Classical Indian Music - experienced in India Not everyone knows or even claims to enjoy Indian Classical Music. But let me tell you that for me - there is nothing more sublime than getting to a live Classical Indian concert IN India - and I tend to be more talking about instrumental than vocal - and a few more than others (including the use of western instruments): sitar, mandolin, sarode, santoor, violin, flute, tabla, shenai etc… When you go to such a concert - which are invariably at night and often in an outdoor garden or temple setting in the cool night air - where there are soft mattresses to sit on - and you just let the music take you away - I describe it as visiting heaven. I think it’s the contrast to the ... read more

OK - so how many years have I secretly fantasised about riding a Royal Enfield Bullet around India? Well to be honest - only 30 years! Since I first came to India and saw one in fact! So - now I am older and wiser and....... I WANT one! One reason is because I can! Now that I am to be here for more than a year .... And now that I can easily afford it (well that was always the case really - but now.... ) . And because you only live once and life is short (hopefully not SHORTER if I get one)........ So do I need more convincing? Only by looking at one.... Check it out - the first pic is a done up Enfield I stumbled across in Varanasi last year. Second ... read more

Now I am in Delhi (arrived 2 days ago) in very comfortable student-college type accom run by the Jesuits of all people! Attached bathroom with western toilet and hot water and a 'free' tab at the cafe etc... All a bit much given my last month's mode of travel but hey..... Today I am pleased to announce (too much info I know) that after a course of anti-biotics my acute bronchitis (self diagnosed after checking the internet) has turned the corner - my expectorant (which is MUCH less) has turned from green to yellow to white in just 3 days! Very little hoiking this morning and a slight cough still so.... good news here! BTW: my latest fantasy: try googling "Indian Enfield Bullet" and then see the "Thunderbird" model or the new 500 cc model. The ... read more

I only did a quick overnight visit to this place as I had heard about it's architectural beauty and the unspoiled nature of it's old buildings. Apart from the same issues that seem to be everywhere at the moment re: failed lakes (the lake in Bundi is very low and toxic) due to poor monsoons and abuse, I was very pleasantly surprised by the amazing paintings on the walls and ceilings of the ill-kept palace/fort. Bundi is a city of approximately 88,000 inhabitants (2001) in Rajasthan in northwest India. It is of particular architectural note for its ornate forts, palaces, and stepwell reservoirs known as baoris. Attached are some pics which say it all Travel to Bundi from Pushkar involved a 15 min bus to Ajmer - then a 4.5 bus to Bundi. Sitting in the ... read more

Kolyat is a small temple place 52 klms from Bikaneer in Rajasthan - I went on a two day little excursion from Pushkar to see the Rat Temple (that will need to be another blog) and Bikaneer (great architecture and fort and palace and market - perhaps another blog). But this place was just magic - small, shanti, and beautiful. Enjoy the shots.... read more