A tomb fit for dogs
Posted by Adam Jadhav | Filed under india
Cute puppy
A street dog relaxes on the grounds of Isa Khan Niyazi’s tomb, a side attraction of the Humayun’s Tomb complex, but grand and beautiful in it’s own way. This is one of my favorite Delhi monuments, not the least because it’s quieter than the harried Mughal spectacle honoring Humayun nearby.
Tags: architecture, delhi, dog, history, humayun, humayun's tomb, india, monument, photography, tourism
Rising right out of the rock face
Posted by Adam Jadhav | Filed under india
Towering Mehrangarh
Mehrangarh, the picturesque fort of Jodhpur, towers above the city. It’s a museum and heritage site today, fascinating for its alcoves and exhibits of royal life, weaponry, artifacts and art.
The fort itself rises out of the old Blue City and is an imposing feature of the skyline whenever the crowded markets and teeming bazaars provide a view.
Tags: architecture, culture, fort, india, jodhpur, mehrangarh, photography, rajasthan, tourism
Accoutrements of luxury
Posted by Adam Jadhav | Filed under india
Motion blur = falling stars
During a visit to Jodhpur, friends and I had a wonderful meal in the luxurious Umaid Bhawan Palace Hotel, the home of the Jodhpur royals sprawled across 26 acres on a hill above the city and now a Taj hotel. We had not the finances to spend a night there, but the eats were good. (Many thanks to Katie and Simon for picking up this poor teacher’s share of the 11,000 rupee bill.)
The palace is sumptuously adorned as palaces are wont to be. The above photo comes from a dining patio lit by the stars and candles (and motion blur). Those below are from the lobby and public places around the hotel’s marble and stone interior. And yes, that was, at one point, a real tiger.
My only regret is not photographing the meal. Though the mood lighting wouldn’t have allowed it anyway. Continue reading this entry » » »
Tags: architecture, hotel, india, jodhpur, luxury, palace, photography, rajasthan, royalty, tourism, umaid bhawan palace
City in blue
Posted by Adam Jadhav | Filed under india
Jodhpur, the blue city
Welcome to Jodhpur, the Blue City of Rajasthan.
It’s really not that blue, to be honest. The old quarter, nearest the towering fort are bluish, but even then, not every building pays homage to the city’s moniker.
And the reason for the blue paint? Jodhpuris themselves are uncertain. Some claim it’s to keep away the mosquitoes. Others say it’s religious. Still others just say that’s tradition. Who knows?
See below for more perspective on Jodhpur’s blues. Continue reading this entry » » »
Tags: architecture, art, blue city, history, india, jodhpur, photography, rajasthan, tourism
Details, details….
Posted by Adam Jadhav | Filed under india
Fantastic texture and color from Mehrangarh fort in Jodhpur, India’s “Blue City” in Rajasthan. The fort is spectacularly preserved as a museum and towers over the sprawling, grungy city. Inside are alcoves and hallways and galleries of marble and wood and ornament.
Tags: architecture, art, culture, history, india, jodhpur, mehrangarh, photography, rajasthan, tourism
Quito’s monumental basilica
Posted by Adam Jadhav | Filed under ecuador
A fun climb
On my first full day in Quito, I went for a walk around part of the old historic district and made my way to the Basilica del Voto Nacional, also known as the Basilica de San Juan.
It’s a huge church with twin fore-spires and a single rear tower with some of the best views over Quito. The stoic grey stone with subtle ornamentation outside, stained glass windows, and towering ceilings: it’s gothic beauty.
I spent most of an afternoon exploring where I could, taking pictures and hiding out from a hail storm. Enjoy the photos below. Continue reading this entry » » »
Tags: architecture, art, basilica, church, ecuador, history, photography, quito, religion, tourism, voto nacional
Now that’s a city
Posted by Adam Jadhav | Filed under united states
A beautiful night
Everytime I look at the Chicago skyline, I’m struck by how much it looks like a proper city. No place I’ve lived has had that kind of a profile and only New York can boast a better collection of skyscrapers.
I’m still a country boy at heart — cities are nice places to visit and work for a while but I wouldn’t want to live there forever — but there’s something about the Windy City that does call out to me. Continue reading this entry » » »
Tags: architecture, chicago, city, photography, skyline, skyscraper
It’s all in the details
Posted by Adam Jadhav | Filed under india
Well-worn door
The Taj Mahal is a serene monument, the apex of Mughal architecture. It stands so much in contrast to the dust and grime that is often India (though I love that in its own way). The marble dome of the Taj is, quite literally, breath-taking. Iconic may be an overused cliche, but the Taj deserves it.
Yet as striking as Shah Jahan‘s greatest accomplishment is from afar, the entire complex is also fantastic up-close, with all its details. See below. Continue reading this entry » » »
Tags: agra, architecture, art, beauty, detail, india, photography, taj mahal
