I grabbed a free copy of Executive Travel monthly to read on the flight from Newark to Bombay last night, specifically because it was their India issue. I got a nice ‘wtf’ chuckle out of the fact that there was an article about Ignighter on page 61.
As this week marks the denouement of a phenomenally productive inaugural foray into India, it seemed only fitting that my trip would climax with the journey to the Taj Mahal that I’d been putting off for more than 3 weeks.
Located only a couple hours from my hub, Delhi, I’d put off the day trip for too long. In the weeks leading up to the trip, i’d heard from the locals that the Taj Mahal is one of the few sights in the world that is actually more impressive in person than it is in photographs. To me, that’s a subjective, but valuable criterion for selecting ‘Wonders of the World”.
The Taj Mahal WAS actually more amazing than it appears in photographs. A truly breathtaking structure. Check out the photos below and then imagine something 30% more amazinger in person.
Yes, I got the requisite “I’m holding up the Taj Mahal by its roof” photo.
No, unfortunately I was not able to replicate the iconic photo on the coveted Lady Di bench. A lot of other tourists did though. Including a pushy Polish woman I’d actually nicknamed Lady Di. Not because she resembled the late regal beauty, but because ‘Lady, Di’ was what I was willing her to do after she rudely shoved me out of the way.
It was ok in the end though, because I created a few new iconic photos of my own. Including…
Did you know that in India nobody has voicemail? It’s almost as if the technology simply doesn’t exist here. I actually think there’s something nice about the fact that people here seem to call somebody only when they’re intending to speak to that person. Whereas in the US we tend to call people hoping to get their voicemail.
The only downside is that when you miss a call in India, that person will continue to redial you incessantly until you answer. It’s pretty annoying.
Well I’d say that about covers it for my Sunday afternoon philosophy session. Tune in next week when I’m sure to have something equally insightful and original to say about a topic as profound as voicemail.
Mom, before you call me halfway through the first paragraph, you need to know that I’m perfectly fine…
I experienced my first earthquake today. In a meeting on the 7th floor of the Times of India building, suddenly the room started swaying. The other guy and I just froze and looked at each other. We opened the office door to commotion in the bullpen of young people standing up from their desks, talking and even laughing about the earthquake.
We smiled nervously and scooted to the elevator which we immediately took to the ground floor.
It turns out that we were feeling the effects of a 5.8 magnitude earthquake originating in Afghanistan.
In the end there was no threat of danger, though certainly scary at a time when the world is on high alert.
Abdul getting a ticket for illegal u-turn. Not so happy Holi for him.
After issuing the ticket, the Delhi cop notices I’m wearing my seatbelt in the back seat. He asks me to roll down my window and points to the buckled seatbelt. He tells me “in back seat, this optional.” I reply, “thanks. I’m going to keep wearing it.” He laughs hysterically and says “ok sir.”
