ROAD TRIP !!!

Our first real excursion outside of the city. We travel about 3 hours south of Pune to Mahabaleshwar  which is a hill station noted for it's fantastic views, cooler weather because of its altitude, and strawberries.  This is in the western Ghats. We got to visit several points, the most dramatic being Aurthur's seat. The Monkeys are everywhere and can be troublesome. One came out of a tree and stole a child's corn cob. The second day we visited Pratapgad fort which we found very fascinating. Built in 1656 its still in very good condition. We made this trip in the dry season, the least desirable time of year when everything is dried out and brown. We plan on doing it again after the Monsoon season.

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Out and about around Pune

The most frequently asked question is "whats it like there".

 Well here are some typical sights when driving around India.

This is Pune and the surrounding area but it seems pretty typical of where ever you go in India.

We live in this atmosphere during the week but have to escape the city on the weekends when we can. Poverty is a HUGE problem along with litter. People just through wrappers and other trash on the ground. Its depressing to see it all along the roads constantly. It's a cultural thing and is totally acceptable. They sweep up some of it in the mornings and burn it in small piles, paper or plastic it doesn't matter.

Oh well, enjoy the tour.