another Rajasthan bike trip: Day 2

another Rajasthan bike trip: Day 1

Biking in rural Rajasthan

I joined a bike trip arranged by one of my co-workers. We drove about four hours out into rural Rajasthan (desert state west of Delhi) and it was amazing. We were totally off the beaten track, cycling through wilderness and some pretty remote villages. Here are some photos courtesy of another co-worker.

Everywhere we went, we were quite the scene. I imagine there is little entertainment in these villages, so eight Americans rolling on bikes rightfully caused a stir.

Broken chain out in the middle of the wilderness. Luckily there were 3-4 MacGuyvers on the trip, and the combined their forces to fix it.

Skiing in Kashmir

We spent a thee day weekend in Gulmaarg, a resort area in the state of Kashmir. There is often political strife in this state as different forces are pulling towards India, Pakistan or independence. Both times I have been, however, have been a true highlight of traveling in India. The sights and people are different from anywhere else in the nation. It seems like mass tourism evades Kashmir due to its reputation, so people are especially hospitable, warm and unguarded.
Skiing was amazing. This was both Maki and my first time skiing in powder, and it brought new beauty and some challenges. I couldn't believe how fluffy and white it was everywhere you looked. I had a few great falls, but falling in powder was like being hugged by a fluffy cloud.
Maki and I

It started snowing in the afternoon.

The view from our hotel window.

Roadside scene on the way back to the airport.

Nairobi

The long layover - major debate of international travel. I have mixed feelings about trying to make the most of long layovers in appealing places. We had a half-day layover in Nairobi, Kenya on our way back from Tanzania, so of course we had to make the most of it. We took the local bus into the center of the city, and walked by a fun beer and roasted meat garden. Yum.

We had a fancy drink at the Norfolk Hotel, a gorgeous holdover from another era.

Nairobi exceeded my expectations. It really was an enjoyable and interesting place to hang out.

We made a late afternoon stop at a giraffe breeding center. We were able to feed giraffes directly from our hands! Here is pretty giraffe Kelly. There is a hotel on the breeding center grounds where the giraffes peep there heads in second floor windows for treats. Umm, I must stay there.

And then we went to Carnivore restaurant and had lots of meat, including ostrich and crocodile. They were both pretty good.

Goa

Over Thanksgiving, we joined some great friends for a long weekend in Goa. Goa differs from other Indian states in that it was settled by the Portuguese for a while. There are lots of churches. In the 1960s, it was a destination on the hippie trail. Now, its just a fun beach. Still India, of course.

Which meant there was a large heard of cows chilling on beach.

Sunset.