Mysore

I am behind on my blogging since I had a special visitor out here for the last two weeks.  In the interest of trying to get caught up, I am positing a few pictures from our group trip to Mysore a couple of weeks ago.  The city of Mysore and surrounding areas is full of grand temples and monuments to the maharajas (royalty) that once dominated the region.  The regal heritage and beautiful architectures makes it a city definitely worth seeing.  The Mysore Palace was the main event on our tourist agenda.  Mysore was the first city in India to be fully electrified, as such, the palace is lit up with tens of thousands of bulbs, unfortunately, they did not turn the lights on the night we were there because they were conserving power (as per prior posts, energy is in short supply here).  

The next day, Neuilly arrived (more soon)

Jack and Matt demonstrate wrestling to the kids in the sandpit, the children loved it.

A view from the top of a mountain where a temple was situated, this area is famous for sandalwood 

Kitty cat!

Street-scape of Mysore.

Looking toward Mysore Palace near the city center.

USAC Evening Program

We had an assessment delegation from USAC visit our program here in India.  We spent much of the week showing them around and having them observe the various aspects of our program.  Friday was a program that featured traditional indian dance, food and fireworks.  I was told a half hour before the program began that I would be the MC of the event.  I was fine with it as this is the kind of thing that I do, but there was a very short prep.  In all, it was a great evening, the next morning we left for historic Mysore.

Mumbai, Jai Ho!

Spent some time in Mumbai last week, unfortunately I don't have much time for long narrative or witty chatter.  I hope to revise this post soon. What follows are a few pictures.

Monuments to Gandhi are all over the city.  Unfortunately, not here long enough to tour the famous Gandhi museum..

Juhu Beach at sunset

Iconic "India Gate"

They bay the Brits once called "da bomb"

The famous "Taj Hotel," also the site of the brutal 2008 terrorist bombings, they restored it in record time.

Roosted pigeon with government building in the background.

Inside Victoria Station, where parts of the British film "Slumdog Millionaire" were filmed. 

Jai Ho! I had to do my India Dance in front of Victoria Station, as if I don't draw enough attention to myself.

Mumbai is full of vintage taxis.  Best interior of a cab - EVER.

Roof of Interconn Hotel for sunset on last night