19 for foreigners). You meet 30 minutes in advance of your time to be checked in. Then we were all transported by buses to near the front gate. We were then processed through metal detectors, subject to a physical frisk by an army officer and all cameras had to be x-rayed. No cell phones allowed. We then walked to the gate and were allowed to the end of the gate entrance just before the reflecting ponds. From the time we arrived at the security screening to the time we leave the Taj Mahal is no more than 30 minutes. In fact a timer went off to signal that we needed to leave. Unlike during the day, it was very quiet save for the Muslim calling for prayer in the distance. If you plan to visit the Taj, plan your trip so you can also see it at night.

Taj Mahal from our room

2007-11-01T07:15:00.000-04:00

The middle picture is the actual distance from our room.

This is a view of the Taj Mahal from our room at the Oberoi. I did use the zoom so you can see the detail. The actual distance is about 600 meters.

Lawn Mowers at the Taj Mahal

2007-11-01T06:19:00.000-04:00

I don't know why this is black but if you click the play arrow you will get the little video.

Lawn Care at the Taj Mahal

2007-11-01T05:30:00.000-04:00

Our Hotel - the Oberoi Amarvilas

2007-11-01T01:30:00.000-04:00

This is the driver who picked us up at the train station. When we got out of the car, staff were waiting for us, addressing us by name. You don't really check in at a desk. A uniformed staff member escorts you to your room, writes down the necessary info from your credit card and passports and hands you your key. When you offer a tip, it is explained that we can leave a sealed envelope at the desk when we leave if we wish.

This is the court yard area preceeding the lobby entrance.

The view from our balcony of the "back" of the hotel where every room has a view of the Taj Mahal.

Jantar Mantar I

2007-10-31T01:46:00.001-04:00

This observatory was built by Sawal Jai Singh II in 1724. He was interested in calculating the planetary positions in order to plan sacred rituals at the appropriate times. The Samrat Yantra is a right-angled triangle that functions as a giant sun dial since its hypotenuse is parallel to the earth's axis. Note the calibrations along the edge of the dial. Thank you to DK Eyewitness Travel Guide for India for the facts.

Jantar Mantar II

2007-10-31T01:15:00.000-04:00

The first picture is the Jai Prakash Yantra. It is one of two structures and was invented, it is thought, by Jai Singh himself to verify the readings of his other instruments.

The size of these instruments make them very resistant to vibrations and therefore more exact in their measurements. The small stair structure (Rashivalaya Yantra)is part of a 12 pieces that represent the zodiac signs. They each face a different constellation. Astrologers used this yantra (instrument) to cast horoscopes. It is the only one in the world. Thanks again to DK Eyewitness Travel Guide to India for the facts.

Jantar Mantar III

2007-10-30T01:46:00.001-04:00

India Gate

2007-10-30T01:39:00.000-04:00

Our driver wanted to be sure we took a picture. He was more impressed with it than I. However, it is dedicated to the Indian soldiers who died in WWI, those who fell in the North-West Frontier Province battle, the Third Afghan War and the 1971 India-Pakistan War. The canopy is where King George V was installed. Thanks DK Eyewitness Guide!

Baha'i House of Worship

2007-10-30T01:14:00.000-04:00

There are 7 Baha'i temples in the world. I've seen the one in Wilmette Illinois, but never saw the inside. This temple was designed by an Iranian architect, Fariburz Sahba in 1986. There are 27 marble lotus petals making up the design and 9 water ponds surrounding the structure. The quality of the water is rather cloudy. No pictures are allowed inside. They do hold several short prayer services so pictures would be a distraction. There are marble and wood benches with a seating capacity of about 1300. Thanks to the DK Eyewitness Travel Guide for India for the facts.

On our way to get our hair cut

2007-10-24T02:01:00.000-04:00

The first picture is the view just as we leave our gated community and the last is the wall at our entrance showing barbed wire. There is wire along all the walls of our compound. the other shots are street shots taken as we drove to a salon get our hair cut.

The orange truck is a water truck. Water trucks are supposed to bring potable water to the citizens for free but the drivers often charge for the water.

Cricket in Bangalore

2007-10-24T01:47:00.000-04:00

Two things to note in these photos. The second picture shows fans buying fresh sugar cane juice and the fourth shows the military providing security for the game. Our driver told us this is because the police are corrupt.

Cricket fever hit Bangalore when Australia came to town to play India on an ODI (One Day International). This game differed from the World Cup India won recently in that there were several games to be played in different cities in India and there was a limit of 50 overs rather than the 20 overs in the World Cup. Now how many of my fellow Americans have a clue about what I just wrote?? Unfortunately the game was rained out which probably was a good thing for India as Australia had knocked out India's top batter just as the rain started.

Navratri

2007-10-23T04:51:00.000-04:00

These smashed white pumpkins are decorated with vermilion powder as an offering to the gods. Since the gods were good to the people during the year, this is their offering back.

Dandiya III

2007-10-22T23:47:00.000-04:00

This was my favorite video clip because everyone seemed to be having such a good time. Though they were a little far away I think you can see the large circle of dancers by their sticks!

Dandiya Night II

2007-10-22T08:44:00.000-04:00

See Dandiya Night I for comments. This is a short clip of the dancing done this night.

Dandiya Night I

2007-10-22T07:48:00.000-04:00

Dandiya Night is the last night of Navratri, the Festival of the Nine Nights. Here people are celebrating the victory of the goddess Durga over the Demon. the sticks represent her swords. This celebration took place at our Amenities Center at Palm Meadows.

These are short clips because there is an upload limit and I think you'll get enough of the flavor.

Rain!!

2007-10-22T07:27:00.000-04:00

I thought the rain would be done after monsoon season. In fact, this rain is much harder, and, at least this week, much more often. During monsoon season it would rain for about 10 minutes a day. These rains come several times a day and as you can see, get quite heavy at times.

Homeless

2007-10-22T00:04:00.000-04:00

You don't see many homeless people here but they are present. Usually, people put together a "house" made from tarps and branches almost anywhere.

Sunday at the Lalbagh

2007-10-21T22:40:00.000-04:00

India has the third largest Muslim population in the world....more Muslims than Pakistan. Yet they are a definite minority here in Bangalore. Though there have been clashes between Hindus and Muslims in the past, there seems to be peaceful coexistence here. Here are some families enjoying the large Cottonwood at Lalbagh Gardens

Flower Show at the Lalbagh Park

2007-10-19T00:52:00.001-04:00

You may wonder why there is a flower "arrangement" of the space shuttle but remember one of the recent astronauts was Sunita Williams, an Indian-American who was feted here for her accomplishment of being the first Indian-American in space.

Fruit Stand

2007-10-19T00:44:00.000-04:00

I had to ask my friend Chitra what these were. Guavas! They are very flavorful with lots of seeds!

Danny Diarrhea

2007-10-17T04:24:00.000-04:00

While at the Forum Mall, we noticed this mascot pushing a toilet bowl cleaner. If you use this cleaner you will avoid Danny Diarrhea.

Navratri

2007-10-17T04:09:00.000-04:00

Navratri is known as the Festival of the Nine Nights devoted to the worship of the mother goddess, Durga. The Restaurant, Rajgarh at Palm Meadows featured nine nights of different cuisines from around India.
The entrance has various images of the Indian gods, with Ganesh, the Elephant god in the middle.

Sarah stands on the steps leading to the restaurant,

Laundry Service

2007-10-15T23:15:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the quality of this picture. If your hotel does not do laundry on premises then it no doubt is sending your clothes to an outside laundry service where your clothes are literally beaten on a concrete station by a man or woman using a large paddle (think cricket bat).

Rupees

2007-10-15T23:02:00.000-04:00

Rupees are appreciating in value against the dollar right now. There are firm rules prohibiting taking Rupees out of India. You need to exchange your currency at legitimate currency exchanges and retain the exchange receipts called encashment certificates (good for 3 months). You will need this proof to change your Rupees back to your currency before you leave the country.