Happy holidays!

Half of December is gone, but I often forget that it's the holiday season. There is more Christmas/holiday-themed stuff in Delhi than in smaller towns in India, but it only really pops up in fancy grocery stores, nice hotels, or other places targeted to rich Indians, tourists and expats.

I do miss the winter wonderland I experienced in Yorkshire last December (snow! sheep! snow-covered sheep!), but am looking forward to celebrating the holidays in India this year. My mother arrived in Delhi this week, and we have been having a great time exploring the city, shopping, and eating delicious food. It's also interesting to hear her stories about how much the city has changed over the decades (she was a student at Delhi University in the 70s).

Julie, a dear friend from London, will arrive once my mother leaves next week. Julie and I have plans to travel around Rajasthan for Christmas and New Years, which should be a lot of fun. So far, we have planned a camel safari, ziplining around a fort in Jodhpur, and relaxing by the lake in Udaipur. It will be nice to get out of Delhi for a bit, and to breathe some fresh air! The smog in this city is incredible.

Imagine breathing this air everyday!