Archive for June, 2008
One Year on the Road
By Tony and Thomas on June 30, 2008 | 5 Comments »
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That’s right , one year on the road. We can’t believe is either, although when we look back over the last 12 months the incredible number of adventures we’ve had proves that it must be true.
It’s been a year of highs and lows – literally. » Continue reading this post »
Lions and Tigers and Bears – Oh My!
By Tony on June 29, 2008 | No Comments »
These famous lines from the Wizard of Oz have been mocked by many who like to point out that lions are native to Africa, whereas tigers are found in Asia – not too fast nature lovers. India is the only country left in the world where both tigers and lions roam the wilds (not to mention bears as the title of the post points out.)
The Asiatic lion, which once ranged from Greece to Bangladesh, is now only found in one small pocket in western Gujarat in a relatively unknown, yet incredibly important national park called Sasan Gir. Hunted to the brink of extinction, it is believed that only 17 individual lions existed in the late 1870s. Realizing that the species would soon disappear, the Nawab of Junagadh set aside land for a reserve in the early 20th century. Clearly, this guy was way ahead of his time.
Gujaratis are exceptionally proud of their lions, and locals are thrilled to discover that we have come to Gujarat for the express purpose of seeing one. Many of you might be wondering why we are braving the insane desert temperatures at this time of year – it’s because the lions are easier to spot when they hang out by the watering holes.
Everybody wish us luck!!!
Dinner at the Cemetery
By Tony on June 27, 2008 | No Comments »
“What are these green boxes between the tables?” I asked the waiter as he was serving my coconut rava masala dosa.
“Ummm…ummmm,” he was searching for vocabulary, “they… they are dead bodies.”
I glanced around the restaurant noticing a dozen or more. “This restaurant is a cemetery? All these are dead bodies?”
“Yes, yes,” he confirmed, smiling. All around us, people were munching and slurping and having a good ole time stuffing themselves over the bodies. Somehow, the tree in the middle of the restaurant growing through the roof seemed to make a little more sense.
“Are they Hindu bodies?” I asked, already knowing the answer.
“No,no, they are Muslim bodies.” Happy with himself at having survived the English conversation, the waiter bounced away to serve another table.
Thinking to myself that the Muslims must really hate this place, I suddenly noticed » Continue reading this post »
On to Gujarat
By Thomas on June 26, 2008 | No Comments »
After over two months in Rajasthan, we have finally moved on to Gujarat, the most western state of India bordered by Pakistan to the north. Famous for its Hindu, Jain and Islamic architecture, its ex-Portuguese colonies along the coast, and its rare wildlife, Gujarat’s real attraction seems to be an exceptionally friendly and welcoming people.
The first time we encountered Gujaratis was at the » Continue reading this post »
Tony Goes Native
By Thomas on June 24, 2008 | 1 Comment »
I think Tony has been in India too long.
