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A colorful reminder of the beautiful colors and women of India. They so boldly stood out against the dreary, dirty streets and the green of the fields. Those visions will not long be forgotten. Incidentally in this picture the woman who did this quick pose requested money for haven taken the picture. We were often asked to take their pictures and then asked for money. Most, however, who asked to have their pictures taken just wanted to see themselves in the camera. For many, perhaps a first picture taken. Oh we are so lucky!

Winding Up and Winding Down

Cathy and I are laying on our beds in Beijing pondering our next move. Should we pack? Return to the frigid streets for one more glimpse of this amazing city? How about we just hang out, work on our travel journal and begin the pleasurable task of the preparation and presentation of our India financial statement! Done!

I love my travel partner. Cathy is so fun loving and can be easily impressed. A nice toilet facility or a warm cab will bring a smile to her beautiful face. That is providing you can see her face. The past five days I have found her wrapped in two layers of pants, one turtleneck, three coats, a fleece scarf wrapped around her face and head twice and her stylish black cap she bought in NYC. What a shame she left her gloves in warm India!!!

I am watching her pack now. She is focused. Both of us had to buy new full size suitcases... Cathy's, to carry her array of prescription eye glasses and a treasured broom and mine to haul the goods home for my grandson.

A few things happened in Beijing that should remain in Beijing. We were often bemused and confused. Enough said.

What we know for sure is we are so looking forward to returning home to our families and friends.

Coming home now so signing off. Xoxo.


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Thank you!

Many thanks to my beloved friend Cathy, who has not only taken so many terrific shots of India and China, she has posted many and shared her thoughts with all of you along the way.

I will post some of mine, Kerry's and Shelley's when we return to Vancouver.

I am coming home soon Bob. I heard that your paw pads are getting sore from checking this blog!

Leslie xoxo


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Last post today, another of the beautiful buildings. We are just digesting our Peking Duck, yuc. We are having a nightcap just to be sure our stomachs survive. We are stuck in our hotel room momentarily as we wait for our fifth pair of glasses to be delivered. Tee hee, way too much fun. Progressive Prescription glasses for $30. Good grief.

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The architectural design of so many of the buildings is quite something. It is a very modern, exceptionally clean city. Such a contrast to India.

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Yes we have seen some sights in Beijing. Here is Leslie looking out over the icy lake that is front of the Summer Palace.

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We are saying goodbye to Dharmender and our astonishing India. Astonishing was Shelley's word to describe the country of India and as we all thought about it we agreed that it was a place of much astonishment, from the very good to the very bad. We shall not soon forget the many sights, sounds, tastes and smells of this amazing journey. We know that Shelley and Kerry are safe at home sharing their stories while Leslie and I are excited to return and do the same.

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Leslie and her new suitcase in front of a very dangerous doorway entrance. When you walk down this vacated lane way it is like magic that the door opens just as you are a few feet away. Inside, Oh Dear!

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Babs and myself with Sarah Palin........oh no wait a minute, that's Leslie Thomas. Wait until you see her in her new glasses. Babs got us in a lot of trouble in the Pearl Market today. It was so nice to see her.

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We have our lovely room but just around the corner is this home for a family. The poverty is indescribable.

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A beautiful view of the Ganges from our sitting area outside our room. Just amazing.

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Oh aren't they lovely, these two ladies on the Ganges, just before they placed the lovely candle for Rachel on the river.

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One of two burning ghats we witnessed where the Indian men take their relatives for the ritual passing into the next world. Women do not attend as they tend to grieve out loud and these cries may interfere with the successful transition into the next life.

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A scrawny little puppy trying to make his way across this very rutted road. Some of hen imps were bigger than he was.

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Shelley and Leslie being chatted up by two young men at the Amber Fort. It was a beautiful fort.

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The truckers love to decorate their trucks. This is their home for many, so they fancy them up with pom poms, streamers, and long ribbons. Some are a mass of decorations. There are many stands that sell these wares.

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Another homemade meal being prepared for us. A friend of Dharmenders. We visited the craziest market before this. This is the home with the tree in the middle of it and where they hang the family toothbrushes. Delicious food.

Another of lovely Udaipur. This is from our hotel room. The view really did take your breath away. On the streets, we, of course, did stand out and were targets for every shop keeper. They seemed to know our every move and found us over and over. One fellow obviously had a shop in the previous city we stayed in as he caught up with us here.

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A view from our boat...........Udaipur. A favorite city....the Venice of the east.

We really did fall in love with the donkeys.



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