February 14, 2010

India Trip, 2009

In October of 2009, I was able to accompany my friends Bill and Gloria on a trip to India.

Below are some shots from my second excursion to Asia.

Hobart at the Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site of Buddhist temples carved from the side of a mountain: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ajanta_Caves.

Hobart with his long lost kin near Ajanta.

Hobart at the Bibi ka Maqbara in Aurangabad: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bibi_Ka_Maqbara. We were told this is a near replica of the Taj Mahal, though the minarets are taller and out of proportion.

Bibi ka Maqbara again.

Hobart at the Gateway of India monument at Mumbai harbor

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gateway_of_India

Hobart with his travel companion, Bill, outside the 5-star Taj Mahal Palace & Tower Hotel in Mumbai: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taj_Mahal_Palace_&_Tower . The "heritage" wing was largely destroyed by fire during the Nov. 26, 2008 terrorist attack and is being restored to its former glory.

February 14, 2010

Italy Trip 2009, Venice and the flight home

Our last stop was the picturesque city of Venice. We went to the Doge's Palace, the Basilica of St. Mark, and to a very fancy cafe. On the flight home, we had a sweet setup in Business Class with TV's. Good Times!

February 14, 2010

Italy Trip 2009, Florence

The next stop on the trip was Florence, with a visit to Il Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio, as well as some lovely shots of the view from our balcony.

February 14, 2010

Italy Trip 2009, Rome part 4

This next collection of photos from Rome are all at or near the Forum Romanum. Some attractions include the Flavian Amphitheatre, better known as the Colosseum and the Capitoline Museum.