Taipei
Taiwan
October 28, 2007
Taipei. The capital of Taiwan. 2.7 million well-educated, well-dressed, energetic, hospitable people. Everyone carries a colorful umbrella.
It's crowded, busy and glitzy. Modern buildings. Modern fashions. Some boys wear spiked hair and the girls "accessorize." Spotlessly clean. Lots of bright yellow taxis with drivers who accept any destination without question.
Taipei,
Taiwan
Republic of China
October 24, 2007
Dear Family and Friends,
I am shocked, shocked to find that "Für Elise" is the "national anthem" of Taiwan!
As I check in to the Han She Hotel in Taipei, "Für Elise" flows forth from the lobby sound system. It's not a very good version; it's too heavy for my taste, and not lovely and lyrical as Beethoven intended.
As I stroll around Taipei, and in the streets of other cities and towns, "Für Elise" pours forth. But from where? At first I thought it was a loud mobile phone announcement or maybe an inducement from a shop or a restaurant. But it's playing on every street, morning, noon and night. Finally I found the source.
Lothal
State of Gujarat
India
March 9, 2007
Dr. Oscar White Muscarella
(Cc: Family and Friends)
Ancient Near East Department
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
New York, New York
Dear Dr. Muscarella,
Oscar, my friend. One of us slipped up!
Was it you? Did you cut the Indus Valley Civilization from the curriculum of your Ancient History course at The City College?
Palitana
Bhavnagar
Gujarat, India
March 10, 2007
Dear Family and Friends,
Kem cho,
The green and yellow aluminum beach chair is lashed to a bamboo platform. The platform is then lashed to two long bamboo poles. Here in Palitana this litter, this contraption, is called a dholi.
I sit. Charged camera is at my side, binoculars strung from my neck, cap atop my head, my day-bag loaded with water and sunscreen. I give the signal. In the late morning sun, one on each end of a pole, the four young dholi bearers deftly hoist yours truly aloft for the two hour, four kilometer (2.5 mi) scenic ascent of 3572 steps. Three thousand. Five hundred. Seventy two. Steps. Six hundred meters. Up.
Bangkok
Thailand
March 16, 2007
Hello Everyone,
I am back from my five week trip to India. Happy. Healthy. And heavier!
In a word, India is splendid.
I am exhausted, exhilarated and overwhelmed.
As my friend Amy O' R observed, I am also "saturated."
Bangkok,
Thailand
March 15, 2007
Beginning in early February and continuing for almost five weeks, I traveled more than 3000 miles in central and western India. Over the road and in the air, there surely were a few challenging moments. But most days were exciting. And every day was special.
Seven events were outstanding. They were among "The Best."
Here are my four "best" meals, my two "best" beverages and my one "best" compliment.
1. The Best "Humble-Caring" Meal
