Myanmar (Burma): Temples, Pagodas & Timeless Ways
19 DAYS JANUARY 16 – FEBRUARY 3, 2000
Join Tom on his 5th journey to Myanmar (Burma), a fascinating land stopped in time… a land of spontaneous smiles and giggles, of temples and pagodas… of incense and tinkling bells, of monks in saffron colored robes… of haunting images of temples dotting the Pagan plain overlooking the Ayeyarwady (Irrawady) River… of simple, village handcraft workshops. Beginning in Yangon (Rangoon) we visit the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda with its gold-plated stupa. Flying to Heho in the hilly north we explore Inle Lake located in the Shan states, known for its unique leg-rowers and lakeshore villages built on stilts. Continue to Mandalay, an important center for traditional crafts… visit a puppet factory, tapestry “kalaga” workshop, a handwoven silk workshop, a papier mache village, woodcarving & stone carving, a bronze foundry. and see the making of gold leaf. We continue our journey by riverboat to Bagan (Pagan).. and explore the important temples of the vast archaeological site of Bagan, considered one of the most remarkable sites in Asia. You will find a charm and local warmth to this unique country, and many wonderful things to see and experience. Expectthe unexpected and come with a spirit of adventure! Outstanding photographic opportunities!
Day 1 Sun.. Jan. 16: Evening departure from Los Angeles for our Thai Airways flight to Bangkok. Meals served on board.
Day 2 Mon., Jan. 17: Crossing the International Date Line, we lose a day. Late night arrival in Bangkok, and overnight at the airport hotel. BANGKOK-AMARI AIRPORT HOTEL
Day 3 Tue., Jan, 18: Return to the airport for our Thai Airways morning flight to Yangon (Rangoon), capital of Myanmar (Burma). After lunch, visit the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda with its gold plated stupe and magical atmosphere. Welcoming dinner this evening. YANGON-EQUATORIAL HOTEL (B.L,D)
Day 4 Wed., Jan. 19: Morning sightseeing of Yangon, including the Chaukhtatgyi Reclining Buddha and the National Museum. Afternoon visit to small nearby handcraft workshops… a rattan workshop and an umbrella-making village. YANGON-EQUATORIAL HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 5 Thu. Jan. 20: Mid-day flight to Heho in the hilly north and drive to Inle Lake located in the Shan states. In the countryside you will see houses on stilts woven of split bamboo strips in a variety of patterns… diamonds, twills, zig-zags. INLE LAKE-HU PIN HOTEL (B.L.D)
Day 6 Fri., Jan. 21: Early this morning we’ll travel by flat-bottomed boat to explore lakeshore villages built on stilts where cottage industries of weaving and cotton dyeing can still be seen. We’ll see life along the lake with floating gardens and the unique leg-rower fishermen who utilize their legs for rowing to free their hands for fishing. INLE LAKE-HU PIN HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 7 Sat., Jan. 22: Descending through the hilly countryside, we drive to Kalaw, en route visiting Pindaya Caves with thousands of Buddha images stored in limestone caves over the centuries. Along our way we’ll stop to see split bamboo houses being made. KALAW-PINE HILL RESORT HOTEL (B,L,D)
Days 8,9,10,11 Sun,Mon,Tue, Wed Jan 23,24,25,26: On Sunday we continue our overland journey to Mandalay, stopping to visit villages and a pottery workshop along our way. Mandalay is an important center of traditional crafts… over the next three days we’ll visit a puppet factory, a tapestry “kalaga” workshop, a handwoven silk workshop, a papier mache village, woodcarving & stone carving, a bronze foundry… and see the making of gold leaf. Explore the Zegyo Market, as well as important pagodas and monasteries, as well as Kyauktawgyi Temple and Mandalay Hill. Excursion to Mingun to see the unfinished King Bodawpaya Pagoda and the Sotawya Pagoda. One evening we’ll have a puppet show in Mandalay. MANDALAY-EMERALD LAND HOTEL (B,L,D daily)
Days 12,13 Thu, Fri Jan 27,28: Thursday we board a riverboat for our three day/two night journey to Bagan… relax and take in the rich and varied river life and magnificent scenery. Along our way we’ll stop to visit the village of Sameikkon, as well as the market and weaving workshops in the town of Pakokku. Overnights on the riverboat in private air conditioned cabins with private shower. Due to limited number of cabins, single accommodation on the riverboat is not available. MV PANDAW RIVERBOAT (B,L,D daily)
Days 14,15,16 Sat,Sun,Mon Jan 29,30,31: Mid-day arrival in Bagan. Formerly Pagan, Bagan was capital of Burma from the 2nd century AD until 1287 and is an overwhelming complex of ancient temples and shrines, many of which are still in use. We spend our next days touring the ruins of this vast archaeological site, considered one of the most remarkable in Asia. Visit Ananda Temple and Shwe Zigon Stupa, as well as the archaeological museum. Explore small villages producing oxcarts, baskets, pottery, lacquerware and “cheroots.” Late afternoon rickshaw ride to view the sunset from one of the temples… unforgettable views of endless temples and shrines dotting the landscape of the Pagan plain along the Irrawaddy River. Puppet show one evening. BAGAN-BAGAN HOTEL (B,L,D daily)
Day 17 Tue., Feb. 1: Explore Bagan’s central market before our flight to Yangon. YANGON-EQUATORIAL HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 18 Wed., Feb. 2: Visit Shwedagon Pagoda by early morning light and visit Bogyoke Market. Special farewell dinner this evening. YANGON-EQUATORIAL HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 19 Thu., Feb. 3: Transfer to the airport for our Thai Airways flight to Bangkok where we connect for our return flight to Los Angeles.
Cambodia: Angkor Wat Temples and Crafts
7 DAYS FEBRUARY 3-9, 2000
We’re finally doing it! Immediately following the Burma trip, Tom has decided to offer a post-trip extension to Cambodia to visit Angkor Wat as well as to see the handcrafts and villages along the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers. Early reservation for this extension will be important. Come join us, it will be exciting!
Day 1 Thu, Feb. 3: Early morning Thai Airways flight from Bangkok to Phnom Penh, capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia. Morning visit to private workshops to see the restoration of Buddha and ritual objects. Also visit the School of Fine Arts to see a class of traditional Khmer Dance. After lunch, sightseeing of Phnom Penh located on the confluence of the Tole Sap into the Mekong Fiver… visit the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, Evening sunset cruise on the Tonle Sap/Mekong River before returning to our hotel for dinner and overnight. PHNOM PENH- JULIANA or SUNWAY HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 2 Fri., Feb. 4: Excursion by boat to Koh Doch, an island in the Mekong known for its production of silk. Return to Phnom Penh for lunch and an afternoon visit to the Toul Tum Pong Market selling local handcrafts, antiques and furniture. Late afternoon visit to Wat Phnom, symbol of Phnom Penh. PHNOM PENH-JULIANA or SUNWAY HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 3 Sat., Feb. 5: Today we travel by speedboat on the Tonle Sap River to Siem Reap, passing many small riverside villages along our way. The boat has plastic chairs for sitting, but the engines will be loud so bring ear-plugs. Visit the local market in Siem Reap and also visit small private artisans producing items for market. Late afternoon to view the sunset over Angkor. SIEM REAP-ANGKOR HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 4 Sun., Feb. 6: Angkor, ancient capital of the Khmer Empire was built between the 9th and 13th centuries. This morning a special visit with the UNESCO Mission with an introduction on how the Angkor Temples are restored. Visit the dramatic ruins of Angkor… the famous Angkor Wat, Ta Phrom, the Royal City of Angkor Thom and the Bayon. Ancient carvings in temple walls depict impressions of life during the time of the Khmer civilization. SIEM REAP-ANGKOR HOTEL (BLD)
Day 5 Mon., Feb. 7: This morning continued visits of the Angkor ruins. Afternoon return flight to Phnom Penh. PHNOM PENH JULIANA or SUNWAY HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 6 Tue., Feb. 8: Visit the Central Market and a community of ratian artisans before transferring to the airport for our Thai Airways return flight to Bangkok. Dinner on your own. BANGKOK AMARI AIRPORT HOTEL (B,L)
Day 7 Wed., Fab. 9: Early morning return to the airport for our Thai Airways flight to Los Angeles. Meals served on board. (B)
South India: Traditional Arts, Crafts & Culture
20 DAYS FEBRUARY 17 – MARCH 7, 2000
Join Lesley in discovering the cultural diversities of southern India, its ancient heritage reflected by its music and dance, craits and culture. We begin in Madras, capital of the state of Tamil Nadu. Explore an area architecturally rich with imposing temples, vibrant with mythology. Here ornately decorated elephants, pilgrims and Hindu ritual are a part of daily life. Visit rural villages and bustling towns with colorful markets, travel through luxuriant vegetation and tropical waterways. Drive across the Cardamom Hills with lush tea plantations and where spices are grown for their medicinal and culinary properties. Boat through the backwaters of Kerala and visit the beautiful port of Cochin. Take a boat trip through Periyer Wildlite Reserve and drive into the state of Karnataka to Nagarhole National Park inhabited by elephant and Indian…
Ecuador: Handcrafts & Villages of the Andes
13 DAYS MARCH 16-28, 2000
Day 1 Thu., March 16: Late afternoon departure from Miami on our Saeta Airlines flight to Quito, capital of Ecuador. In-flight meal. Night arrival in Quito (9300 fl) located on a high plateau surrounded by Andean mountain peaks. QUITO-HOTEL SEBASTIAN
Day 2 Fri., March 17: Sightseeing of Old Quito with its colonial architecture and churches and visit the Pre-Columbian Museum to see its outstanding collection of ceramics and gold. After lunch we’ll visit Olga Fisch Gallery for an overview of the folk arts of Ecuador. Welcoming dinner this evening. QUITO- HOTEL SEBASTIAN (B.L.D)
Day 3 Sat., March 18: A full day excursion into the surrounding countryside takes us to the Equator Monument which houses a fine ethnographic collection. After lunch we visit a village that specializes in horsehair weaving, traditionally making sieves, and within the past years expanding to make belts and other items. QUITO-HOTEL SEBASTIAN (B.L.D)
Day 10 Sat., March 25: Morning visit to the Otavalo Market with its local market as well as the handcraft market for tourists. In the afternoon weil visit the workshop of Master Weaver Don Miguel Andrango who uses traditional backstrap weaving techniques and old Inca patterns in his workshop. Due to the capacity of our hacienda, single accommodation may be limited or not available. Overnight near TAVALO- HACIENDA PINSAQUI (BLD)
Day 11 Sun., March 26: Morning excursion to Zuleta Valley known for its embroidery. Afternoon visit to a village that specializes in totora reed weaving for mats, a basketmaker, and musical instrument makers. Due to the capacity of our hacienda, single accommodation may be limited or not available. Overnight near OTAVALO- HACIENDA PINSAQUI (B.L,D)
Day 12 Mon., March 27: This morning we return to Quito, stopping briefly to visit the town of Calderon which produces bread dough figures, traditionally used to place on the grave to honor the dead during All Souls Day celebrations. On arrival in Quito, lunch on your own. The afternoon is yours for last-minute exploring, shopping and photographing. This evening brings us together for our farewell dinner. QUITO-HOTEL ALAMEDA (B,D)
Turkey: Anatolian Culture & Folkways
21 DAYS APRIL 29 – MAY 19, 2000
Day 1 Sat., April 29: Departure from JFK New York on our Turkish Airlines nonstop flight to Istanbul, Turkey. Meals on board.
Day 2 Sun., April 30: Late morning arrival in Istanbul, and transfer to our hotel located in Old Istanbul within walking distance of Aya Sofya. After lunch, walking sightseeing of Old Istanbul… Aya Sofya, the Blue Mosque, the Museum of Turkish & Islamic arts. Welcoming dinner this evening. ISTANBUL- ARCADIA HOTEL (old city) (L,D)
Day 3 Mon., May 1: Morning visit to a copper factory. After lunch, time to explore the Spice Bazaar and the Grand Bazaar. Dinner on your own. ISTANBUL- ARCADIA HOTEL (old city) (B,L)
Day 4 Tue., May 2: Morning flight to Van in eastern Turkey, with an afternoon walking tour of Van. VAN-HOTEL BUYUK (B,L.D)
Day 5 Wed, May 3: Excursion by small boat to visit Akdamar Island to see the 10th century Armenian church with its ornate carvings. Drive into the countryside to visit a traditional village of the area. Visit the small ethnographic museum, and time this afternoon to explore Van’s local market for kilims and carpets. VAN- HOTEL BUYUK (B,L,D)
Day 6 Thu., May 4: Morning visit to Van’s city caste before we begin our overland journey to Sanliurfa (Urfa), stopping for overnight in Diyarbakir. DIYARBAKIR- DEMIR HOTEL (B.L,D)
Day 7 Fri., May 5: Early morning departure to visit Nemrut Dagi, impressive mountaintop sanctuary of King Antiochus I, reminder of the small kingdom of Commagene of the Upper Euphrates 2000 years ago. Continue to Urfa, situated in the ancient land of Mesopotamia between the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers. UFFA HOTEL HARRAN (B.L,D)
Day 8 Sat., May 6: Morning excursion to the Harran plain to see the beehive shaped dwellings, Returnto Urfa to visit the medieval fortress and explore the labyrinth of Urfa’s bazaar. You will find traditional craftsmen plying their trades as their fathers before them.. copper artisans, woodworkers, feltmakers, saddlemakers. a wonderful opportunity to explore and photograph traditional Turkish lite, URFA-HOTEL HARRAN (B,L,D)
Days 15,16 Sat,Sun May 13,14: Saturday an early departure for Kusadasi on the Aegean coast. On our way we’ll stop to see the archaeological ruins of Aphrodisias. Sunday morning excursion to the marble ruins of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved, most famous cities of antiquity. And visit the traditional old village of Sirince. KUSADASI- HOTEL DERECI(B,L.D daily)
Days 17,18 Mon,Tue May 15,16: Monday morning our overland journey continues to Bursa, taking in the site of Pergamum along our way. On Tuesday we’ll visit a traditional village outside of Bursa that has not changed for centuries… wander the narrow winding streets to see the old Turkish architecture. Sightseeing of Bursa, first capital of the Ottoman Empire… the Green Mosque, Green Tomb, Great Mosque, and the Ethnographic Museum. Time to explore the Covered Bazaar. BURSA-KENT HOTEL (B,L,D daily)
Day 19 Wed., May 17: Todaywe take the ferryboat across the Sea of Marmara, continuing by bus to istanbul. Dinner on your own. ISTANBUL- ARCADIA HOTEL (B,L)
Day 20 Thu., May 18: Morning visit to Topkapi Palace. Lunch on your own with the afternoon at leisure for last-minute exploring. i his evening brings us togetherfor our farewell dinner. ISTANBUL ARCADIA HOTEL (old city) (BD)
Day 21 Fri., May 19: After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our Turkish Airlines nonstop flight to NYC. In-flight meals. (B)
Bolivia: Traditional Life of the Bolivian Highlands
15 DAYS MAY 27 – JUNE 10, 2000
Day 1 Sat. May 27: Late night departure from Miami on our Lloyd Aero Boliviano flight to Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Meal served on board.
Day 2 Sun., May 28: Early morning arrival in Santa Cruz, where we connect onwards for our flight to Cochabamba located in a valley at about 8,400 ft. Relax before a late lunch and afternoon visit to the Archaeological Museum. Welcoming dinner this evening. COCHABAMBA-PORTALES HOTEL (LD)
Romania & Hungary: Village Life & Crafts
AUGUST 2000
Day 16 Mon., July 31: Today we drive to Oradea, close to the Hungarian border. ORADEA DACIA HOTEL (B,L,D)
Day 17 Tue., Aug. 1: Crossing the border we continue to the Great Plains town of Kecskemet, HUNGARY. Visit a ceramic folkartist and an artist producing black ceramics. KECSKEMET-HOTEL ARANYHOMOK (B.L.D)
Day 18 Wed, Aug. 2: Morning walking tour of Kecskemet’s old town square with its decorative Hungarian art nouveau architecture. Visit the Szorakatenusz Toy Museum and the Museum of Popular Arts. After lunch we visit the workshop of a traditional blueprinter. Dinner on your own. KECSKEMET-HOTEL ARANYHOMOK (B,L)
Day 19 Thu, Aug. 3: Morning departure lor Kalocsa, stopping to visit a furniture painter and a small ethnographic collection, as well as the Paprika Museum, Afternoon meeting with one of Kalocsa’s embroiderers, KALOCSA BETA HOTEL KALOCSA (B L,D)
Day 20 Fri, Aug. 4: Departure for Budapest, one of Europe’s outstanding cities, and capital and cultural center of Hungary. Late morning sightseeing of Matthias Church and the Castle District. After lunch we visit one of our dollmaker friends. Dinner on your own.
Central Asia: Silk & Craft Route
SEPTEMBER 2000
Days 10,11,12 Sat, Sun, Mon Sept. 16,17,18: Saturday we continue to Samarkand, stopping to visit a suzani artist and potters along our way. Late afternoon visit to Tamerlane’s mausoleum of Gur Emir and to see the complex of Shah-Zinda with its impressive tilework. On Sunday a full day excursion to explore the local market in Urgut, and into Tajikistan to visit ancient Pendzhikent. Return to Samarkand. Monday we’ll explore Registan Square and the medressas, the outstanding exhibition of folk arts at the State Museum, Bibi Khanym Mosque and nearby Siab market. SAMARKAND-HOTEL AFRASIAB (B.L.D daily)
Days 13,14,15 Tue,Wed,Thu Sept. 19,20,21: Tuesday morning for relaxing or returning to explore Registan Square. Late morning departure for our drive to Tashkent. For the next two days we’ll sightsee and explore Tashkent… visit the Museum of Fine Arts to see the fabulous suzani embroideries, the Museum of Applied Arts, the Puppet Museum, and visit the home and studio of a ceramic artist. TASHKENT-HOTEL UZBEKISTAN (B,L,D daily)
Days 16,17 Fri, Sat Sept. 22,23: Friday we drive to Ferghana. Ferghana Valley is unique as many traditional craftspeople can still be found working in the small Uzbek villages of Margilan and Ristan. On Saturday a full day of visiting the silk ikat factory and small regional workshops… a traditional blockprinter, ikat weavers, a silkworm nursery, traditional hatmaker, a jeweler. Lunch with a master of traditional ceramics. Our hotel in Ferghana is the best available hotel, but is very basic and simple accommodation. FERGHANA-HOTEL ZIYORAT (B.L,D daily)
Day 18 Sun, Sept. 24: Continue our drive through Ferghana Valley, crossing the border into KYRGYZSTAN to Osh. Short visit to Osh Sunday market before our afternoon flight to Bishkek. BISHKEK-HOTEL AK KEME (B,L,D)
Days 19,20 Mon,Tue Sept. 25,26: Monday morning we visit the Museum of Applied Arts with its collection of jewelry and felts, as well as the Historical Museum to see the yurt and carpets. Afternoon visit to the Aesthetic Center to see a project partially funded by Aid To Artisans, providing village women with the opportunity to earn a living from their handwork. Tuesday morning excursion into the countryside to Burana Tower traditional lunch in a village home. This evening we come together for our special farewell dinner. BISHKEK HOTEL AK KEME (B,L,D daily)
Day 21 Wed., Sept. 27: Very early morning breakfast and transfer to the airport for our Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul, Turkey. Our hotel is superbly located in Old Istanbul. Remainder of the day is yours for independent exploring, with lunch & dinner on your own. ISTANBUL ARCADIA HOTEL (B)
Day 22 Thu., Sept. 28: This morning we return to the airport for our Turkish Airlines nonstop flight to JFK New York. In-flight meal. (B)
Nepal & Bhutan: Festivals, Markets & Traditional Life
SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER 2000
Days 10,11,12 Fri, Sat Sun Oct 6,7,8: Friday we drive to Zugney where woolen “yatra” cloth is produced using vegetable dyes… continue to the beautiful valleys of Bumthang in Central Bhutan. On Saturday we join the village people of the Bumthang valleys at their annual Tamshing “sechu” This very special occasion celebrates their traditional myths and legends, where swirling masked dancers in colorful costumes perform sacredritual dance, giving auspicious blessings and protection from evil spirits. A visual overload with everyone wearing their best traditional clothing and jewelry! Sunday explore the fertile Choekhor Valley situated at 8,400 . Visit Jakar Dzong, “Castle of the White Bird”, Buddhist monasteries and villages, glimpse rural life unchanged for centuries, BUMTHANG BUMTHANG LODGE (B,L,D daily)
Day 13 Mon, Oct. 9: Return to western Bhutan where we break our journey with an overnight at Punakha PUNAKHA-ZANGDO PELRI LODGE (B,LD)
Day 14 Tue Oct. 10: Drive to Thimphu where we come together with hundreds of Bhutanese people at the Thimphu “tsechu”, one of the most spectacular festivals of the year when the Bhutanese display their finest clothes and most beautiful jewels. This event takes place at the Tashicho Dzong, the summer residence of the Je Khenpo, the Head Abbot of Bhutan. During the festival, take time to explore Thimphu bazaar bustling with farmers and village people selling their wares. Small shops are laden with traditional handcrafted items and famous brocaded textiles produced on backstrap looms by women throughout the country THIMPHU- HOTEL DRUK (B.L.D)
Day 15 Wed., Oct. 11: Visit a small handmade paper unit that uses high-altitude plants Time for last-minute shopping in the bazaar before our afternoon drive to Paro. En route visit Semtokha Dzong with its fine murals, PARO-HOTEL DRUK (B.L.D)
Day 16 Thu., Oct. 12: Morning Druk Air flight to Bangkok After helping with check-in, Lesley will say good-bye in Paro. Lunch & dinner on your own BANGKOK-AMARI AIRPORT HOTEL (B)
Day 17 Fri, Oct. 13: Return to the airport for your Thai Airways early morning departure for Los Angeles. Meals on board. (B)
India: Pushkar Camel Fair
21 DAYS OCTOBER 29-NOVEMBER 18, 2000
Day 1 Sun., Oct. 29: Early afternoon departure from Los Angeles for our Thai Airways flight to Bangkok. Meals served on board.
Day 2 Mon., Oct. 30: Crossing the International Date Line, we lose a day. Late evening arriving in Bangkok, and overnight at the airport hotel. BANGKOK AMARI AIRPORT HOTEL
Day 3 Tue., Oct. 31: Evening Thai Airways flight to Delhi. On arrival our special escort & friend Malathi Ramaswamy will meet us and accompany us to our hotel. DELHI HOTEL, IMPERIAL (B)
Day 4 Wed., Nov. 1: Morning sightseeing of New and Old Delhi including the tomb of Humayun, and the impressive complex of Qutab Minar. Afternoon visit to the Craft Museum, set up as a rural village displaying tribal and traditional handcrafts, and with an excellent collection of Indian textiles. Welcoming dinner this evening. DELHI HOTEL IMPERIAL (B.LD)
Days 5,6 Thu Fri Nov 2,3: Thursday we begin our overland journey to Mandawa in the northern region of Rajasthan called Shekhavati, known for its painted havelis*. The medieval fort of Mandawa, founded in the 18th century, dominates the town with a painted arched gateway. On Friday we explore the “havelis” or wealthy merchants mansions which were ornately painted with frescoes depicting myths & legends, folklore, and everyday life. MANDAWA-CASTLE MANDAWA (B.L,D daily)
Day 7 Sat., Nov. 4: Continue our drive to the royal fortified city of Bikaner with its forts and palaces of reddish-pink sandstone. Explore the undulating lanes and colorful bazaars of Bikaner. Visit Junagarh Fort, built in 1593, comprised of palaces with pavilions, courtyards and carved balconies. Also hopefully a visit to the camel breeding farm! BIKANER- LALGARH PALACE (B.L,D)
Day 8 Sun, Nov. 5: A full day drive through the desert to remote Jaisalmer, formerly an important outpost on the trade routes between India and Central Asia. As we approach Jaisalmer, the fortress built of yellow sandstone rises in the Thar Desert like a golden mirage. JAISALMER- GORBANDH PALACE (B.L.D)
Days 9,10 Mon, Tue Nov 6,7: Monday morning we explore impressive Jaisalmer Fort with its narrow lanes dotted with exquisite havelis, beautifully sculptured Jain temples, and palaces. Monday afternoon visit with a master craftsman, a camel-girth maker. On Tuesday a full day jeep safari through the remote desert villages.. an opportunity to see typical desert life of men, women, cattle and camels. their homes, their way of life. JAISALMER GORBANDH PALACE (B,L,D dally)
Days 11,12 Wed. Thu Nov 8,9: Wednesday depart for the imperial city of Jodhpur, situated at the edge of the desert. Today we’ll see a different type of architectural painting as we pass desert settlements where mud homes are freshly painted with folkart motifs each year. Thursday we explore Jodhpur’s local bazaar… and the massive 15th century Meherangarh Fort. Excursion by jeep to visit potters & weavers in rural villages of the Bisnoi people. JODHPUR AJIT BHAWAN PALACE (B.L.D daily)
Days 13,14 Fri, Sat Nov 10,11: Friday morning departure for Pushkar. Friday afternoon and Saturday we immerse ourselves in the festive activities of the most famous festival of Rajasthan, the Pushkar Camel Fair… desert tribes and camel caravans, women beautifully adorned, men in colorful turbans, vibrant bazaars laden with textiles and exotic camel adornments, puppeteers, merry-go-rounds, temple music through the night! Culminating with the full moon, pilgrims take their ritual bath in the holy waters of Pushkar Lake. OVERNIGHT PUSHKAR FAIR-roomy safari-type TENTS in RTDC tent camp, with clean communal toilet and bathing facilities (B L,D daily)
Day 15 Sun., Nov. 12: Morning departure for Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan Afternoon sightseeing takes us into the old pink city, past the elaborate Palace of the Winds built as a facade for the women of the Royal household in the 19th century. Visit the City Palace with its courtyards and gardens, and two museums of textiles, musical instruments, miniature paintings and handwoven carpets. JAIPUR RAJPUTANA PALACE (B,L,D)
Days 16,17 Mon,Tue Nov 13,14: Monday excursion to Amber Fort, ascending the hill by elephant back. Over the next two days we visit a blockprinting workshop, the kilns producing the traditional Jaipur Blue Pottery, and villages of traditional mudprinters, blockprinters and papermakers. JAIPUR RAJPUTANA PALACE (B,L,D daily)
Day 18 Wed., Nov. 15: Departure for Agra, stopping to see the 16th century Moghul city of Fatehpur Sikri en route AGRA JAYPEE PALACE (B L,D)
Day 19 Thu, Nov. 16: Morning visit to Agra Fort overlooking the Jamuna River… this afternoon we visit the exquisite Taj Mahal, built by the Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan. Continue to Delhi for overnight. DELHI- HOTEL IMPERIAL (B,L,D)
Day 20 Fri., Nov. 17: The day is yours for last-minute exploring and shopping in Delhi, with lunch on your own the rooms are yours for the day. Special farewell dinner this evening. Transfer to airport for our flight. (B,D)
Day 21 Sat., Nov. 18: Return flight to Los Angeles. (B)
Romania: Maramures Winter Festival
DECEMBER 2000 – JANUARY 2001
Day 12 Wed., Dec. 27: Today is Maramures Winter Festival held annually in Sighetu Marmatiei! We’ll spend the full day wandering exploring & photographing the festivities. By late morning young men in traditional dress will begin to ride and gallop through the streets on gaily decorated horses. Followed by a loosely organized parade with each village represented by women & men in traditional dress singing and dancing through the streets. In the late afternoon a folk performance. Wandering, mingling and watching the villagers who have come to participate in the parade and folk dancing is a highlight in itself. SIGHETU MARMATIEI TISA HOTEL (B,L,D)