India - Taj Mahal

In the middle of February, I went on a business trip to India: Bangalore and Gurgaon (just outside of Delhi). Although my schedule did not permit me for much leisure, I was able to get away from the office one day and check out the Taj Mahal.

Taj Mahal is about 4 hours drive from where I was staying in Gurgaon.

The drive was very interesting as it provided a glimpse into a more rural India.







The Taj Mahal is a magnificent monument in Agra, India, built by emperor Shah Jahan for his favorite wife. Unfortunately, she never got to see it, as she passed away before the completion.

It is made of white marble, which is known to glow in the moonlight.

The mausoleum is surrounded by beautiful gardens, a mosque and guest house.

Cologne Carnival

First weekend of February, we headed out to Cologne, Germany for their very festive annual Carnival.

We ate lots of schnitzel, drank lots of Kolsh and had lots of fun with friends and strangers!

Blogger pal Brad and I took the easy routes and dressed up as a prisoner and devil (respectively). I took a shot at wearing a black wig, but that came off couple hours into the carnival. I do much better as a blonde.

The weekend starts on Thursday and daily parades and drinking, singing and eating ensues.

Comparing to Halloween, two major differences are apparent:
1) lack of "Slutty fill-in-the-blank" costumes - here people don't take them selfs too seriously and you see streets filled with cows, clowns, chickens, and various types of elfes ... not yet sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing

2) everyone participates, from the youngest to the oldest - it makes for an all around festive atmosphere that is hard to get away from

.... I have a feeling this will be an annual trip for us