Christmas came early to Udaipur, with the eagerly anticipated arrival of my sweetheart, Brian, on December 16. Much to my excitement and surprise, he came with a camera in tow – a shiny new Canon G11 – a kind and greatly appreciated response to complaints about how poorly my Samsung i85 shoots at night, I suppose.
Being Brian’s first trip to India, the initiation of his two-month visit was properly spent touring around Udaipur, getting him acclimated and showing him a few of my favorite things. Because he is doing some volunteer work for Seva Mandir while here, we were able to put him up in the volunteer’s apartment I’ve been living in. Sweet!
A few days after Brian’s arrival, our dear friend Emily popped in, following her 20-day solo trek in Nepal. Her visit was happily timed with Christmas (which is actually recognized as a holiday here) and we all headed off to the desert for a fantastic 5-day adventure.
Equally well-timed was an early January retreat of the AIF Fellows, which just happened to be held at a resort in Kerela, a state in Southern India. Brian and I jumped on the opportunity and I arranged my two-weeks of leave to follow the event. We have only just returned from an amazing (mostly off-the-beaten-path) tour of rural Kerela.
The journey began with a visit with great friends in Mumbai, on our long way via the train to the southern tip of India. Following the AIF Mid-Point in Kollum, we spent a few days enjoying sunny beaches before we tired of tourists and were inspired to head to the hills and out of the guidebook for what unfolded into an unforgettable adventure. Along the way, we made lots of friends; romped around quiet hills of tea, coffee, and spice plantations; experienced India’s approach to running national parks and wildlife sanctuaries; spent many a happy day hiking through serene landscapes; and sat peacefully enjoying many a gorgeous sunset.
The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of fun, adventure, great stories, and lots of snapshots. Consider this the trailer, yo.
8 Comments
Just wanted to say hi!! I miss you.. Really sucks I could not be there but such is life. It looks like you and Brian are having quite a life changing adventure. Cherish every moment. Love you and cant not wait to see you again.. but I can wait because I would not want you to miss any time you have over there..
Safe travels
Adam
what’s up, brother! (girls can say that too, right?) thanks ever so much for the warm wishes, adam. will see you soon enough and am always loving and missing you. be happy!
Love you guys. Love the picture with the camels. Looks like you guys are having amazing experiences.
johnny! thanks for softening bri’s landing stateside next week. we sure love you too! and thanks for checking in AND for being you. hugs and kisses!
it’s been lovely to get to tour a bit of India with you in this post – albeit by photo. great pics – felt like I was there. thanks for sharing!
hi aletha! so glad to see you’re not buried yet. hope all is better than fine in edmond – thanks for holding down the fort! : )
Great pix and comments ,,,,It’s so good you are having a great time ,,,,
thx fro sharing w us
great to hear from you larry – best to the family! thanks for coming by. what a great trip this has been!