On the way to Udaipur, we stopped at the amazing Jain Temples of Ranakpur where we took photos of the aged structure and the locals took photos of Nora. Built around 1439 and constructed entirely of carved marble, you have to wonder who had the time and patience for such a detailed project. We arrived to the "Lake City" of Udaipur where the locals are still proud that their city was part of the setting for the 1981 James Bond movie, Octop**** The film is still...

Jodhpur is the "blue city", named for the indigo dyed limestone walls of the homes and buildings here. It is also home to the mighty Meherangarh Fort, an impressive sandstone structure that appears to grow right out of the cliffs overlooking the city. One of its most interesting design features, and one I hope to employ in my own home someday, is an inclined ramp leading up to the main door which takes a sharp 90 degree turn and is covered in massive spikes. Reas...

Can you march in perfect unison with your comrades at 35 miles an hour? Can you kick your leg up higher than Chuck Norris and stomp it down with terrifying authority??? Then you may be a good candidate for India's BSF - Border Security Force - and your application is needed now! Welcome to the India-Pakistan border where each day, in a ceremony of speed marching, stomping, huffing, puffing, dirty looks, and general macho-ism, the Indian Border Security Force ...

Arrival in INDIA!!!!! And it's exactly how I heard it would be. The moment you step outside the modern, air conditioned airport, it greets you right in the face. SMACK! The hot, humid air cannot be escaped nor the two dozen offers of "Taxi sir?" India is an assault on every one of your senses. Sight, sound, smell, touch, taste--- nothing will be left undisturbed. In some ways, that’s a good thing. TASTE: The food is excellent and fortunately, my time i...