A year in review

We’ve had a year of celebrations, growth and transition.

Meghan (18) graduated from Millennium High School in Tracy and is now attending Las Positas Junior College in Livermore working toward a future at some capacity in law enforcement. She LOVES school and is doing very well while balancing a near full time job at Auntie Anne’s Pretzels in our mall. Meghan is making new friends, making money  and considering what her next step may be. She continues to amaze me!! It was nice to have all the family together to help celebrate her graduation. Loren and his fiancé, Sue, came to CA and mom made sure she was back from AZ during that time. Sooo great to all be together as it is so rare these days!!!

Cory (18) graduated from Yuba City High School in Yuba City and is now attending community college wanting to pursue a career as a music teacher. We don’t see Cory much but are so proud of his accomplishments!

William (21) moved out of our house and is renting a room in Stockton and working for Holt of CA. Will received his motorcycle license and joins us while riding a lot of the time. We have Will around often and I’m getting good making casseroles and dishes that are acceptable to send to his bachelor pad!

Alex (17) is a Senior at Yuba City High School and loves to work on his Grandfather’s ‘76 Chevy truck which he now drives. He is a little Randy always wanting to build, rebuild, tinker and help out. Alex stayed the summer with us and he was a HUGE help and fun having around. Meghan and Alex together are hysterical and kept me busy and in stitches! Alex also got his motorcycle license this year.

Allison (15) is a Sophomore at Yuba City High School and is very active in the band and sports, church, babysitting and whatever else. Getting time with Allie is getting more and more difficult. She now has her driver’s permit and we look forward to having her and all the kids over the Christmas break.

Zach (13) is an 8^th grader at Barry Middle School in Yuba City. He continues to sprout up and mature each time we see him. Those VanderMolen genes are kicking in quickly!! Zach is enjoying riding with Randy on the new Ultra. He is involved in Orchestra at school and loves his video games.

Home is where your heart is so our home has commuted between India and Tracy all year. Randy continues to build a solar power plant out in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, India and I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to travel to India a few times to visit. During those times we’ve traveled within India and have been adopted as family by many. We’ve been able to experience weddings, child birth, festivals, World Heritage sights and a lot of daily life within the culture. It is all very fascinating and we are very fortunate to have been handed this opportunity. When Randy is home we don’t stay still either. We have gone up to Washington to visit his family, he’s been hunting up north and we’ve taken off on the bike for a 12 day road trip to Palm Springs and Southern California. We definitely make the most of our time!

I continue to work at Segale Travel in Stockton and they have been wonderful to allow me time off to come to India and spend time with Randy when he is back stateside. Family comes first and I’m happy they encourage that. I’m now transitioning to work from home and be “virtual”. It’s been fun to create a home office and not have to commute as much. I look forward to when this will be full time but for the time being they still like my energy part time in the office. 

It’s difficult to think of Christmas so close as I sit in a cottage in the Thar Desert of India, 80 degrees and no overload of Christmas decoration at every store. It’s nice as this way we remember the true meaning of Christmas and not all the commercialization of the season. I wish you all good health, happiness, and the hopes of discovering something new in the New Year.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our home to yours!!

Tent Camp --- So cool!

Thar Oasis Camp and Resort……

Who would have thought ?!?!?!?!!? We go through life and have our “bucket list” of must do activities and then you do something new and it far surpasses all your dreams and expectations. Today was amazingly cool!! Randy came home early from work and we were picked up by a 4wd Bolero to take us out to the camp. Randy and I climb into the back, no seatbelts and cage around us as we take off cross country. We bust into the back country of soft sand and start climbing. Up and down dunes, in and out of gates, slipping through turns, cold wind running through my hair and biting at our skin! 

We stopped at a traditional farmhouse and stopped for a tour. While the kids laughed at me making meow sounds to the cat and Randy and I holding their baby goats, we were shown their home. Traditional walls of cow patties and thatched roofs.   A 4 month old baby sleeps in a bassinet that essentially is a baby hammock hanging under the parents bed.  The walls were painted bright and they had minimal decorations. A hut with open fire for their kitchen and another hut for their straw.. They were very hospitable and had as much fun with us as we did with them!  

Back into the Bolero and off we go…. Deer galore, (although these deer look more like antelope), camels eating from trees, many goats, wild peacocks, cow, water buffalo and the local children waving profusely as we drove by. We pass small villages and stores, tractors carrying bricks and more carrying straw. Finally we reach the Thar Oasis Camp.

OMG… how cool is this?!?!?! Upon arrival we were greeted with lemon water, a warm towel, flower lei, traditional sweets similar to brown sugar bits and a red dot blessing for our forehead. We are escorted to our tent in the sand and are wonderfully surprised that our tent has all the comforts of home. King size bed, electricity and heater, chair, fan, armoire and our own private brick bathroom in the back. While the tent has cloth walls and ceiling, we have "windows" and a porch with 2 rocking chairs. Now this is MY kind of camping!!

After a little down time in the dunes we hear the Indian music begin. We take our seats in cushions in the sand and watch the show. Music, dancers, fire dancing and walking on nails… wow! All while we are sipping on cocktails and enjoying veg and non-veg snacks. The bonfire in the sand kept us warm and the lanterns added more to the ambiance. Dinner followed of an Indian buffet… still not the hamburger or Mexican food that I’m craving but still not bad. The 40 tents that surround the pond are outlined by torches and sit atop the bluffs in the vast Thar Desert. Soooo very cool! 

Morning came with rain hitting the canvas roof.  What's a little rain?  I continued over to the camels and enjoyed petting and kissing them.  They were all colorfully decorated and the sherpa had me kiss my new camel friend.  :)  No ride this time as we needed to head back to civilization and the airport but this is the type of experience that is NOT to be missed!

What a wonderful way to end an amazing trip in the desert of India! A HUGE thank you to the staff, who have become our friends, of the @Thar Oasis Camp and Resort for helping us change our plans and continuing to encourage us to come to the camp! This experience is another once in a lifetime event. I hope everyone has a chance to come and stay and play as we have!!!

For one price we received the overnight in the camp, camel safari, 4wd safari, Traditional Indian Music and Entertainment, drinks and snacks, dinner and breakfast. 8000 Rupees, approx $160 US for 2 people.

http://www.tharoasis.com/camp.php

Querky ... Diet Cock?

It’s been so nice to experience India like a local. So many times we go to a new destination for 2 nights and see the best tourist areas, nicest restaurants, fanciest hotels, get whisked through the chaos and then move on to the next city and repeat. Don’t get me wrong, it’s better than to not travel at all but it is so endearing to be able to stay in an area long enough to really experience it’s local flavor, character and culture. In being able to stay in an area long enough you can experience “normal life”; go for a leisurely walk, have down time during the day to hear the local sounds, to taste their comfort food and not just the traditional dishes, to walk in their fields, to feel comfortable and not intimidated by the local people and to make friends. Through this experience there are revelation and some things that are just different, fun and quirky!

It’s fun to laugh at the quirky…….

Who would know that you cannot take pictures inside a McDonalds? I do now!

I hadn’t realized that India is a part of Asia, and not the Middle East, and you can get some really good Asian food here. Chow mein, Garlic Chili Salad, Sushi, Spring Rolls, Won tons, etc

Behind ugly walls are beautiful hidden courtyards, pools and fabulous architecture.

At the “mall”, your purchases are taken out front and you collect them when you leave.

For a country of small people, they sure enjoy their sweets!

The French fries in India rock! I think it’s because they don’t restrict the saturated fat like we do in the US now. They are crispy and delicious!!

The trunk of a car is called a bonnet. The hood is called a boot. Why? Who knows…..

You can build a beautiful mansion for the same price as 4 prosthetic legs!! Leave it to us to figure that out!!

They don’t use washcloths, just hand towels and bath towels.

When you get a massage they give you these funky paper underwear to wear.

Only the driver on a motorcycle is required to wear a helmet. Passengers, and I say plural, because we have seen up to a family of 5 on a motorbike, need not wear head protection.

I would have never imagined that Indian wine is very good. Sula Sauvignon Blanc is my friend!

If you are watching a TV show where someone is smoking or drinking, a public service announcement will go across the screen warning of the dangers.

You cannot get diet coke from a fountain soda machine, only a tall, skinny can of diet coke, although real coke is available, with sprite and orange fanta from the fountain machine.

A standard Indian lock is still a skeleton key.

Animals, people, and cars coexist without fences.

Indian people plaster their walls with cow dung.

It’s perfectly normal to see a camel towing a cart down the highway.

And, a misspelling can bring laughter to this author !!  Diet Cock????

　
　

Joanne Sheldon

Joanne Sheldon

In 1985 I graduated travel school and got my first job at Carefree Travel in Pleasanton, CA. My manager was this middle aged women who smoked in her office (it was accepted back then!), was fun, crazy and whose goal was to bring me out of my quiet shell and make me a good travel agent. I began booking Joanne’s cars and hotel reservations in the mornings and then delivering airline tickets in my personal car in the afternoons. Not soon after, United Airlines went on strike and Carefree Travel needed all the travel agent help they could get and I was thrown to the wolves. My travel career at begun!

Joanne was worldly, had been in travel for years and years and her stories would have me blush from my toes to my hair. While sitting in her office blushing over another of her stories, we realized that Joanne’s daughter and I were the same age. She introduced us and from Day One Joanne’s daughter, Michelle, and I have been best friends!! Joanne was the “cool mom”. She was the one who would take us to bars when we were underage. She taught me about going to happy hour after a long day of travel. She taught me about going to travel seminars to eat the free food and drink the free booze, while learning about a destination or company. She would “work it”, and at 19 yrs old, living with my parents, with a new best friend and a cool work people my life forever changed.

As the years continued and the travel industry changed, Joanne and I worked for different companies but were forever entwined because of Michelle and my friendship. Engagements, bridal showers, weddings, divorces, baby showers, babies, baptisms, birthday parties, holidays, graduations and hospital visits, she remained my 2^nd mom, or BoAnne as the kids started calling her so many years ago.

Joanne would always called Meghan “Little Bob” because Meg looks so much like her dad. One of Meghan‘s baby pictures in a Christmas card, Joanne said that it was Bob‘s face with a pink bow.. She would also say to Michelle and I that we would follow each other off a cliff. YEP! Joanne could wear a wig like no other person I’d known and poke fun at herself doing it. Joanne taught me how to make the BEST stuffed mushrooms.. On more than one occasion Joanne and I would make gravy from scratch in Michelle’s kitchen on a holiday….. A little of this and a little of that! She also made the best stuffed pears at the holidays and sour cream fudge, which I need to find my recipe. We would joke that she needed to give me the recipe before she died. J

Joanne was a cat with 9 lives. She fought multiple cancers, a massive heart attack, and all kinds of hospital stays due to the effects of smoking. Michelle says she had a portable ashtray in her purse when 911 took her by ambulance to the hospital. I wouldn’t be surprised if there is beer in her fridge too. These bring big smiles and laughter because that was BoAnne!!!

Joanne succumbed to organ failure last night as this cat had no more lives left. She is now in heaven, sitting in her chair, cigarette in one hand, beer in the other, watching food network and sports and she no longer has to worry about bad arteries, shortness of breathe, and Michelle and I getting in trouble.

RIP BoAnne and give my daddy a hug for me!

Wedding Reception

Wedding Reception

The fifth and final day of the wedding is the reception. Again, much food, family and tradition. The road was closed and fabric was brought in for the floor, walls set up, a stage decorated with silk flowers, fabric and 2 chairs atop for the bride and groom. Two rooms set up for eating, one for the men and the other for the women. This is not segregation or discrimination, it’s just the way it is. It’s what the Indian’s expect and what works. The invitation stated 6pm, well that’s an “Indian 6pm” so at 8pm the groom came out and greeted us first. Photos of the groom feeding Randy sweets and then it was my turn. The groom spooned up a dough ball soaked in simple syrup (this is the best I can describe it) and then another spoonful of a nut crumble with sweet sauce ( again, excuse my oversimplified description!) So many picture and video of us!! We felt so very honored to be included and the families seemed just as honored to have us in attendance!!

There is NO language barrier when it comes to times of happiness. There are always children running around having fun. Children are always fascinated with new people and having their picture taken. There is always a crazy aunt. Someone always falls,. Women always want to make sure you have eaten enough. The groom is overjoyed and the new wife is timid and quiet. Women always enjoy each others bangles and jewelry. There is always a little grandmother that stands 4 feet high that speaks in her native language as if everyone understands. AND when it’s time for you to leave you never are ready to say goodbye.
　

Satu's New Arrival

Satu’s new arrival

Who would have thought that 7 months ago when Satu told us that he and his wife were expecting that we would be in Jodhpur at the time of their new arrival!

We were woken up by a phone call sharing the wonderful news of a new baby girl! Satu wanted to send a car to come get us so we could come to the hospital and share in their joy. This was not an opportunity we wanted to miss!!

Our driver whisked us across town to the hospital where we were met out front by a beaming new father! The hospital is more of what us American’s would think of as a clinic. Small, lots of people, sparce in detail, and furniture from the 50’s. We proceeded to pass the crowded pharmacy and through the short hallway to the elevator. It was the type of elevator that you see in the movies where there is a metal accordian screen on the floor side and then another on the elevator side, as in a building under construction or an industrial flat. As we walked into the hospital room, we were greeted with all smiles from the family and a beautiful baby girl lying on the bed next to her beautiful mother! Colorful sarees and veils on the women, large smiles on the men as they offered Randy sweets in celebration!

I was instantly handed the new baby and my heart filled with so much love. I am the US Grandmother, none-the-less!!! A baby is a baby no matter what your language, culture, or religion. Life experiences as childbirth and weddings have no barriers to happiness and joy. We have been so very blessed to have been befriended by so many wonderful people through our journeys that have opened their lives up to us and included us as family!!

I wish all the best to the Satu Deora family with their growing family, and, by the way, Linnea would make a wonderful Indian name!

The Wedding

The Wedding

Wow!!!! What an amazing life experience!! Words nor pictures can explain or do justice to the evening we were so honored to be apart of. The groom is the cousin of my Indian “son” Satu and we were excited to receive an invitation. Indian weddings go on for days and is full of culture, tradition and family.  Where American wedding revolve around the bride, Indian weddings are all about the groom!  Once Randy and I got dressed into our Indian dress clothes Satu whisked us to the venue. Upon arrival we were escorted into a large hall for the grooms family. Basically it was all the men but I was fortunate enough to be included. The hall was filled with mattresses and blankets where the men could relax. The grooms room, off to one side, was our first stop. We wished him congratulations and had MANY pictures taken. Somehow this white man and woman (Gora and Gori) were one of the highlights of the day. Paparazzi and Brangellina come to mind!!

Following the congratulations began the grooms parade. The beautifully dressed groom atop a horse led the procession to the brides home. This parade consisted of the groom on horseback being followed by a man carrying a green branch, a full marching band, a tuk tuk carrying a generator that powered lights held on the heads of many to light the way and hundreds of male friends and family members. Every few mintues the group would stop and the music would blare, dancing would begin and firecrackers would be set off. Neighbors out on their balconies and traffic watching every step of the way. The parade ended at the brides home where all the men sat on fabric in the street, brides men on one side and grooms men on the other. Randy and I felt like royalty as the only 2 chairs set up were for us and in the front row!! All were given a red blessing on their foreheads as individuals shook hands and introduced themselves around.

As the groom proceeded into the brides home for continued ceremony, we headed back to the party venue for dinner. Many of our drivers from our time in India were in attendance and continued to take care of us royally as they always do. The food was plentiful and delicious. Indian sweets and all the yummy staples of Indian cuisine. Daal, mixed veg, chipati, chilis, cucumbers, radish, delicious tomato soup and much much more.

As much as we were excited to be a part of such a lovely wedding, people were thrilled to see us!! Many hand shakes, introductions, special treatment, etc. They wanted to make sure that we experienced everything and would whisk us to the front of the Groom’s procession and had front row seats for us at the brides home, they cleared a table special for us at the dinner and even wanted to give us a ride home in the decorated car intended for the bride and groom!! Tomorrow evening continues the party with the reception that we look forward to.

AND, we thought American weddings were exhausting!!!    …….

　

A Normal Indian Day ....

A normal Indian Day….

My day started as if I was in America. I got up, got ready, Randy went off to work and I had some errands and shopping to be done before we went to Jodhpur for the weekend. We had a wedding to go to! My driver picks me up and takes me to the pharmacy to fill a “prescription” for Randy. Now I use the word prescription loosely. It’s a folded piece of normal paper with 3 Rx scribbled with a date and signature. My driver drops me near the “medicine shop” in our local village and we park in the dirt, I dodge cars, buses, motorcycles and cows as I run across the street. Upon paying I am given the prescription back. Interesting!

We continue our drive into Jodhpur….. My Indian pseudo son, Satu, met me at the hotel to take me shopping for a dress. We proceed to the “mall”, which is like an old Woolworths that has a little of everything and walk to the back where there is a bunch of fabric. I will preface this by saying I am aware I am not the smallest person and I also realize that in American standards I am not the largest either. In Indian standards I am an amazon! The lady proceeds to take my measurements while saying select English words … fatty, thick, unhealthy, and you need to run was understood in English and then many other comments in Indian that Satu was kind as to not translate. Thank goodness I am aware of my “thickness” and have a solid self esteem!!!   In 3 hours time my dress would be ready. Now I need sandals….. Okay I wear an 8 ½ in US sizes, again, here I am an amazon woman. The largest Indian size is 12 and that’s my size. Now bangles … I have small hands and wrists BUT they had to go to the biggest sizes under the counter to accommodate my girth! Satu and I proceed to pickup the boys new suits, get some Sula Sauvignon Blanc for momma J , and grab some lunch. Fun afternoon with my “son”!

It is wedding time and tourist season in Rajasthan. The weather is wonderful; warm in the afternoons and cool at night. There is no need for a/c or heater. Our favorite hotels in Jodhpur are either unavailable or nearly $400/night US. We trusted another friend to find us a hotel and I am pleasantly surprised that we have found a hotel for under $80 US that has character and all the modern conveniences we need. Beautiful garden, Havali type architecture, retro, eclectic, pool and 70’s Brady Bunch color walls and furniture style. The window in the bathroom strategically over the kitchen of the restaurant next door. Hmmmm??

After work Randy met me in Jodhpur in time to get ready for the wedding. Satu brought me my handmade outfit and his sister-in-law to help me get dressed. I have a entirely new appreciation for Indian women looking beautiful and being able to dress, work, walk, cook and take care of their children while looking so lovely in their sarees. Safety pins, tight knots, proper tucking and always holding your headpiece, oh my! She taught me how to dress with seams in the correct direction, correct folds, etc. Then to complete my outfit she took the forehead decoration off of herself and put it on me. Endearing act of kindness!

Randy in his handmade Indian suit and myself in my handmade Indian dress and off to the wedding we go…..

http://innseasonjodhpur.com/

India .... I'm baack!

I must say that coming to India a second time is much easier. I am not as intimidated by the congestion of people, noises, and vehicles. I actually find that I missed a lot of the quirks and idiosyncrasies that I associate to India: honking of the buses and cars, slums with satellite dishes mounted on top, spicy food, the “bobble-head” answers and animals & people sharing the same land. Hard to put the experience into words and pictures but the colorful country and people capture you.

Upon arrival into Mumbai it came clear that this wasn’t my 1^st time. I am no longer a tourist. I don’t look like a target. I walked with purpose. I wasn’t interrogated by customs, I knew the drill of the constant security checks, I knew when to get pushy and when to allow the men to be gentlemen. As I walked into the arrival courtyard and found the Renaissance sign and met my driver outside the gate, I was soooo happily surprised by a familiar voice asking “Can I help you ma’am?” My wonderful husband had met me in Mumbai! I probably shocked a few Indian’s as my refluxes shot out and swatted him on the face, but oh well! Now with Randy here I could let down my guard and have him be in charge. The mental part of my vacation has now begun!

Flight delay after flight delay, my 3am arrival into Mumbai turned into a 7am wakeup call for Randy as I wasn’t having any part of sleep. Our driver dropped us off at the domestic terminal, Randy enjoyed the familiar KFC and me a $16 vodka tonic and off we flew from Mumbai to Jodhpur. Another driver and we were on our way out to the Rajasthan Thar Desert. An ATM stop, wine stop, cigarette stop and we are on our way. Another stop for the driver to get newspaper to put in the window to block the sun and next thing you know I was being woken up as we arrived the Thar Oasis Resort. Home sweet home.

Good to be back at the Thar. Familiar faces, progress in their construction and the same children playing at their gates. I befriended the children the last time I was here and was happy to see their enthusiasm when they saw me back again. The crazy white lady is back! This time I came prepared with fun things I thought they would enjoy… bubbles, jump rope, color crayons and activity books. Candy, a train whistle and glow in the dark bracelets. Nothing made me happier than watching the kids and teens blow bubbles and laugh and share an experience even though we didn’t share the same language. They even let the crazy white lady hold the new baby… too much fun!

Day 2 of Randy going to work and me relaxing at the Thar Oasis. The weather is so much better than when I was here in September. Cool enough in the evening to wear a sweatshirt and low 80’s in the afternoons. I’ve opened up our cottage to the fresh air and sunshine, ceiling fan overhead and sounds of the musical honks on the highway. India is not for the weary but it sure has it’s appeal.

 http://tharoasis.com

Stationery card

Surrounded With Love Holiday Card

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South Lake Tahoe

Girls Weekend 2012

Time with our girlfriends is soooo very important!  For 28 yrs Michelle and I have gotten together for our special time.  At first it started just the 2 of us, we had our 1 weekend a year to finish the sentences that we were unable to finish because of husband and children and home interruptions.  Then we started inviting others.  If they passed our "test" and weren't "blackballed" then they were lucky to be invited back!  LOL Consistantly we have 10 girls for our getaway.  "Weekend" has grown to 3-4 nights.  Our cheapy weekend has turned into an adult getaway.  We are back at Lakeland Village in South Lake Tahoe.  We love it here and we are able to all stay together in one unit directly on the lake.  We have a 180 degree view from every window in our townhouse.  Beautiful and fun!!  We are able to visit and watch movies, order pizza, nap, shop,gamble, have spa treatments and consume alot of wine, champagne and vodka!!   We have always said that our girls weekends are much cheaper than a psychiatrist!    Now we have Minnesota girls represented and Shannon has joined us for 15+ yrs.  Stacy and Stephanie are a permanent fixture.  The others are rotated in/out each year.

Today we went to the casinos and are currently getting ready for our night on the town.... nice dinner and clubbing.  So many people want the middle aged fat woman!  NOT!!  But we have so much fun together that it doesn't matter.  Our husbands and boyfriends gladly turn us over to our girlfriends.  Good clean fun!!  They know that we always come home to them!  Our inside jokes are only funny to us and if repeated are just an eye roll to others.  It's for all these things that this time is special to each of us.  Cheers!!! 

Queensland, Australia

 
Ahhhhh.... Western Civilization!!!  We arrived in Brisbane, Australia last night after all night and all day flying. We pickup our rental cars and WOW that was interesting!!  Vehicles driving on the right side of the car and the left side of the road and round-a-bouts all over!  Tired, smelly and now behind the wheel of an automobile.  We made it to the apartment only to  be greeted by friends from home.  What a wonderful surprise!!  Our corporate apartment is in the hustle and bustle Fortitude Valley and all the nightlife, too bad we were too tired to enjoy. 

This morning we headed out to the country and our evening at Maggie's Farm.  What a fabulous country home dedicated to corporate housing and meals.  Maggie's Farm is a darling home and Annie is a fabulous cook and hostess!!  She made a beef stew that anyone living in India for a month would crave! ..... ME!  I have been able to decompress and enjoy the Australian wine and countryside while the men talked shop.  :)  Missing home had me clearning the table and looking forward to spoiling my family from my kitchen! 

Tonight is the last night with my husband as I head back to Brisbane tomorrow.  My time away is drawing to a close but with many wonderful memories and hearfelt intentions of returning to India AND Australia.  This time away has opened my eyes to the belief of living in an area for a time in order to truly appreciate the culture and beauty. 

G-day all!

We have now been in Jodhpur for 2 nights.  Jodhpur is a good mix of the Delhi/Mumbai hustle bustle and the village experiences.  The old city is walled with the Meharangarh Fort rising above.  Here I got my way and we got to stay in a Havali.  :)  Havali's are old buildings in the old city that are converted into guest houses.  Well, this is a 5 star beautiful Raas Hotel/Havali that is like staying in a spa.  At night when the fort above is lit up and we are sitting enveloped in candlelight, there is nothing better!!   Next door is a mosque where 5-6 times per day the people are called to prayer over the loud speaker.  Atmosphere of the area, or an interruption, it is quite unique and adds to the experience!

Yesterday we ventured to the Meharangarh Fort and toured with guide.  Rajisthan is an area imbedded with history of kings and queens and palaces.  The fort is absolutely gorgeous and you can touch artifacts that are 500 years old.  Actual breaks in the stone where cannons had hit and stories of British rule, it was very much another learning experience for me.  Looking down onto the blue city and seeing the wall, looking across to other palaces in the distance, lakes, and desert, it is quite the view!  Later we took a tuk tuk down to the Jodhpur clocktower and old city market.  Cows sitting in the middle of the road watching the tourists and locals exchange rupees, it was fun.  A coupl.es massage at the Raas and another dinner under the lit Fort, our time here has been an overload of the senses.  After 2 weeks in the desert sleeping on a bed that is reminscent of a summer camp mattress, the thick mattress and pillows of the Raas will be surely missed.

Today we leave India and head to our next stop in Australia.  Leaving for me is bitter sweet.  I have surely enjoyed my time in India and have appreciated a culture that I have known little about.  I look forward to my return and to see and learn more.  Where otherwise I would be intimidated on a 1st visit, I'm learning enough Hiindi to be pushy back.  I can return with confidence and experience to not be a typical "Gori" (white woman)!!

Pseudo American Meal

So my Cheeseburgers and Scampi extraordaire didn't turn out exactly how I had anticapated but it was good enough.  We had ordered ground buffalo, in lieu of hamburger, and shrimp and we were to have mashed potatoes and asparagus.  The highlight for me was that they found iceberg lettuce and I could have a salad that included lettuce!!  I went to the kitchen to begin my prep work only to find more men who didn't quite know how to take me.  They walk a fine line of being polite and wanting to do everything for me, to not being able to take direction from a woman, to allowing me to do everything because that is the role of the women in their homes.  Very interesting dynamic!  I fought hard to make the mashed potatoes myself.  In the end the chef asked if these are the "American potatoes" that are served with chicken fried steak.  YES! - I taught him something.  I was able to season the shrimp and season the buffalo to include the seasonings from home.  No garlic powder only garlic paste and a few other modifications.  I brought Sweet Baby Rays BBQ sauce so it was close.  :)  Once all the prep work was done I informed the chef as far as how to cook the rest and left it in his capable hands.  The picture above is what was served.  The potatoes were not heated up and were served ice cold.  The buffalo burger was a bit on the rare side, a little too much for me.  The asparagus was as good as you can get from a can.  The bun fell apart as if it was in the freezer wayyyyy too long.  BUT oh the iceberg lettuce... YUMMY!!!  We were close and it was good!!

Now, I won't go into detail about how the US regulates food safety and how the entire world should!  I won't tell you how OCD I get about washing my hands and cross contamination.  I won't mention about how they don't have a proper potatoe peeler or how there is only 1 pairing knife in the entire kitchen.  I won't tell you about the one spoon they use for ALL their seasonings or the one knife they use for all non-veg regardless of origin.  I will say that I am thankful for our drinking straws being in a paper sleeve and thankful for hairnets and proper sanitation techniques we have grown accustom to.  I will say that I am thankful for all the inspections that restaurants receive and I will never complain about my OCD of using a different cutting board for each item.  Tonight when I go into the restaurant and order food I will order something that gets boiled for a longgggg time and will think twice about how my food has been prepared. 

Signing off with love from India!

Camel ride

Let me put this in perspective.... prior to yesterday, the only camel ride I had been on was at Marine World approx 40yrs ago (don't do any math!!) and there was a raised platform to get on and then a hand rail to hold while on the "ride".  This was the real thing!  The camels came to get us at the hotel where we mounted and hung on for dear life as the camel raised to the front legs and then on to his back.  Now 8 feet in the air we traveled 10km for our trek through a village and up to the sand dunes.  We were able to see real homes, working farms and more families fascinated by the white people.  All the women working in their saris and covering their faces out of respect for the elders.  The children helping and running and playing outside.  No tv and video games here!  We reached a home, got off and took a break in one of their huts.  The elders did an opium ceremony which we proceeded to pass in partaking but it was very interesting watching the men drink from eachothers hands just enough to relax their bodies.  :)  Randy and a friend from before shared hooka and I even tried it.  Not for me but it tasted like cherry!  LOL  Off to another hut where they served us a cold corona (yep!  Corona in the desert of India!) and a fabulous dish of fried buttermilk.  Absolutely delish with naan baked in a brick oven.  What an authentic and wonderful experience and one I will not soon forget.  2 of the boys that befriended me yesterday followed along with a few friends and walked along with us the entire time, approx 6 miles.  They thought nothing of it.  I kept thinking of how many children in the US would voluntarily walk the distance and not fight their parents to get off the tv, computer or cell phones.  What a difference!

Later yesterday we went into Decchu, the local village, for a little shopping and then continued to Uncle's home for happy hour.  Uncle, as he is affectionately called, is a land owner and I would guess middle class.  He had for us corona for Randy and Sula Sauvignon Blanc (my new favorite Indian wine) for me.  His wife put together snacks of apples and cucumbers.  Just lovely!!  We toured his home and was impressed again of how proud everyone is.  The warmth and hospitality puts life in perspective.  It's not what you have or what you don't have that is important, it's the love you share with others and the time spent enjoying your friends and family that is what makes you rich.  (Having said that, I was sooo jealous of their pantry with large shelves and storage and pots and pans large enough to cook for the entire village - which I am pretty convinced that they have done!)

Sounds like my Eat, Pray, Love is kicking in and it is.  :)

Tonight I am cooking in the hotel kitchen for the men working at the site.  Since we cannot eat beef and a burger is what everyone is craving, I ordered ground buffalo (embrace the buffalo!) and shrimp to make scampi.  Randy wants cheesy mashed potatoes and I am cooking aspragas.  When I asked for fresh, they got me a FRESH CAN!  Love it.  Add garlic and Sula wine and I'm sure it will be fine.  I will pretend I'm on Iron Chef or Chopped and do the best I can with what I can find.  :)  Looking forward to the challenge!!

Until next time.....

Children

As I went for a walk yesterday I was befriended by some children.  They live outside the wall of the hotel and are all brothers and sisters.  They didn't speak 1 word of English but were fascinated by me, as I was with them.  They followed me on my walk and we ended up playing tag.  Very fun!!!  Their smiles and laughs are contagious.

I've had a few lazy days which has been nice.  I've caught a cold and a bit of the "Delhi Belly" so it's nice to have some down time.....A little pool time and alot of reading.  A client suggested the book The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel which is set in India and it's a great read while experiencing it here.   

Mission Accomplished

It's difficult to say which experiences are at the top when each day surpasses the previous.  Yesterday was another highlight!!  The crazy white woman came in and whipper snapped these poor laborers, flooring  guys, electricians, IT people, drivers, housekeeping boys and stand arounds into shape.  I don't think they knew what hit them.  I'm sure they had a pact in Hindi to never discuss this outside of the building.  We had a job to do and "tomorrow" wasn't the answer.  It was all getting done TODAY.  I didn't care who was where in the line of worker they all needed to help me.  Once they realized that I WOULD chase you down and put you to work they did it.  Hysterical!!  I had my guys and made new friends.  They would laugh at my Hindi words and then try and teach me more.  I asked about their arranged marriages, children and homes.  I learned ALOT and so did they.  It was HOT, humid and I worked as hard as they did.  The fine line of whether to be polite and let me sit or watch me work and take direction was the question mark on their brows.  At the end of the day, I shook everyones hand, said thank you and good night and felt like an amazing feat was accomplished physically and culturally!! 

Good morning from the Thar Desert

As I sit and wait for my driver to come take us to the site, I reflect on how hard and fun my day is going to be.  After 1/2 day of reading and relaxing I asked the site director to put me to work.  My challenge today is to get a bunch of trailers ready for a meeting.  They were just delivered and need to be set up, cleaned, electrical connected, wi-fi hooked up and all the tables/chairs set up for tomorrow.  Presentation area, breakout rooms and screen for a presentation.  This is right up my alley!!  Challenge #1 is having the Indian laborers stop staring at me because I am a white woman and start taking direction from me.  Yes, this is going to be interesting.  On the way back to the hotel last night we stopped off at the largest village and bought cleaning supplies.  This was another high point.  So it's after dark, lights hanging across the road, load music blaring from speakers, the people on their pigrimage to Ramdeora have stopped for the night, and white people drive up to a "general store" and I use the term loosely.  We are looking for windex, floor cleaner and rags.  These are villagers and trying to get our point across was hysterical ..... BUT mission accomplished.  We got all we needed plus cashews to put on the tables.  :)  Mop will be a stick and the rag at the bottom.  Bucket will need to be figured out.  Screen and separation will be bed sheets from the hotel.  I feel like McGyver Linn and having a ball!!  I don't think these laborers know that I'm a woman, mom and I can bark orders in any language.  They are going to wish that the crazy white woman will go home.  :)  I mean it all in jest but I will report back on my progress!!

Embracing the Buffalo

You know how you want to eat something that tastes like home??  Last night I was craving a plain ole grilled cheese sandwich to dip into soup.  I'd had hot and sour soup here before and it's good but more like a tangy vegetable soup.  I asked but the kitchen didn't know what a grilled cheese sandwich was.  I offered to show them and they took me up on our offer. :)  Randy and I headed into the kitchen.  They sliced the white bread and grated some white cheese.  I got the frying pan hot with butter and showed them when to flip it.  Yeah!!  Home, comfort food.  I get my sandwich and I get my soup and dipped the first corner.  Just when I'm ready to take my first bite of HOME, Randy says, "you realize the cheese is made from buffalo milk, right?"  DEFLATE my bubble, thank you very much!!!  This is just hours after I was finally decided to try the chai tea and then realized the milk was a little too rich and was buffalo milk.  Time to embrace the buffalo!!

Thar Desert, Rajasthan

We have now flown from Delhi to Jodhpur, and driven 3 1/2 hours into the desert.  We are finally out to Randy's home away from home, although he spends more time here than at home.  I LOVE seeing where he spends all his time, eats, sleeps, works and the struggles he deals with on a day to day basis.  Being here puts all the stories in perspective.  I am sitting at the desk and being brought tea by the same boy that I have only seen via Facetime.  

Yesterday the drive brought in more sites and animals.  Now we have camels in the road, buffalo, and peacocks. Pretty sad that the shoulder of the road is less bumpy than the road itself in places.  Things that I'm getting used to.  :)  Lakes and temples along the way and many, MANY people walking along the road on their personal pilgrimage to a holy temple.  Walking 100 + km carrying flags, bags, and children.  Their faith, determination and passion intrigues me!! 

The food... oh, the food!  I'm REALLY liking the food.  I'm being cautious and thankfully have had little problems.  My friend Judy told me of surviving on bread and water so I was afraid.  Dal and chipati are my favorite.  Butter or garlic chipati, I'm not picky!  Samosa, lentil salad, Indian salt spice, .... YUM!    I draw the line when it comes to buffalo milk and mutton!  I tell you what, I'm visiting the Indian grocery when I get back to the states for Indian spice, cardamom, coriander, cumin, curry, ginger, chilis etc. 

Okay....... things that will get old very quickly .... that lack of reliable internet, solar heated water that only allows you a hot shower at night, the bugs... YUCK!  big bugs and lizards, snakes... no thank you!  The power goes out tens of times per day!  Besides the fact that I'm going to want the biggest, juiciest BEEF burger and/or prime rib when I get home, hands down!!

I will close for now.... wishing you all a BIG hello and and even BIGGER I miss you!  Cheers! 

Good evening from New Delhi

This evening finds us in Delhi looking forward to a dinner at our driver and friends home.  Suresh has been so good to Randy when he's been over here and has taken us many, many km while traveling this week.  I look forward to having a home cooked meal! 

Yesterday was a day of literal tears for me.  All my life I've wanted to visit the Taj Mahal and until recently never truly thought I would get there.  We took a horse drawn carriage to the entrance and Azim our tour guide took us in and explained all the details.  It's an amazing feat and love story.  Words nor pictures can do the marble and beauty justice.  I was in awe.  Then add in that probably every country was represented and every color, religion and tongue and it was such a spiritual place.  We sat on the Princess Diana bench and tears began to fall.  Speechless!!

Today we saw embassy row and all the parliament buildings, presidents home, and Delhi gate, replica of the one we visited in Mumbai.  Then I got to visit the Muslim Mosque in Old Delhi and then we went to the HUGE Sikh temple and went inside.  Another amazing experience.  Our driver attends this temple and toured us in areas not seen by visitors.  He was sooo proud and we loved sharing in his love and pride.  Then the shopping mall.  AHHHHH.... a glimpse of home!  An actual indoor shopping mall with all the name stores.  Lunch at TGIFridays and a Harley shop.  It truly felt like home.  :)

Well.... better get ready for our dinner at Suresh's home.  Tomorrow takes us on another flight into Jodhpur and out to the desert where I can unpack, do laundry, and see what Rajasthan has to offer me.   I miss home but having a fabulous time!!

Good morning from Agra

This trip is such a learning experience.  As Americans we are so lucky and fortunate and take alot for granted.  You all know that I love to ask questions and culture is so fascinating to me.  Well, I'm on complete overload.  I'm beginning to notice the difference between Hindus and Muslims in dress and mannerisms.  The class system, cast system, arranged marriages, religion, womens role and lack of respect from men. Very, VERY interesting! I am very proud to be a woman, even prouder to have a full time job, keep a good home, raise children, do the cooking and cleaning and whatever else needs to be done.  To have a system that expects and still looks upon women as "the bottom of your shoes", would drive me mad.  My hot head would get me in trouble in the villages here!  Having said all this, the people are so very kind, happy, have large cirlces of friends, have a faith that puts alot in perspective. 

We had a fabulous touring day in Goa.  Our driver took us to a museum of Portuguese architecture and home decor.  Then we went to visit churches.  Beautiful!!!  The church of St Francis of Assissi where he is still seen mummified in the tomb.  Solid gold alters, stories of miracles and we were able to walk right up to artifacts from the 9th century.  It's a very powerful place.  Then off to the spice plantation.  They gave a tour through the plantation and showed us how spices are grown and gave us "recipes" for holistic cures for anything from sore throats to poor mans viagra!  This followed by a buffet of Indian food.  Back to Panaji and the casino!!  Yes, we found casinos.  Hahahaha... you take a jetty to a floating boat and then have fun.  Randy was in his glory!  The blackjack table was his home for hours.  It was a blast.  Let's put this in perspective.... I was the 2nd woman on the entire boat, all drinks included except I am female.  I literally had to get woman staff to get a man to get me a glass of wine.  That is, once I explained to the woman what wine was!!  When we would win, I would clap, yell and act like I'm in Vegas and, well, that's not exactly kosher, no pun intended. 

Yesterday started at 4am because we had an early flight from Goa to Mumbai and on to Delhi.  Got to Delhi about noon and finally met Suresh who has been Randy's driver for the past year.  Suresh took us by car from Delhi to Agra.  I heard it was 2 1/2 hrs by car.  Then we had to take another road so it would take 4 hrs.  After 5 1/2 hrs we arrived into Agra.  Cows, sheep, goats, monkeys, dogs, horses, donkeys oh my!  What an adventure.  I did get to hold my 1st monkey and he was such a love, just like a little baby.  Oh and a cobra doing the dance to music.... yuck!

So this morning I awake in Agra to rain and thunder, thanks to the monsoon season.  Today we are going to visit Fort Agra and who knows what else I will learn and experience.  I've learned to go with the flow and slow down.  Sometimes I think that is my lesson.... slow down, don't hyper organize, open my eyes wider and just take it all in.  

Goa

This morning I wake at the Marriott goa resort watching the Arabian sea lash the sea wall. Beautiful hotel. Looking forward to the infinity pool and swim up bar later this afternoon. Yesterday our driver took us to see the 3 classes of Mumbai. High rise gorgeous marble palaces. Middle class would surprise most. Not at all what the USA calls middle class and then the slums, based on slumdog millionaire.  Sad BUT everyone seems happy.  Our driver took us to the middle class market that he shops at. Roadside shanties each selling one type of item or fruit or vegetable. It was amazing.  People stared and stared and would walk up to get a better look. I had one lady say HI and I said it back and she was sooooo excited to say the 1 English word she knows. Our driver introduced us to his children, 4 yr old daughter and 10 yr old son. His daughter grabbed my hand and we walked holding hands through the market. Lots of stares but my smile was contagious. Regardless of culture differences she still loved my lipstick! Little girls are all the same. :)

Our domestic flight to goa was interesting. Security line for women and another for the men. A group of monks traveling to Kathmandu. Military security with automatic rifles at the ready. I will no longer accept people's complaining about the us security system to fly. They ain't seen nothing! Goa airport is a lot like 1970 Honolulu. Our driver whisked us on the road to the hotel. This is lush and green, coconut trees, ALOT like Hawaii or what  people say Bali looks like.  There are actual homes with yards and the Portuguese architecture is dominant. The biggest change is the addition of sidewalks. You can stroll.  Since its monsoon season the roads are unaccessible to get to the famous waterfalls so we will visit the spice plantation and old goa with the churches and temples.

I am really enjoying it here!!!!

Mumbai

Wow!! Mumbai is amazing. I don't whether I'm on the set of a movie or if this is truly real. We had a driver and guide take us around Mumbai yesterday. The architecture is European to slums . The traffic is horrific. Red lights don't matter, no lines in the road, trash, goats, cows, people, traffic stopped cuz someone had to poop on the side of the road. Hospitals that I hope never to see the inside of although our US best drs come from here. The Trident Bandra Kurla is gorgeous and totally service, service, service.  Our room is straight out of the ikea showroom and since it's a disables room we have 2 baths.  Randy keeps using mine though. Haha

We saw the the taj hotel that was hit by missile from Pakistan and across is the famous Victoria gate sitting on the Arabian sea. Hot humid and sweaty!!

Not sure why we attract so much attention.... Could it be that we are white? I'm blond? Randy has a prosthetic? Or because he looks like some guy on ice road truckers? Haha or that there is some show on power plants on discovery channel that highlights randy? Okay so we are not the next bradjalena but by the stares you wouldn't know it.
My bucket list is crossing thing off left and right.... India, Mumbai, Balinese massage, claw foot tub with red rose petals,

All systems are a go....

All systems are a go..... Leaving work for my 1 month sabbatical.  Next update will be from on the road.  Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!

2 days and counting ...

Getting so very excited!!  Following the Lufthansa strike situation.  Nothing is going to hold me back from this adventure.  :)

Soon

1 week to go!!!! So much to do. Luggage shopping tomorrow. Malaria pills this weekend. Not sure about the vivid dream side affect. I'm getting so excited!!! Ready to start living my Eat, Pray, Love chapter.

Fresh air and sunshine

Great day out on the bike with alex and william! So proud of having boys who ride.

Pacific Northwest

We have returned from our family vacation.  The boys drove up to Washington and then Meghan and I flew and met them up in Sumas.  Randy picked us up from the Bellingham airport and took us right to the car dealership.  I cannot leave my husband alone!!  He found his dream truck and we are now the proud owner of a jacked up, awesome 3/4 ton diesel.

We spent the week exploring the Pacific Northwest.  We had Meghan (17) and Alex (16) and we LOVED showing them the sights and activities in the area.  We went to Vancouver and walked around Granville Island and then scared ourselves at the Capilano Suspension Bridge.  Alex got to see the home of the Canucks which was a thrill.

We drove to Seattle and shopped at Pike Place Market.  From there we took the Underground Seattle tour which I thought was very interesting.  We took the ferry from downtown Seattle to Bremerton and then stayed overnight in Port Orchard right on the Puget Sound.  Randy is a good travel agent.  hehe :)  From there we drove up to Port Townsend and then took the ferry across to Fort Casey.  It was really neat to walk around the fort, see all the big guns, lookouts and walk through the dark tunnels.

Back in Sumas we visited alot of family and friends.  Randy and I stayed at the Sumas Mountain Lodge for a few nights to give his mom some space.  We had a great room that overlooked Mt Baker and a jacuzzi tub in the room.  One afternoon we took in the Sumas race cars and raced eachother around the track.  I laughed and laughed as I kept getting passed by everyone but it was sooooo fun!

Driving from the northern most point of Washington back to California in the new truck was awesome!  I got to see alot of areas I had never been.  Now I cannot wait to go back to far North California and Mt Shasta area.  Beautiful areas that I've never explored.

Fabulous Trip!!!  Our journey continues......

It's been a while.....  My month in India has been postponed until September.  I'm pleased that my push to travel in the spring has got my butt moving to get my health,work and personal business in order.  Funny how things happen for a reason though.  Thinking back it wouldn't have been the most opportune time to travel.  Since my last post, Randy had been home for a few weeks, Meghan graduated high school and we threw the biggest and best party EVER, my brother and fiance came in from out of state, mom came back from Arizona, family time at mom's house, we got to watch Cory graduate high school, William has moved out, and Alex has come down to stay with us for the summer.  Needless to say, life is never boring with this family!!

In May, I picked Randy up from the airport this last time and we went straight to the Harley shop.  We picked up the new bike and he is soooo happy.  The bike is beautiful and is a dream for both of us.  Then getting on the back, it's even more comfy than the old one.  :)  We spent ALOT of the time on the road.  We traveled up the sierras to mom's house, to South Lake Tahoe, Yuba City through the Feather River Canyon up to Quincy and back around Lake Tahoe on the way home.  Love, Love traveling on the bike and having time alone exploring with my husband!!!

Until next time....

Final shots done last week!  The typhoid was a tough one.  Stiff arm for 1 1/2 days and a warm flush.  Wow!  The things we do to stay healthy when traveling over seas.  :)  I've picked up my malaria pills and my "just in case" anti-biotic to take with.  Geez... looks like I'm taking a pharmacy over by the time you follow the check lists of things to have.  Cough drops, anti-diarrheal, benadryl, neosporin, tylenol, besides all your daily medication.  Crazy!!  

I've started a bag of things that I cannot forget and when I think of something I throw it in the bag.  Trying to stay organized because I know the next 2 weeks are going to go by sooooo fast!

Visa received!!!

Today I sent in my visa application!   Let's hope it doesn't take long to get back.  I cannot buy my ticket until I get my visa.  Another thing crossed off my list!  Yeah!!!

https://indiavisa.travisaoutsourcing.com/homepage

I've been doing some research and am getting excited!!  I've begun a notepad of what I want to see and do while in India...... Mumbai, Delhi, Goa, Agra, the Taj Mahal, Camel Safari, 4wd Safari, Jaislamer, and the tourism triangle in Rajasthan between Jodhpur, Jaislamer and Bikaner.  I need to find where I can buy wine!!  Priorities............

Time off....

I have worked all my life and thinking of taking an extended leave for pure pleasure and visit to an exotic country is sooooo very exciting!  Okay.... 4 weeks off from work confirmed!!  YES!!!

Clarity ..... I LOVE clarity.  Looking at schedules departing mid March and staying for a month!  Yippee!!!  I want to be able to pull this man's beard too!!!

This is one of the things I am looking forward to on my trip to Rajasthan, India.
A camel ride with my husband!!

And so it begins......

As I sit in California and Randy in the Thar Desert of India, I look forward to our future.  Now that I have taken proactive steps to join Randy in India I'm feeling much more positive and hopeful.  The excitement sometimes overwhelms.  The world is our playground now let's start our journey!!

Once I made the decision to "go with it", I began my steps to set the ball in motion.

I made an appointment with my doctor to get checked out and discuss my plan.  I love my doctor and she is from India so she was a great woman to discuss this with.  When I walked out of her office I was full of hope.  She refilled my prescriptions for a year since everything was working for me.  She prescribed the malaria pills and gave me an antibiotic to take with me "just in case".  She ordered a series of blood tests to make sure I was good to go.  We discussed the shots I would need and she referred me to the travel clinic at the county health department. 

The following day I went to the oral surgeon and had my 2 remaining wisdom teeth pulled.  The last thing I need is to be 1/2 way around the world and ahve my teeth give me trouble!!

My visit to the San Joaquin County Pubic Health Department was interesting.  I had never been to a clinic like that before.  Wow... I felt fortunate to be middle class with good insurance.  Already I've learned that just because you have insurance that travel innoculations are not something you walk into your suburban doctors office and get.  It's expensive for private doctors to order, keep and distribute the wide variety of shots that we need.  I had called several different doctors and they all referred me to the county health dept.  So I was a good mom and made sure my daughter had all her shots and was surprised what I learned that I needed to be middle-aged, up to date and planning to travel abroad.  I met with the nurse who went thru the areas I was planning to travel and what was recommended.  5 shots later and an appointment for the following month, I was ready to go.  Tetanus, Hep A, Hep B, MMR booster and Polio booster.  Next month I need to go back for my 2nd Hep B plus the Typhoid vaccine and Yellow Fever.  I feel like I'm getting control of what needs to be done for me to start our next chapter and this lovely adventure that sits ahead of us!