My lovely wife Dana and I recently enjoyed a tour of the Golden Triangle: Delhi, Agra (home of the Taj Mahal), and Jaipur. We enjoyed it in style only affordable in India: everything arranged for us, private car and (awesome) driver, and certified guides at most places we visited. It was awesome to be in the midst of so much history. Somehow it was easy to imagine being in the midst of Maharajas and Maharanis, eunuchs, concubines, and immeasurable wealth. It was equally unimaginable how such wonders were made so long ago...One example is an iron column that hasn’t rusted for hundreds of years due to it being made of 7 alloys that shouldn’t have been discovered back then. As far as we could tell, it served no purpose other than its creators saying, “ha ha we can do this.” We enjoyed an elephant ride, rich culture and tradition, and taking home a few treasures that can’t be found anywhere else. There was an incredible richness to all of it. Having guides was essential, or we would have missed out on a lot. For example, this looks like a carving of a flower right? Yes, but…(watch the video).

And here are some photos of the sites:

And a bonus! Gen-yoo-wine snake charmers:

The food was good, and at two restaurants, fantastic (see reviews links below). Accommodation was generally good, but beware that India is always under construction. Everywhere.  Case in point:

The discussion went something like this:

Alex: Hello. It seems there’s some construction just outside our room.
Hotel: Yes.
Alex: It’s 10PM and they have lights and they seem to be making very good progress (the stairs are coming along well.)
Hotel: Yes.
Alex: …when do they stop?
Hotel: Actually, I don’t know. Let me check and I’ll call you right back.
(30 minutes later)
Hotel: They’re not going to stop. They work all night.
Alex: 3 feet from my room?
Hotel: Yes.
Alex: And?...
Hotel: …We’re going to upgrade you to the Executive suite on the other side of the building.
Alex: OK.


Here are some reviews we wrote on TripAdvisor, to help fellow travelers:

• Flavours “Italian” Restaurant
  • Lovable attempt, but touristy and amateurish
• CocoBerry
  • No-frills froyo as expected
• CaVa
  • A world-class gem in New Delhi, beef available
• Holiday Inn Jaipur
  • Construction noise marred an otherwise good stay
• 1135 AD
  • Unforgettable Five Star Dining In a Historical Royal Fort

Also, as a manner of general update, things are going well in India. I had the privilege of giving a well-received talk at the Center for Technology Advancement in Rural Areas (CTARA), and broken equipment is working again (for the most part). I think we’ve passed the standards for a cement replacement, and can hopefully start building pilot projects soon. It’s a joy and challenge juggling 5 programs in 4 countries (plus  discussions with 3 more countries)… what a thrill! I’m also in the process of applying for Postdocs and faculty positions. Let’s hope it goes well!