Miami is a possibility, but KW will have to wait. I fly home on the 15th, from TPA. Would love to catch up with you guys in FLA.

Your cruise sounds nice. I've not cruised since the early 2000s. Last cruise was southern Caribb out of Puerto Rico on Princess. It was great!

We start out in Destin this coming week, then to PGA Sheraton at Port St Lucie, then we'll be in the Palm Beaches (at the Marriott on Singer Island) Jan 20- Feb 3 - Have through the 10th with Marriott in Orlando so will be quite a distance from Miami by the time you are there It was worth checking though just in case we could set up a mini GTG.

another opportunity lost

ttt

just reread this..INDIA IS FAB... we had a great trip in 2011... would consider a return... would love to visit some of the south..

Hey Bob
I started reading all this, then thought, "this sounds familliar" however, have not been on the Asia board for many months and laughed when I saw that I was one of the last posters on this 2011 thread. That was a fantastic trip you took to India ...
We are leaving tomorrow for Florida again, Chicago is cold though no snow yet (which is unusual) but we'll be back home in mid Feb.
Already beginning planning a Thai, Vietnam trip for Jan/Feb 14.

Were you ever able to present the donation in honor of GPanda to the Thai Orphanage? If you have, I'm sure you have already written about it but I've been off the Asia board for a while.
Happy New Year to all the wonderful Fodorites.
Sue

yes we were... we did it this past november... look for my asia report for fall 2012... click on my name..

it was a very moving experience.

i'm working on japan and thailand for fall, 2013 now.

Hi, Bob,

I've FINALLY finished this post and have really enjoyed it, especially now that we've been to India. And, of course, I'm currently planning a trip to Thailand + Siem Riep for next year, so it's great going through your TR now.

I had to laugh, though, when I got to your visit to the Bishnoi villages outside of Jodhpur. We had the same guide, Ragu, and went to the same places, also ending up buying a durry from the weavers. We really had a great time with Ragu -- he was one of our favorite guides, and we loved the visits to the different compounds.

Our visit to the 2nd "family" -- the one who offers the opium tea ceremony -- was hilarious, though. My husband and the family head really hit it off -- and Ragu called us back the next day to see if we could come over for dinner! We weren't able to -- but it was great to have such an invitation!

After the tea ceremony (we didn't feel a thing, either), the wife came over to us. My husband commented that she didn't look happy. Ragu translated the exchange, and her response went something like, "Why should I be happy? I do all the work and he smokes opium all day long!"


I do have to post the photos -- there are some priceless photos from that day. I really laughed when I saw the turban wrapping ceremony -- I have a great shot of my husband wearing the same one. I'm jealous, though, that Karen got to wear it, too!

I'll upload our photos shortly -- such a hoot to see your pictures!

In fact, it's the SAME durry that is used for the demonstration! So much for authenticity! It was still fun, tho, and we're happy with our durry.

Paule

hope this may add to your info

Hi Bob.
Just re-reading your report to get the finer points before we leave in a few weeks. Were your guides Dev in Jaipur, Ragu in Jodhpur and Vivender Singh all provided by C&K or did you contract with them separately? In some notes I'd made, you also had mentioned Anoop? Was he a guide or driver and for what region? When you went shopping, do you dismiss the guide and just use the driver?
Also. we only have one night in Udaipur as we're spending one night in Devi Garh, so I'd like to book the most atmospheric yet good food lakeside terrace restaurant. Did you prefer Ambrai or Jagat Niwas? On TripAdvisor, the higher ranking goes to Jaiwana Haveli Rooftop Restaurant…so if anyone else has eaten there, I'd love to hear your comments, We'll be staying at Fateh Prakash in the City Palace complex, so it would be more of a hike to get to Ambrai. BTW, I'm also questioning our hotel choice…I'd also considered Jagat Niwas or Shev Niwas….anyone want to give their thoughts? C&K had thought Fateh Prakash better.
Thanks so much for more info!

mr singh was a driver as I remember... the other 2 were provided by C&K and were both excellent.

anoop was our ndriver in 2006 and now lives in Dubai.

the rooftop restaurants generally give the best views... ambrai was very enjoyable too..