Indian women dancing at a Wedding Based on the emails I have received, I understand the following: Some of you are worried about me, some of you are curious about me and my non-traditional ways, and some of you simply want something to read while at work. To all, I apologize for not keeping up with the posting [...]
Archive for the ‘2009 Asia’ Category
Where Is Robert?
Posted in 2009 Asia, India, Uncategorized on February 11, 2010 | 3 Comments »
I met a guy
Posted in 2009 Asia, India on February 5, 2010 | 2 Comments »
After eying a beautiful Royal Enfield (CIRCA 1950) motorcycle, I struck up a conversation with the current owner. The bike is being restored and shipped to Europe in a few weeks to a lucky bastard who is going to be riding it around the EU; I am so jealous, but figured with the gear shift [...]
Tiger Hill and Tar – Merry Christmas
Posted in 2009 Asia, India, Uncategorized on February 3, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
By comparison to my limited Indian experience, Dargeeling is quite peaceful. The demographics here are more similar to Nepal and the populous is comprised of many Nepali and Tibetans, along with the fairer skin toned Indians. Thus in Dargeeling you see much more of what we would consider an Asian influence on peoples faces; or [...]
Gorkhaland – Dargeeling
Posted in 2009 Asia, India, Uncategorized on February 1, 2010 | 5 Comments »
Gorkhaland, India The British were here: Christian Church of Dargeeling Like tribal people everywhere, westerners are drawn together at Indian train stations like Hindus to the Ganges. Thus, while Dargeeling is not a popular destination (cold) this time of the year, I met five others travelers trying to figure out what platform the train may [...]
Sarnath: the first teachings of Buddha
Posted in 2009 Asia, India, Uncategorized on January 31, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
Sarnath, India Historic Sarnath After a few days of the Hindu holy city of Varanasi I was ready for the more (maybe perceived) subdued nature of Buddhism. So Jack, a personal chief from rural Texas, overland adventure, and practitioner or many great religions including a very devoted period as a practicing Muslim, an English chap [...]
Varanasi and the Ganges river
Posted in 2009 Asia, India, Uncategorized on January 30, 2010 | 4 Comments »
Varanasi, India Cow in street garbage On the river Ganges, the sacred city of Varanasi is sensory overload. “Is that micro shop’s (maybe 3X4X5ft) shopkeeper really sitting in the lotus position while doing business by reaching over the cow lying in the alley; while a monkey swings from the wires above carrying undergarments, as a [...]
Welcome to India
Posted in 2009 Asia, India, Uncategorized on January 29, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
Gorakhpur and Kushinagar, India December 14, 2009 Welcome to India The border crossing into India was chaotic and I was completely uncertain as to the requirements regarding checking out of Nepal and checking into the sub continent. So I followed the mass of people and ultimately ended up at a jeep stand where rides were [...]
Neapli Wedding
Posted in 2009 Asia, Nepal on December 21, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
December 13, 2009 Nepali wedding In Lumbini, Nepal Monks at tree Buddha was born under (a sapling from the original the story goes) I woke at 6am after a great rest following a long day of overland travel and a somewhat stressful situation in finding lodging after dark when all the electricity was out….again. Indian [...]
Tibetan Friends
Posted in 2009 Asia, Nepal on December 18, 2009 | 1 Comment »
Tibetan friends, Pokhora, Nepal Welcome to Pokhora Boatman before sunrise Before sunrise I hired a boatman to row me across the lake so I could hike the alternate route up to the World Peace Pagoda overlooking the lake side town of Pokhora, Nepal. I arrived at the monument just after sunrise as the Himalayas came [...]
Monasteries
Posted in 2009 Asia, Nepal on December 16, 2009 | 1 Comment »
Monasteries on Annapurna Buddha eye Another advantage of a good guide is access. The Buddhist monasteries along the trek are truly spectacular but they are often locked during the time that is convent for your visit. For Angin, being a Buddhist himself, this posed no problems. He invariably started talking to someone, often an ancient [...]
