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Doorway and Lintel

One art historian calls it the Periclean achievement of India- the DASAVATARA TEMPLE in Deogarh (MP). It is the crowning gem of the Gupta Empire's finest creative effort.

Deogarh overlooks the huge Betwa River, its cliffs carved with hermit cells and caves, a large fort at the summit, a gigantic complex of Jain temples, a beautiful countryside dotted with Gupta temples and, of course, Desavatara. -and that's not all.

Fresco Painting Church

The government has finally made the effort to protect this monument and restore the paintings. The painter was an Indian convert who adopted the Western canon of composition- the result is stupendous- scenes crowd into and overlap one another with juxtapostions of Biblical and historical scenes along with renderings of hell, devils, salvation, etc

The church is located several miles from San Miguel de Allende (popular with foreigners who retire here) in the state of Guanajuato a couple hours drive north of Mexico City.

GM2712

I like to think I can "understand" (in a Western sense) another culture- but for the Maya this is impossible. The Mayans saw the universe and themselves as mutually co-dependent - a universe where the gods and humankind shared the same fate. Visiting Copan can seem like the movie "Close Encounters" - .

Route around Deccan Plateau

India is great for the off the beaten path traveler. Be warned, however, that you will be exposed to a variety of communicable diseases and the hazards of land transport. Crime is not a major worry. Americans will experience some suspicion in Muslim neighborhoods and Westerners generally should expect to be questioned when entering mosques. Indians, regardless of faith, are exceptionally hospitable.

Morning Preparations

I first visited Guatemala in 1984 and returned again and again; usually spending months on each visit.

Tourists will will experience the gentleness and happiness that seems infused into everyday life and activities.

Development is coming to Guatemala. Vast forests I saw 25 years have been replaced with pastures and corn fields. Guatemala's stability is threatened by oligarchy, corruption, narco-gangs, unemployment and environmental degradation. The malodorous slime appearing on Lago Atitlan has been featured in Time Magazine.

Despite these developments, Guatemala has not lost its charm, beauty, or mystery and it remains the most beautiful and culturally diverse nation in Central America.

This is my master list for packing. I select from it what is suitable for camping, long distance hiking, budget touring etc. The list is based on many years of economy camping and hiking. As to the GREAT PACKING DEBATE about whether folding or rolling saves the most space- my tests say it's better to ROLL.

CLOTHES
Cotton polysynthetic blends dry much faster than 100% cotton. Light colors are less attractant to mosquitoes.

Khaki trousers from a blend of cotton and polyester are strong lightweight and dry quickly. 100% cotton denim jeans take hours and hours to dry.
Lightweight nylon/polyester Shorts with pockets. (useful for going to shower/bathroom)
Long sleeve cotton/polyester shirts with pockets
T-Shirt w pocket (50/50 blend)
Underwear (boxer style dry quicker)
Socks (wool cotton blend)

Shetland wool sweater (lightweight)
Thermal T-shirt (cotton)
Windbreaker with hood
(With all of the above you may not need a coat)

Poncho waterproof

Bandana (cotton- a 1000 uses for this item)
Hat (wide-brim and crushable)
Water resistant boots
Sneakers (for dry climates)

HYGIENE
Razor
Comb
Toothbrush, floss and paste
Compact mirror
Nail Clipper
Soap (hotel size)
Shampoo (small 1 oz size)
Toilet paper
Washcloth (google "Salux" for world's greatest deep cleaning fast-drying washcloth)
Towel (quick drying)
Antisceptic Hand Gel
Night Visor for sleeping and napping
Ear Plugs for sleeping in noisy hotels
Flip flops footware (recommended for hotel/public showers)

MEDICAL
Antiseptic Ointment
Iodine/Betadine
Antibiotic tablets/capsules
Tylenol/Aspirin
Anti-Diarrhea Tablets
Band aids
Gauze
Tweezers
Water Purifier {liquid or tablets)
Snakebite Kit (tropical)
Insect Repellent (DEET)
Foot Powder
Bedbug Powder (get from veternarian shop)
Sun screen lotion
Mosquito net (available locally)

DOCUMENTS
Passport and Visas
Prescriptions
Credit Card
Cash
Dictionary (foreign language)
Maps
Notebook/Pen
Address/Telephone #'s
Money Belt
Photocopies of passport, tickets, etc
Spare passport photos (2)
Serial #s of equipment (in case of theft)

LENSES
Camera/Batteries/Manual
Lens Cleaner tissue
memory cards
Plastic Magnifying Glass
Sunglasses
Compass
Flashlight/batteries (I prefer C-cell size- less weight)
Wristwatch w alarm function

MISCELLANEOUS
Gifts (pens, lighters)
MicroTape Tape Recorder/Batteries
Needle/Thread
Lock (to secure pack & room doors)

FLYING
Surgical Mask (SARS, Flu, etc)
Ear Pressure plugs (designed for those who find flying painful)

CAMPING GEAR
Backpack (I do not recommend packs with lots of external compartments- it's too easy for thieves to open)- better to organize your stuff with transparent plastic bags
Very light small nylon backpack for day trips
Sleeping Bag (synthetic fill easier to take care of)
Hammock or Tent
(keyword search: Hennessey hammock)
Ground cloth for tent
Machete w. sheath (tropical)- get locally
Waterbag/Canteens/Plastic Jug qt or gal
Small candles (birthday size)- useful to start campfire
Whistle (emergency)

COOKING EQUIPMENT
Plastic cup with handle to hold hot liquids
Plastic bowl
spoon (aluminum)
knife (folding)
Cooking Pot with lid & bail wire

FOOD
Rice
Powdered Milk
Coffee
Sugar
Oatmeal
Salt
Bouillon cubes/powder
Garlic
Chocolate powder (vitaminized)
Kool Aid (tropical)