Sunny & Hot Colorado

Since the 13th of June, I have been in Colorado, preparing for the next chapter in my life...

I'm excited, but understandably a little scared, too. There's no way of knowing whether I am making the right decision at this point - or not. I just feel like I have been given an opportunity to live out west where I have wanted to go for some time now. Plus, I know that if I do not try this, I will always wonder, "What if?"

I do not relish the idea of living away from my children and especially my grandbaby, Oliver. However, I know that they would not turn down an opportunity because it may mean moving away from me. Life goes on...doesn't mean it is better or worse, just different.

And, no, I am not moving here by myself, nor will I be out here without family. My boyfriend, Larry, has been here north of Denver since the end of March. My sister lives in Louisville, near Boulder, and my brother lives in Fort Collins, just one hour north.

It's time to take a chance - and live up to that favorite quote of mine from Helen Keller:  "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing."

Here's to a daring adventure! 

Ellora Caves Photos

Since "a picture paints a thousand words", I'm off the hook on this blog entry...hehehe...

Does this just blow your mind, or what?!!

Oliver on Nandee, Shiva's bull. (I am assuming he was not made into a steer).

Everything was so ornate, so intricate, so utterly amazing...

Those monks certainly knew their curves...

Yes, I did get a whistle blown at me...

View from atop the famous Cave 16...

Buying delicious spices and nuts in a shop in Aurangabad.

A mini Taj...

Yes, I am fascinated with arches.

Tribal women...love this shot.

The Incredible Caves

During the weekend of February 19 − 21, Ali, Oliver, and I hitched a ride on the local bus to Aurangabad, India to spend time touring the Ajanta and Ellora caves - official world historic sites.

Wow. WoW. WOW. How Buddhist monks could carve these temples into the rock hillsides is beyond me. Imagine - without CAD, power tools, and good light. It blows my mind!

To learn more, visit http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_whs_ellora.asp for information on the Ellora Caves and http://www.sacred-destinations.com/india/ajanta-caves for the Ajanta Caves.

We visited the Ajanta Caves first and the Ellora Caves the next day. It was difficult to take very good photos as the interiors were often very dark, and I did not have professional lighting capabilities.

At any rate, here are some of my favorite photos of Ajanta...my next post will have photos of Ellora...

(Remember, you can click on any image to zoom in; just use your browser's "Back" button to return to the blog).

Mmmm...fresh roasted peanuts - delicious!

Walking up to the caves & viewing them from the top of the hill...breath-taking.

The Ajanta Caves are known, not just for their incredible carving,
but also for the paintings within the temples.
I found it amusing that monks painted these colorful erotic images.

Ali & Oliver by entrance to the first temple.

Awestruck is all I can say...

View of surrounding hillsides and river below.

Being dwarfed...

I loved the contrast of the ornate carvings and the rugged rock above.

HUGE beehive

For some reason, Nubian came to mind...
Beautiful paintings that I wished I could have photographed better.

So many Buddhas were missing at least one hand...
I'm guessing bad karma followed the thieves!

Had to dramatically slow the shutter to get photos of the corbels above,
which must have been inspiration for the Jain temple's corbels in the Amber Fort at Jaipur.

Ceiling painting

There was even a clerestory-like level in here - amazing.

The famous Sleeping Buddha - 9m long.

Had to tickle the toes...

View from across the river, up on a lookout point.

Kalman, Here We Come!

After a morning of confusing miscommunication and several trips back and forth to the bus stop, we were finally picked up in a small SUV at our hotel and taken to Kalman. What had started out as a rather frustrating day, turned out to be a great experience, as ICRISAT's field worker at Kalman was terrific in his role as interpreter.

Small children were brought by their mothers to the meetings and once again thought my winking was hilarious. Why, I do not know, but didn't care as it had the effect I wanted any way - just to break the ice and get everyone comfortable. The village children thought it was funny enough to follow me through the streets, even climbing onto the neighboring building's rooftop to giggle and wait for me to do it again.

Men joined the women in the second meeting and wanted to learn more about how much we pay for cattle, marketing, questioning me after I commented that I had grown up on a farm, too. It was a lively discussion that I very much enjoyed - what an experience!

Rooftop view of village

Children that kept returning to their doorway to get me to wink.

Village women that wanted a photo with Ali and Oliver.

Children that followed, climbing onto rooftop across the street.

Decorated entrance to a newly married couple's home.

Shirapur Visit

The first village we visited was Shirapur, where Ali interviewed two groups of women. We were picked up at the hotel in Sholapur by a husband and wife hired to drive us. Many bumpy miles later, we arrived in Shirapur.

In between the interviews, we were shown the fields surrounding the village, including a banana grove.

With the first group of women. The woman on my right was so funny and wanted to "come to America" with me.
I'm holding Krishna, who instantly warmed to my winking, which turned out to be a great ice-breaker.

Receiving a Hindu blessing from our hostess - a very humbling experience.

Little Krishna - what an adorable little girl!

Oliver and our hostess.

Oliver playing with the translator's little daughter.