Shrink had asked me earlier for Tej's contact info and I said I didn't think he did individual tours. It turns out, he does (we're Facebook friends and I asked him). So if anyone is interested, here's his contact info:

Tejender Singh - [email protected]

I can't recommend him highly enough - excellent English skills, extremely personable, very caring and knowledgeable, and just fun to be with. In 2009, he won the bronze prize in the Paul Morrison Guide Awards - which I believe is based on feedback and ratings from travelers. He got to go to London and meet Bill Bryson.

He lives in a small village in Rajasthan and I believe does tours throughout northern India, so feel free to contact him if you're looking for a good guide.

Thanks Karen,you are Rock on

You can see Tej chimed in. I hope this isn't considered advertising. I just let him know that "advertising" isn't allowed. He's truly awesome.

does blip like him too?

Thank you for this information, Karen

LOL, Bob. Yes, Blip liked him, too. In fact, Tej gave Blip a friendship bracelet at the end of the trip just like the rest of us. Blip is still wearing it!

Thanks Karen. Will definitely be in touch with Tej. I'm beginning to pursued my DH to hire a driver at least for some portions of our trip. Yeah!

That would be persuade.

dgunbug - Tej told me someone from Fodor's contacted him regarding arrangements for September. (He was very happy, by the way.) If it was you, would you be willing to take him a t-shirt from me if I'd send it to you? I tried mailing him one along with some photos in an envelope - and the photos arrived but not the t-shirt. I'd still like to send him a small gift, but am now leery of sending it via mail. He said "it's India" and didn't seem too upset. He said things happen for a reason and it's all good. He was pleased with the photos. Let me know if you're traveling with him and willing to take a t-shirt to him. If not, no worries, I understand. Thanks.

(You can email me at [email protected])

Karen - Yes, I did email Tej as well as several other companies and I will be more than happy to bring the t-shirt, should I use his services.

Some things in India never change like postal workers helping themselves to packages that look interesting! Within India, things are often sent via a network of friends and relative to hand carry the item from place to place until it reaches the final destination.

I think my mistake was in sending it in an 8 /2 x 11 envelope, which I just taped shut. It would have been fairly easy to open - it just never occurred to me that a postal worker might open it! I wonder if I had sealed it in a box and taped it better if he'd have gotten it. It was a cool shirt, so I can see why it was so tempting if someone looked at it. (It was orange and said Baltimore, Charm City on it.) Sigh.