The Unexpected Things I Learn

As I returned to the parking lot in search of Ramesh, I was once again accosted by vendors. I had enjoyed my visit to Fatephur Sikri and was ready to move on. While I scoured the lot for our van, the hawkers just wouldn’t go away, so this time I tried a different tack. I […]

In Which I Mostly Talk About Everything Else

As soon as I stepped out of the car, it began. The guides swarmed over me, trying to sell their services. They’re respectful to each other, giving each man the opportunity to fail in his pitch. The first man came forward, incessantly pestering me, offering to lead me on a tour of the Taj Mahal. […]

I Guess Victors Get To Do As They Choose

I’m trying to figure something out here, and can’t quite piece it together, but think I am coming to it. Delhi has a population of 26 million, and although I’ve seen areas of incredible density, and I see many people around the roadside, much of the area my driver takes me through appears to be […]

Risking It All In Old Delhi

The streets of Old Delhi are like nothing I have seen before. When I think of the most densely occupied places I have visited, with their street markets and vendors and utter crush of humanity pressing in on all sides, nothing comes close. In terms of bodies pressing on bodies, Naples at its busiest has […]

London Calling

I didn’t truly know what I was seeing, but I had a hunch. When I booked this itinerary, I wasn’t entirely enthusiastic about a 12 hour layover in London. I’ve been to this city twice and just haven’t fallen in love with it. Still, I spoke with some friends who are enamored with her and […]

The Pre-Trip Before the Trip

It was well past midnight when I stepped off of the E train and climbed the stairs, materializing at the corner of 40th Street and 8th Avenue. Like a big comforting Borg ship, the energy and power of Manhattan Island embraced me, enfolded me, and assimilated me into its very being. The City is massive, […]