Jaisalmer

We have spent the last few days in the desert region of India, over near the border with Pakistan. I have taken 3,500 to 4,000 photos in two weeks so I have lots to sort through when i get home. The internet is still oatchy so I have only loaded two for you today. At the moment we are in Udaipur and fly to Delhi for an overnight stop and then leave for home tomorrow, arriving back in Melbourne on Sunday morning.
We have had a great trip and have seen and done many new things so I'll have more to update on my blog when I arrive home.
Hugs, Jan Mac

Highlights of India

Every day has exposed us to the many colours, sights and smells of India.Here are some of the beautiful historical buildings and street scenes. We have also stayed at some beautiful heritage hotels and even a palace at Bikaner. Sadly the tour is nearly over but I have lots more photos to share when the internet co-operates. I hope to show more tomorrow.
Hugs, Jan Mac

Trip Update

We are having a woinderful time and seeing lots of colourful sights in our trip  The internet is too patchy to upload photos so I will have to do them when we get home. We are loving the food and are both very well. Thanks for stopping by and sorry I can't update more often.
Hugs, Jan Mac

Jaunts Around Jaipur

 Sorry the photos are jumbled but the internet was working and then it wasn't. I took my first hot air balloon ride over Jaipur. We took off just before sunrise and I loved it even though I am afraid of heights.

 After that we rode an elephant up to the Amber Fort

Amazing Agra

Agra is all about the Taj Mahal. It draws you to her and it's hard to leave again. Last time I was here was 38 years ago and the front of the building was covered in scaffolding which was very disappointing. This time she glistened and was a spectacular sight.

The Taj combined with lots of ladies in colourful saris was a real treat.

 It's very common to be asked to pose for photos with the locals and sometimes they stalk us and keep asking for more and more photos with extended members of their family. We've learned to say "Just one" so we can keep sight seeing.

 Do you like my "I'm a little teapot pose?"

The Taj had a soft pink sheen as the sun set and the reflections in the pool were worth capturing. It was a great day and one to remember.
Hugs, Jan Mac

The Delights of Delhi

 The internet has been patchy so there has been no way to update my blog. We're in Jaipur for two nights and the internet is good here so I hope to share some photos of our trip until now.
Delhi is large, crowded, smoggy and dirty but there are many large streets and new buildings in New Delhi and beautiful old buildings in the old part of Delhi. The roads have 3 million vehiclesa day sharing the narrow roads and driving is an art in itself.
 We're havinbg a great time and loving the beautiful food. Off to bed now for an ealy start tomorrow.
Hugs, Jan Mac

Busy, Busy!

 The days seem to be shorter when there is so much to do. I have had some fabric set aside to make some small bags and managed to get one made with a zipper to contain small things for my trip. I'll be using clear bags for most small items so I can see what I have but a new bag is always nice to take.

 I had bought some new red shoes but not worn them so it was time to try them out and see if they are comfortable for traveling. Yes they are,so now I just have to click my heels and I'll be off to India.

 Of course I also wanted to prepare some fabric to piece in case there is some time for stitching in the evening. I really need to get busy on some applique projects but if the lighting isn't good I'd prefer to do some hand piecing. Last night I was cutting and preparing fabric to stitch into small Bow Tie blocks or more blocks for the Patchwork of the Crosses (POTC) quilt. I was going to piece the POTC using the English paper piecing method but I pieced one block by hand without the papers and decided it was easier that way. Now I just need lots of different fabrics to make the blocks. I hand pieced on the plane when I flew to Brisbane recently to visit the V & A Exhibition and it was very relaxing and I got a lot done. Also the pieces aren't too small to keep track of when using the plane's small passenger table.

Of course I may not get much stitching done but it won't take up much room in my suitcase. I'm also taking my kindle loaded with books and I'm still trying to load audiobooks and music on my ipod. I need to pack this morning and drive to Melbourne to stay overnight before we catch our flight tomorrow. I hope to be able to keep you up to date with photos of India while we are traveling so stay tuned!.
We're getting excited now!
Hugs, Jan Mac