We all went for a little Safari ride while in Rajasthan at this place called Sariska. It was once a hunting ground but has been preserved and protected as a wildlife sanctuary. The biggest push has been to reintroduce the tigers. There are currently three in the in the 765 sq km park. We came very close to seeing one but believe the Tiger got scared after hearing the tourist buses roar through - apparently, tigers are very shy. Either way, it's a great experience and if you're lucky, some of the animals may even come up to your jeep as did this fella. Don't worry though, they're all friendly...for the most part!

 

This photo was taken at Bhangarh which is an abandoned village built duing the 17th century in Rajasthan. The site has mainly a Moghul influence which is clearly central asia. There are a few inhabitants in the village but for the most part, it stands alone alongside the many monkeys and temples. It was literally deserted overnight after an event which involved "Black Magic." Apparently, superstition was rampant so there are plenty of urban legends which are still present. The mountains are vast which means it also sits high. above sea level - approx. 5,000ft. It get pretty chill in the evening so if you ever go, bring warm clothes. What really sets Rajasthan apart is: 1) It includes one of the most beautiful resorts in all of India (Amanbagh); 2) It's a photographers dream with the scenery, symmetry and colors.

 

Taken as the prayer ceremony at the Golden Temple is about to end.

Look out for some more pics tomorrow as I'm heading to Jaipur! Hope you guys are enjoying.

Comon! You know I can't go to India without showing you guys the Taj Mahal. So right now I'm in Agra and staying at the Amarvilla. It's a hotel which sits 1km from the Taj Mahal. Every room (all 102) face the monument. We went today around 4 in the afternoon as they don't let folks in past 5pm. It draws roughly 15,000 visitors / day. It was visioned by Shah Jahan who had it built in honor of his fourth wife who he loved dearly, Mumtaz Mahal. She passed around the age of 38 after bearing 14 children and he loved her so much that he hired about 20,000 workers who spent over 21 years building what it today known as one of the seven wonders. It was completed in 1653 and its craftmanship and care make it look like it was built just yesterday. Today, Mumtaz and Shah's tomb both reside in the structure. What a site!

 

This is way too much stimuli for one person to take; so-much-so that my camera couldn't even capture the astounding beauty of the Golden Temple (Harminder Sahib). As soon as I laid eyes on this place, all the tension, stress and every other related entity exited my mind and body. It was the most unbelievable feeling to both see and sit inside as the prayer service was going on. The temple resides in Amritsar. It was built around the 1500s and is probably the most sacred place amongst Sikhs. It opens around 4am and the prayer service continues on until 9:30 in the evening. By the way, when I say Golden Temple, I really mean it! It litteraly has 24k gold plated above the base of the structure. Like I said, this picture does no justice.

I threw this in as I figured it was somewhat symbolic of the nature and struggle of peace between both India and Pakistan. As we were heading back to the car, we walked by a very shallow piece of wire. It wasn't meant to hurt or harm anyone; rather just flirt with a threat. Obviously it didn't work because I - along with everyone else - just hopped right over it.

Yesterday we were all in Amritsar. Aside from the Golden Temple, the Wagah Border is an exciting attraction. The border is the only road border which crosses between India and Pakistan. It actually resides between Amritsar and Lahore (Amritsar on the Indian side). Every day - close to evening time - there's a ceremony which they call "changing of the guards" It's quite an aggressive ceremony in the sense that both the India and Pakistan side are very vocal on the rituals of the ceremony as if they're trying to "one-up" eachother. It lasts about 45 mins but is certainly an event to catch if you're ever in Amritsar to see the Golden Temple

 

I took this pic back in 2006 when I went to Iceland. It was one of those spur of the moment decisions. We've all had those instances where we've enjoyed the thoughts of getting away but never actually took the dive...well, let's just say that I planned this two days before I left. Anyway, I took this at the national park. The glacier falls are unbelievable to see. I didn't zoom in on this pic as the depth is what it appears.

 

- Phuket, Thailand.

Product of my very first cooking class. We woke up around 6am and headed to the local farmers market where we sourced all the ingredients. Every part of the ingredient is used; even the kitchen table...sink and dishes!

 

Match Point Federer! 2009 US Open Finals

 


I was afraid the ripples would ruin the water - Lake Tahoe, NV

 

Lake Tahoe, NV

 

Sitting along the jetty in the Maldives

 

Freshly picked tea leaves. Aside from scenery and food, Sri Lanka is well known for it's Tea. Many, if not all, of the tea plantations are inland. There's only one way and one road so literally, your amongst a caravan climbing those mountains.

 

If you go even further down south in Sri Lanka you eventually hit Tangalle. Beaches here are amazing and not to mention the hospitality. Interestingly enough, it's close to being rebuilt post Tsunami

 

Caught this when I was in Sri Lanka. We were heading down south towards Galle and hit a gem of an eatery. The view from the balcony of the restaurant apparently gave me a glimpse into a more primative sense of enjoyment.

 

Think those seats will remember who sat in them...or the other way around? Damn. I promised not to be thought provoking!

 

Shutter along Rue de Passe...

 


I took this pic back in May when Amrita and I went to Paris. We were randomly walking down the street and as I gaze up from my pop-up map, out flashes the lady in red. If you look closely, she's rocking some air force one's!

I'm assuming I've caught your attention becuase this sure as hell caught mine. A buddy of mine sent this to me and tried to convince me that he's my long lost uncle. I bit and believed him but later realized it was a sham as I don't remember ever giving him that sweater for Christmas...