No Bangkok/Thailand?

We just received back-to-back emails from the bike tour company in Bangkok, the first saying the trip is cancelled, the second saying it's back on because the airport should be open by Friday. We're both pretty much in favor of not going at this point, mainly because of the 250K people who will be trying to get out while we're flying in. IF the airport actually opens, that is. I'm pretty excited about staying here for four more days, but Dana says she only wants to do two more. Something about needing to do "something cultural" and "learning something." I told her she can learn how to snorkle and windsurf here, but she seems unconvinced of the value. It will suck somewhat not to make it to Thai/Camb, for sure, but I'm pretty happy here. We may just end up back in Delhi for a few extra days, unless we can come up with another alternative. I'd like Dana to be happy with whatever happens. Suggestions?

Maldives

Herrow, fwends. We made it here to the Maldives, which are retarded. We had an easy flight to Sri Lanka and then a 7 hour layover during which we were able to sleep on the floor of the Executive Lounge. Then, a quick hop to Male, Maldives, followed by a 45 minute seaplane ride to our tiny island paradise in the Indian Ocean. Retarded. The dinner buffet is ridiculous - we had lobster tail and five desserts. The water is crystal clear blue and our bungalow is built over the lagoon. We're on "island time," one hour ahead of India, which gives us an extra hour of daylight. We've already swam with huge blue fish and seen baby sharks and hermit crabs. Totally awetally. Tonight, walking to dinner, the moon toenail lined up with two stars to form a perfect smiley face, which we are certain was intentionally arranged for us. It's not looking good for photos and videos before we get home, sorry! The only bummer in an otherwise excellent situation. Oh, and craziness in India and Thailand. The wait will be worth it, though. We're fully expecting cute puppies and kittens waiting for us in bed when we get back to the bungalow.

 

Aloha,

Stew & Daner

P.S. Bangkok

We're due to fly into Bangkok, Thailand on Dec. 5 and are hoping a peaceful resolution is reached soon. We may have to change our plans and just keep hanging in Maldives/India. Exciting times.

Sri Lanka

We're here in the Sri Lanka airport at 1:38 a.m. waiting for our 7 a.m. flight to Male, Maldives. This airport is way better than the New Delhi one. We're chilling in the Executive Lounge with free tea and cookies, internet, and TV. Sadly, I was unable to obtain a power cable for my Mac in Delhi, so it may be a while before any pics or video go live. Total bummer.

Hopefully, someone in the Maldives will have one I can borrow, or something. I promise the wait is worth it. We had such a great time with everyone in Delhi and are wishing safe travels to all. We'll definitely have to plan for a reunion. I and others made ridiculous spectacles of ourselves at the wedding, dancing like idiots to Justin Timberlake. Good times, and oh-so-many photos. We were a little worried about the band we hired when they started with Celine Dion and the Eagles as dance music. Fortunately, the DJ took over soon and played a few from our extensively compiled list of ultimate dance music. The food was awesome and the atmosphere magical, complete with an abundance of good souls.

Wedding

Hi Friends,

 

We just experienced the most marvelous ceremony that was truly beyond our expectations. There are TONS of photos and videos just waiting to be uploaded to public space. The situation is this: in the two weeks of packing and anal-retentive planning for this trip, I forgot to pack the power cord for my Macbook. So, now my battery is dead, which makes it hard to upload the AWESOME PHOTOS AND VIDEOS I've taken! The plan is to score a power cable tomorrow in New Delhi and then finally post some visuals while we're in the Maldives. We had a fantastic night tonight with friends and family! I have a new appreciation for the Hindu wedding ceremony and experienced timeless connection with humanity via the auspicious proceedings. Dana was a fabulous bride. Amazing to share the experience with our friends on the other side of the planet.

 

Love,

Stew

We're OK!

Hey, friends. We're perfectly fine here in Delhi. We had to cancel our trip to the Taj today because the border security would have been too arduous. But, we're going to make due by spending money in Delhi. Others of our friends need to check their email, so I'll sign off! I SWEAR video and photos are coming!

More Varanasi

OK, time for the first truly descriptive blog. We woke up at 5:30 this morning and took a boat out into the Ganges and watched devotees bathe and do laundry in the holy water as the sun came up. Again, got some great pics and video, but you'll have to wait a bit longer to see them. The pictures will do way more justice to this place than my travel-addled prose ever could. I've taken 300 photos since I got here two days ago, and they are all "mind-bottling." It's hard for westerners to fathom just how old this place is and how little life here has changed for 1000s of years. At the cremation ghat, there's a fire used to stoke the cremation mounds that been buring for continuously for 1000 years. Since WAY before we came up with "Just Do It." Yesterday we went to Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon in the 6th century B.C. Our guide gave me a leaf from a clone that's growing there of the very tree Buddha sat under while he lectured. I talked to Dana this morning and she said everyone has arrived in Delhi and is doing well - I'm looking forward to getting back to the farm for a little peace and quiet. Hari Bol!