Thursday, May 22, 2008

Jaipur

1.City Palace guard 2.kids hangin' in the Old City 3.resident of the Monkey Temple 4.Monkey Temple guard(i love this kid) 5.Old City best friends -Many of you , have already seen a few of these pics, but i never took the time to post anything about my stay in Jaipur, sooo... Jaipur, Rajasthan, The Pink City(so named for the overkill of salmon color paint), located in the deserts of western India, is a dry, sandy place, filled to the brim with hungry jewelry shops. This congested metropolis is the capital of Rajasthan and the home to India's oldest movie house. Jaipur is also typically a peaceful place, but when 8 bomb blasts struck the heart of Jaipur's "Old City", on May 13th, leaving over 60 dead, and hundreds wounded, everyone was put on edge. Though the blast occurred less than a mile from my guest-house, i was not physically affected by the attack. One of the places attacked was the Hanuman Temple, where i paid a visit just the day before. Despite this rare occurrence, Jaipur is still an interesting destination, with much to offer, as well as a lot of beautiful people and strongly recommended for any India itinerary

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Old Delhi

1.friendly face at the Red Fort 2.Old Delhi's busy bazzars 3.Ram Jam the guide 4.Karim's perfection 5.young girl in market place -Today was quite a treat. Tired of lounging around for most of the day waiting for the rain to subside, i decided to make a trip out to the chaos of Old Delhi. After arriving for about Rs. 80($2.40), i head to the decaying "Red Fort". Its pretty chill here, but i am asked by 10+ Indian family tourists to have my picture taken with them...i don't mind. After an hour of mediocre photography myself, i leave in route for the famed Karim's Arabic restaurant. Making my way...more like getting lost, in the labyrinth of alleys that make up Old Delhi's bizzars, I'm approached by young Ram Jam (who is unfamiliar with "Black Betty'...i asked) and agrees for 2 rupees, to show me the way. The markets were awesome! Weaving in and out of tight pathways, dodging people, rickshaws and motorcycles, Ram Jam isn't easy to keep up with. Eventually he stops and points to a street on the right. I thank (pay) him, and right i go. Walking past the entrance several times, i finally make my way in. I'm immediately sat and handed a menu. Chicken Tikka with butter Naan(bread) are usually always good, so i go for 'em. I decide to be slightly adventurous and take the servers suggestion for Karim Veg. it's amazing! Actually everything is amazing. Definitely one of the best meals I've ever eaten in my entire life. I understand why it made Time Magazine's issue and list "The Best of Asia." And this they apparently were not humble about, for its printed on the front of their menus. Opened in 1913, the current owner's lineage dates back to the same chefs that prepared dishes for Mughali Emperors centuries ago. Word around the campfire is that its the most authentic Mughali fare in all of India. The food was delivered almost as fast as it was ordered. The Tikka kebabs were perfect...you haven't had a kebab til you've had one of Karim's...sorry mom. The butter Naan isn't the usual dry or greasy, flat and over cooked bread you find most places. It's fluffy, perfectly moist, and damn delicious! The Karim Veg was a creamy, saucy mixture of spices, cheese, and unknown veggies...also amazing! But, the real treat was real "ice cold" coke, that is something that most of India just can't produce. After i struggled to down the generous portion of food, i made my way back to the packed bazzars for more pics, and fought my way to an auto-rickshaw, to make it back "home." Thanks for the suggestion Gary!

india has a bit of a stray problem...



...then again, you can't plan moments like this.

Saturday, May 17, 2008

only in india


this is why i love india!