A really interesting read that has piqued my desire more to visit India, enjoy:

Incredible India - 18 Days in the Rajasthan

Kevin - can't wait to hear about your next trip. Are you using Mr. Singh's services again?

This is the first time ever in my life to be tempted by - mon dieu - a package tour. Pas vrai.
But Kevin, you are such a funny writer you could write about a trip to Reno Nevada and make it sound exotic and intriguing and tempting.
Bravo.

Kevin, that was truly fascinating. But I have two questions after reading your report:

1) Why are there no pictures of you covered in Happy Holi chalk?
and
2) What did you choose to bring home from the markets, to fill that empty suitcase?

- Roz

Kevin, I am so glad you posted this trip report. We have India on our list after talking to you about it during our hike. I'm going to print this off for George.

Thanks!

I'm so glad to see you have finished your trip report, Kevin! I've also been looking forward to this since our conversation while hiking last spring!

While I printed the trip report for reading, I looked at your photos on Flickr. Wow!!

Thanks, Kevin! Like many others, I was wondering when are going to get the story! The wait was well worth it: great insights, rolling tale. I figure I will read it more than once.

Namaste all !

Thanks for your kind words. Having never written a Trip Report before, I now realize how much work is involved and it makes the volume of stuff available on SlowTrav all the more impressive.

Kim- we most definately have been using Mr. Singh's services for our next trip. This time just laid out a rough itinerary and he came back with hotel suggestions, transport details, everything... if Slowtrav had a review category for travel agents, you can bet he would get a glowing one from me -

His web site is Legends and Palaces Indian travel agency.

Americana - I hear ya re: package tours - but in this case, it's really the best of all worlds. Not only do you get to pick all the stops on the tour, but since it's just you and the driver, you can change things at will and if you feel like sleeping in, no problem, etc., etc. Have to confess, though, I did start to miss the arguments over where to turn and who caused who to get lost...

And as for Reno, don't knock it babe, 'till ya tried it !

Roz -

1) chalked covered photos left out on purpose - what little dignity I still have left in this life, I tend to guard quite closely.
2) suitcase was filled with lots of fabrics - since turned into pillow covers, drapes. Fantastic wall hangings. A good bit of silver jewlery. Spices galore. Pashmina scarves. And some custom-made clothes. We bought quite a few things at a tailor shop in Udaipur. Go in, pick your fabric, get measured up and 2 hours later... voila, delivered to your hotel is are custom-made shirts and pants. $8 for a good quality cotton shirt. Outrageous !

Marta/Chris/Doru - I know, I felt like I was non-stop proselytizing all year. Over bfast at the B&B, conversations would often go along the lines of "Yeah, yeah, Provence is nice, but have you seen our pictures of India !!" -

Glad you enjoyed. And anyone who wants more details can post or email. No problem.

-Kevin

Kevin, I really enjoyed your report a lot. India seems like a really interesting and fascinating country to visit and experience and it is also on my radar list as well.

Thanks for writing such a wonderful report.