Hyderabad, old and new

The old city of Hyderabad is famous for this "Mosque of the four minarets" called Charminar, built in 1596. The area is known for its bangles and biryani.

And then there's new Hyderabad. For example, this brand new mall has a MAC beauty store.

On the road again

Here are some miscellaneous shots from some of our recent travels.

A float straight out of a Jules Verne novel.

Some new friends in Bundi.

Cruising around Delhi in a rickshaw.

Pharmacy run.

Ladies carrying water jugs and food.

No comment.

A favorite little salesmen in Agra.

On the go, and eating well in Old Delhi.

Animal planet

The animals are usually the most entertaining part of our travels. We end up spending more time watching them than anything.

Keith with cow. Are they both reading the plaque?

Monkey grooming pig. Hmmm, is this a business?

Newlyweds.

Just hanging out.

Mother with child.

Around town, Jaipur

Shopping around, that's the best thing to do in Jaipur.

Snack stand.

Amer Fort, Rajasthan

The Amer Fort, just outside Jaipur is home to the largest and most famous forts in India. Built in 1592, it's made of red and white sandstone, and has exquisite marble and mirror works.

Tom caught in action, sneaking around the hundreds of secret passages.

Some of the mirror work. It's not easy to see in the photo but it was beautiful in person.

Dad and Mom sharing moments with a new friend.

Pakistan border crossing

Yes, it was as crazy as it looks. We drove to the the India-Pakistan Wagah border crossing, the only road border crossing between India and Pakistan where daily the security guards on both sides of the border perform these famous peacock like dances in front of dueling audiences. As you can see it draws huge crowds, and Keith and Rita really fit right in!

Waiting in the massive line, and going through the totally un-secure security.

Rita, just a little bit nervous about the masses running towards her, right behind me.

Indian guard with his peacock hat. A little tidbit for you, the peacock is the national bird of India.

The border crossing.

New Year's at The Golden Temple

Up north in the state of Punjab bordering Pakistan to the Northeast, is the most magical and spiritual place we've ever been. It is known as The Golden Temple, a place of worship and pilgrimage for the kind-hearted Sikhs. Here we are on their most holiest of days in the Sikh religion, New Year's Day, walking around and around the Golden Temple in the center of the lake. The enchanting songs of prayer are non-stop, and the feeling imbibes peace.

The whole crew getting ready to go inside by removing shoes and covering the head. An onlooker watches the foreigners get ready.

Worshippers in prayer.

Guards on duty?

Wedding-time!

Back in October, we attended the wedding of the year of our close friend, Shalini. It was truly bollywood style including camera crews, fireworks, flowers abound, and over 2,000 people. It was a thrilling foray into the new India.

The stage where the ceremony took place.

All real flowers decorated the stage. The family kept a veil between the bride and groom until the couple was married.

A modern view of the ceremony.

The bride and groom!