A break from the hustle and bustle of Delhi

The entourage heading to the playground

We ordered food a little while ago and the man on the phone (who I understood with perfect clarity for the first time in India!) asked me for my phone number to confirm the order. Little did I know he really just wanted my number to survey his clientele later. The food was awesome.

Here are a couple of precious ones of the girls. This was Maya wrapped like a burrito at the pool and then hugging her sister during one of our morning stretching/workout sessions. Nothing too strenuous for the girls--usually just jumping on daddy's back while he struggles to do pushups.

Nighttime fun!

 We went to Neemrana this weekend for a little getaway with many other teachers and families from school. It was a great break from the routine of the campus but exhausting at the same time. It was also the first time that we've felt like we've seen real India in some respects. We got out into the hills and enjoyed the palace. We swam, enjoyed delicious foods and soaked in the ambiance of a 15th century fort/palace.

 This is the figure of a deity that was in our room. It was gorgeous. In the evening there was a Rajasthani dance party where some truly marvelous dancing happened. I will be practicing the moves shortly for my next dance off opportunity with Burke. Pictured right is one of my favorite partner moves--spinning as fast as possible while holding on to your beloved--it was intense; I think Laura's game though.

 I'll leave the spinning bike wheels for someone else.

This was our principal dancer/actor. He struck similar poses with everyone in the audience who wanted (and many who didn't seem to want it). He just stood there behind a group of people until someone took a picture. All of it was motivated by his intense love for his profession as he did not ask for any payment or tips!

 Here is beautiful Neemrana from outside. We went on a little hike/adventure walk in search of a long lost step well that was rumored to be in the area. It was very Indiana Jonesy.

And then we found it. Here is a member of our expedition striking a pose.

It was extremely impressive to be there and in the presence of such history. It was sad also in realizing that this treasure wasn't much more to a novelty and a trash dump for many of the locals.

This is a shot looking down the staircase to the water below. At the bottom there really isn't much water--more rubble from the walls and walkways deteriorating.

Here's the entrance to our room. It was off a beautiful little crtyard that made us feel very special. The whole palace was a bit of a maze that of course Laura mastered before she even left the room. The rest of the group was still getting lost as we left today.

Detailed ornamental work was everywhere

Left, this is a view from our window. I think you can see the Zip line that I did also. It was nice but as our neighbor said--you never go as fast as you hope.

Here is the view from our balcony (left) and from outside our balcony (right). Every room at the palace was very unique. There seemed to be secret passages everywhere and hidden tranquility gardens or rooftop party spots. It was a great reprieve.

Maya spent much of the time at the pool but we also wandered around quite a lot. There was a walking tour with an audio guide that I would have loved to take but alas, no time, and oh yeah, we have two little babies that make it impossible to do anything of the sort! Maybe next time.

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