(another picture-heavy post)
after almost a
month in the south
of india,
i decided that we
needed to take a
short trip up north
to see some
of things that
everyone should
see when visiting india.
besides, i had
to comply with
rachel’s thinly-veiled threat,
“i’m not coming to india and not seeing the taj mahal.”
no arm twisting
needed because i wanted
to take maddy up
there anyway,
so i made
plans for us to
go away for
ten days.
we headed to the
airport where maddy made a
couple of friends
during our 1.5 hour delay.
she then passed out
for the 3+ hour
flight to delhi,
madeline’s 26th
round-trip flight.
we spent one
night at a
hotel in delhi,
and early the next
morning we were
in the car
and on the road to jaipur.
i spent most
of the trip
shooting photos
through the window
while maddy alternated
between sleep
and trying to
wriggle out of
her car seat.
rachel and i
did our best
to distract her
by telling her to
look at the:
cows,
camels,
and elephants.
(and she used to think our commute to daycare in los angeles was exciting).
after dropping
our stuff off
at our hotel in jaipur,
we drove around
the city
and stopped at
a temple
and maddy slept in
the car, under the
watchful eye
of our driver, daniel.
we drove around
some more,
stopping for photographs
whenever we saw
something interesting.
maddy did a
little artwork
and a lot of shopping.
it was now
dark but none
of us were
tired so we asked
the driver to drop
us off in the
old part of jaipur
so that we could
wander around.
we met lots
of new friends
and of course,
did some more shopping.
just outside of
our hotel was the
floating palace,
which looked
really awesome at night.
and inside was
some live entertainment.
maddy and rachel
went to bed
and i spent
the rest of the evening
working on my book.
early the next
morning we were back
in the car
and on our
way to the amber fort
a place i’d visited
with my mom
back in 2006.
as we stood in
line for our ride,
maddy got really excited
watching the parade
of close to 100
elephants making their
way up
and down
the path to the fort.
we finally got
on the back
of our vehicle,
headed to the top
on elephant #40
maddy decided she’d
rather get back on
the elephant
than do some site-seeing.
she fought it
a little bit,
but i
i won the battle.
we walked with
our guide, learning
a lot about the place,
while taking in
all of the sites.
after insisting on
being carried around
for the first third
of the visit,
maddy decided
that she wanted
to walk around
on her own.
eventually i
had to revoke
her freedoms because
she didn’t use
them responsibly.
she was pretty pissed.
with madeline now
in the backpack,
we continued
our tour through
the fort
after our trip
to the fort, we drove
to the jantar mantar
astronomical and astrological observatory.
maddy once again
drew quite
a crowd.
we then wakled
across the street
to the city palace.
maddy slept most
of the way
through the trip
waking up in time
to see me purchase
the third greatest
painting of all-time.
we made a quick
stop at the hawa mahal
for a few photos.
after a short
nap for madeline,
we went out
for dinner,
during which madeline
decided that she
should be part
of the performance.
she was a lot
sleepy after
all the dancing
so we headed back
to the hotel
so the girls
could get
a little
sleep before leaving
for agra early
the next morning.
i spent the night,
once again,
trying to write
a book that
i hope
madeline will
someday be very
proud of.
the trip to
india has really helped
stir the emotions
that get the words flowing.
as far as our
10 day trip goes,
tonight marked the
end of the easy part.
the rest of the
trip would be
filled with memories of
liz.
no complaining on
my end.
i put myself
in this position.
but i didn’t
do this just for me.
i’m also doing this for
madeline.
(parts ii and iii coming when i get some time).
97 Comments
HI,
Looks like everyone is having fun and creating some great memories. I love all of the pictures.
Keep safe!
Shell
wow! such amazing photos and journey. looks like some of those palatial places would be paradise for a little girly! having fun watching you guys from here… my old boss was from agra… the company (obeetee) makes carpets in mirzapur.. maybe you will be near there… enjoy!
The pics are awesome Matt! What a great experience for Maddy and for you to share this w her as you did w Liz as well. Good luck cont to write your book-can’t wait for it to come out!! Enjoy and be safe friend!
Erica ellemenopee
I’ve been following your journey for some time now. It has brought to me all types of emotions. I have really enjoyed your trip to India. I was curious how expensive the country is. Your pic you purchased was beautiful and I was wondering if you would share the cost of it. May you have a safe and healthy remaining trip. I will keep you in my prayers.
Fascinating pictures there
Matt, there are so many breathtaking beautiful pictures here I can not even begin to comment! I LOVE LOVE LOVE these shots of Maddy too. The Turban shot and others are just priceless. Looks like a wonderful adventure and you can truly tell a story through pictures. Wonderful. Keep up the awesome photography(Rachel you too! Awesome!) Looking forward to the next parts of your upcoming story!
Pam
Love the words, love the trip and really love the photos.
Thanks for allowing all of us to share the ride with you. I know that many, many people have said this before me, and with far more eloquence, but your journey inspires in so many ways. I know it’s not the journey you planned or wanted, but it certainly makes me think about the life I lead and the choices I make within it.
Keep it coming!
PS: I might be mistaken, but I think there has been marginally less swearing since you’ve been in India. *Jill* will be pleased…
Some of those people act as if they have never seen a blond haired child. (And a cute one at that!)
Looks like everyone is having a great time and I am so glad to hear you are doing so well on the book.
wonderful update!
pretty freak’n amazing…
Thanks for sharing these photos, Matt. They are AWESOME. Enjoy the rest of your trip!
awesome photos, Matt. Love Maddy’s new shoes!
Hope to see ya’ll before you leave!
Matt, have you ever seen the CBS show, Amazing Race? I can totally see you and Maddy being partners on it some day! You’ll both be at an advantage with all your travel experience!
I love all of the pictures!! Can’t wait to see and read more. Looks like an amazing trip.
Thank you for sharing so many amazing pictures in this post! I was trying to read it on my iPhone and at I first grumbled because I couldn’t get it to load quickly enough, but then I realized I was being silly and lazy. I only wish I had a bigger monitor to appreciate the color and beautiful architecture and vibrancy of everything even more!
Thank you for sharing your trip with everyone.
I’ll be pre-ordering the book on Amazon for sure.
It looks like all of you are having a great time. Thanks for sharing your trip with the rest of us. Looks like the trip of a lifetime!
If you ever question if your doing a good job as a daddy just remember all the things shes getting to experience before the age of 2 that most people will never experience in their lifetime. And also you do realize shes never going to want to leave this place right?
Ok for real that picture of Maddie sitting in the musician’s lap just did me in.
She is way. too. cute. And has absolutely inherited your knack for the nonchalant picture pose.
Love these updates on your trip. Love all of the pictures. Safe travels….
I didn’t read through the other comments, so perhaps someone already said this but I’m pretty sure that kid who put his shoe up to your camera was doing the equivalent of flipping you off. Probably playfully, if judging by his smile. When I was in India for a summer, we were told that the bottom of the shoe was like the middle finger.
Your pictures are amazing. The colors are so beautiful.
Incredible pictures. The video of Maddy dancing? Made my heart smile. That girl is like a true rock star over there!! And she SO deserves the attention. Can’t wait to read parts 2 and 3. As always, your words and pictures move me deeply. Makes me want to visit India tho it’s probably not in the cards for me. But you’ve really opened my eyes to the beauty over there. Thanks.
Wonderful pictures! They are all somekindofawesomeness!
Fabulous, Matt! What beautiful sites!!!! Maddy is quite the star there, with everyone always taking her picture!
Beautiful pictures Matt!
Awesome Matt! I check on you guys daily, love your photographs. I just bought a Canon Rebel Xsi, I wish I would of had a good camera when my girl was smaller. Love the photos of Maddy being pissed, wished I would of taken some. Glad your writing is going well. Hang in there!
Looks like you all had some great adventures. The pictures are great as always. What will Maddy do without the elephants (or monkeys, or cows) when you get back to L.A.?
Looks like you guys are having a great time. Stay safe.
Hi Matt,
I’ve been reading your blog for ages and I love it! You’re doing great with that adorable little girl…
I have a query today, though. I heard yesterday through a work discussion group on-line that a colleague of mine in Paris (she’s British like me and a translator, but I’m in the south of France and don’t know her by anything other than name) died giving birth to her third child on Tuesday. Her partner is now left to grieve as well as look after a 4-year-old boy, a 1-year-old girl and a newborn baby girl. As I said, I didn’t know her, and her family even less, but I’d like to do something to help, no matter how small. What should I do? What should I say or write (I’m thinking of writing a short note)? Or maybe you might think it would be best for me not to do anything like that, given that I don’t know them… In any case, this news has shaken me up more than I thought it would, and it also made me think of you…
I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay in India and I’m looking forward to the book!
Beautiful. I can’t see how Maddy couldn’t possibly be proud! Its such a wonderful thing you are doing for her. Love the pictures!!
Thanks for sharing your journey with all of us. LOVE the pictures. Can’t wait to hear about the 2nd half of your 10 day trip. So glad that you & Maddy are making new memories. Continue to enjoy it & continued safe travels. Can’t wait for the book!
I love how everyone is fascinated with Maddy-it’s just so cute, You’re there to experience them and their culture and they’re so taken by you. I love it.
What a fun adventure! All the places you’re visiting are so amazing, so different. It’s beautiful and I can only hope to visit a place like that someday. I can’t believe it’s been a month already! Maddy’s going to miss the elephants when you get back to LA. Time to get a pass to the Zoo so she can go visit them often!
I can feel the peacefulness in your writing. I know it’s not “all better” but the peaceful feeling is coming through in your writing and that is so wonderful. I’m so glad that some healing is happening and I know your book will be amazing!
Looks like so much fun. Maddie is lucky. Will you adopt me?
Just say no to bear dancing.
Also? My god, your photographs are gorgeous. (Even the ones without Maddy in them.
)
Oh how I love Maddy’s new shoes. I think my three girls need a pair like Maddy’s. Beautiful pictures and a beautiful little girl!
it all looks wonderful.
She has such wise eyes, your Maddy.
Thanks Matt I am enjoying India right along with you. Maddie is so cute. This will be wonderful for her someday. Keep the photos and updates coming. I look forward everyday to your updates.
BEAUTIFUL pictures Matt…it looks like you guys are having an amazing journey and making wonderful memories for that sweet little girl. She is definitely a world traveler for sure…my daughter is the same age and has never even been out of the country!! I think India is just what you two needed….safe travels on the rest of your journey and we all look forward to reading your book when it comes out!!
The pictures are fabulous!!!! And the one of the lady with the baby and the pink phone…that phone is almost bigger than the baby!!! Unreal!
Wow.
Suddenly the butterfly cookies we made at daycare this week seem entirely unproductive.
Can I be the nanny on your next trip??
And will you stay here and watch my three kids and run the daycare so that I can focus on showing Maddy the sights??
These photos are amazing!!! My SIL just got back from India and I am anxiously waiting for her to call me back and tell me about her trip. Thanks for sharing.
Amazing!
Only asking, but what’s with the all the attraction Maddy generates. OBVIOUSLY we love her and she’s totally adorable, but it seems that she draws people to her. And, like you said, mostly men. What’s your take on that? Because, it’s not just in India, right?
Thanks for sharing
The pictures are amazing. It looks like all of you are having a fabulous time. I’m glad you are finding the inspiration you need to write. Can’t wait to hear about the rest of this 10 day adventure.
Beautiful pictures, exotic location… I am sure that your words are flowing….
just amazing, Matt. thanks as always for sharing with all of us.
)
Thanks for letting us share on your journey with you, the pictures have been amazing. Safe travelling
Matt I truly enjoyed all of these pictures, it brings back many memories for myself. I have been to India two times and I have such a love for this country! I have been right down the same road where the floating palace is. And also loved the pictures at amber fort. I also have been there before, such an awesome place. India is such an amazing and beautiful place! I can’t wait to see the next two parts!! Wishing you and maddy safe travels! And best of luck w/ the continuing of the book writing! Can’t wait for it to come out!
Sounds like a wonderful trip so far. Except having to stay in the same room . I am sure that was tough.
I absolutely love Maddy’s shoes. My Katie would never take them off.
Safe travels.
Matt,
This trip looks amazing. I remember seeing your and Rachel’s tweets from the top of the elephant and the photos and I thought that was cool, but this post is just fucking awesome! So many amazing pics, the dancing video of Maddie is precious. Almost every pic of her I think she looks just like her Mom. And if I think that, you must think that every time you look at her. I’m glad to hear the book writing is going well.
p.s. In the last couple of weeks I’ve been talking to three random people about blogging and they start to tell me about “this guy Matt” and I’m like “yeah, I know who you are talking about…” People who normally aren’t into blogging or reading blogs are into reading your story. Rock on.
The travelogue is amazing. I’m enjoying the beauty and detail in that architecture and the colors. Even at night, everything seems so colorful.
Asalamu Alaykom,
I’ve got to stop showing your blog to Mr. Boo. Tonight, as we were walking through EGYPT, he says to me, “When we go back to India…”
I stop in my tracks, “Hon, we were never in India.”
Your blog has too much of an immediacy for him to sort through.
I loved this posting. Maddy is a bit of Alice Through the Looking Glass, isn’t she?
Which character would you be?
FREAKING amazing pictures and words Matt!!! Maddie is looking so cute as usual!!
Love Love Love the Pictures!!
Maddy is keeping you two on your toes!! Such a Beauty!
You are such an Awesome Person and Father!!! I can not wait to read that amazing book you are writing!! Until then looking forward to parts ii and iii~
LOL about the part where you revoked Maddy’s freedom because she was not using it responsibly.
I love that you let Maddy get involved in the dancing and the entertainment. I’m sure it helps that the people she’s joining adore her, but so many parents are uptight when their kids start running around and enjoying themselves. It’s nice to see that Maddy is having a great time and experiencing so many things.
Awesome post and amazing pictures. One that was truly touching and telling, for me, was the one with the lady and her baby sitting in that wooden thing selling some kind of tickets(?).
Hmmm..I’ve never seen a toddler without a routine function so well. I hope it holds up!
Also, I hope you were kidding about leaving her with the driver. Um, are you crazy!?!!??!?!
The pictures are amazing! It looks like you all are having a great time. I’m so glad the book is coming along well, I look forward to reading it.
Love the pics, thank you for my virtual tour of India through your eyes. Maddie getting bigger and more mature every time you update
Gorgeous gal.
How are you treated as an American in India I wonder? Just curious..
Maddy will be Thankful and so proud for your book and will love it! And that shopping picture of Maddy–PRICELESS!!!!!!!
Enjoy your trip–can not wait to hear how part 2 and 3 went!!
I love your updates! Maddy is beautiful as ever and is looking alot like Liz. Your photos are amazing! Can’t wait for more updates!
Simply amazing pictures! I can’t believe how much Maddie has grown and changed this fall. Hard to believe your trip is coming to an end. Enjoy the rest of the trip!!
luv all the footage of your exciting trip. adored the dancing with the show. it’s funny you make your sweet nanny pose, she assumes the pose position now. its cute. people look so friendly there and fun. we all, i think love this journey with you guys. hugs from the homeland
Loved the photos. That lil girl of yours is sure lucky to have a daddy willing to do everything you do for her.
what a blessing and I am sure as she grows older she will so be glad of everything you do for her.
Looks like you are having a great time.
Keep the post coming I check at least twice a day to see if there is more news.
Peace and Safe travels to the three of you.
Maddy is so charming and photogenic – no wonder she is ‘mobbed’ every time you turn around! I am so impressed at how adaptable she is to changes. She just flows to the next timetable or newest adventure. And boy she loves animals! @Tara in the Fort – I’m not sure about the trip to the zoo ’cause she will probably want to take an elephant home!ha But you really are right. @Asalamu Alaykom-thanks for the laugh from Boo. He must be a delight. =o)
It truly feels like an honor to be able to watch and read along as you work to put together your book. It sounds like everything is going really well and that you have transitioned into this writing thing with such ease.
I hope that both you and Madeline are able to get everything out of this experience that you had intended. Somehow, I highly suspect that you will.
Keep writing…
Hello Matt, first time poster here….I only recently stumbled upon your blog and I’ve been totally sucked in. Your writing is amazing and your photos are breath-taking. I’m only on page 41 so…I have lots more to read but with two kids and a husband in India right now…I’m a bit pressed for time. Which brings me to why I’m posting. As I sit here this morning sipping my morning coffee and listening to Smog (yes, one of the many reasons I find your blog so interesting..we have very similar tastes) my hubby emails me from India. He says “I just met the guy who’s blog you’ve been reading” How mind blowing is that??? Before he left for India, I told him about your blog…but not very much because I kept crying when I talked about details. He happened to walk by you in Bangalore at the Leela and overheard you mention the blog. I’m totally blown away. Is the world really that small? Anyway, I continue to read the blog but in my world Maddy is only 4 months…I’ll catch up. BTW, just did Jaipur and Agra this summer with my hubby. I’ve walked those same steps at the Fort and all over Jaipur. Thanks for letting me relive it again.
Trish
Awesome photos Matt! I check in every couple of days to see if you’ve posted anything new and when you have, oh boy! I’m like a kid in a candy store… your photos are like eye candy! It also helps that gorgeous Miss Maddy is in most of them! can’t wait for parts ii and iii! much love.. V
Matt,
Greetings! I am a SJU ’08 grad. I spent 7 months volunteer teaching in Jaipur at Neerja Modi School/Nischay Girls School.
If you’re still in Jaipur, here are a couple of my favorite spots:
1. Jawahar Kala Kendra. A free art/performance center. A really awesome India Coffee House is located inside. Great place to relax and think/write.
2. Anokhi Cafe. http://www.anokhicafe.com/. Another very chill spot with light organic snacks/beverages (try the ginger-lime soda). Located next to a block print clothing store and above a bookstore.
All the best and Mazey Karo!
~John VR
Matt,
Thanks for the awesome post. The pictures are amazing, and Maddy is sure having fun. It is amazing what we will do for our kids and how they help us deal with grief head on, isnt it? She will be so proud of you when she realizes what you have done for her.
Carrie
You are such a terrific photojournalist on TOP of being an outstanding writer. I hope you know how much you open up an exotic place in this world to all of us who follow you. Many thanks!!
WOW, the pics totally rock!!
India looks like such a country of contrasts. The very beautiful and wealthy and poor and over crowded. The common denominator that shines through from your pictures is the beautiful colors and fabrics. Your blog is better than a National Geographic Special, thanks for bringing us along. Safe travels to the three of you.
I have been following your journey for a while now. You are an excellent role model for Maddy. You are doing a fantastic job as a daddy! I know Liz is watching and smiling! Thanks for sharing the world to us avid blog readers. It’s great to see what’s on this large planet that we call home!
Matt-you guys are safe right? I saw on the news there was a trail derailment in Jaipur! 9 people were killed and then I start reading your blog and seeing that you guys were there! Praying you are safe, can you at least put a little update at the top of the post to let us know?! Loving all your pictures!
Your photos are amazing! What a phenomenal trip. Looking forward to reading your book, you have a way with words and emotions.
JS @ http://www.motherlawyercrazywoman.blogspot.com
Love the pictures and the video of Maddy dancing is fantastic!!! I think probably the new shoes were sprinkled by the dancing fairy
I can only imagine how great you book will be.
Great pictures as usual Matt!! I hope to someday meet you and Madeline in person!!
sheesh. I’m wiped out. Don’t you ever just want to stay home and watch tv and eat chex mix or something? For like, A WEEK?
Matt, you may have heard of this guy from St. Paul, featured in the Pioneer Press. He lost his wife as well after giving birth. I thought you might be interested to read his story, and who knows, maybe even hook up one day when you’re back here in MN!
Hope all’s going well in India!
http://www.twincities.com/ci_13787019?source=most_viewed
Hi –
I love reading your blog. Your photos and stories of India have been fascinating. I have to ask a question though (no disrepect meant by it)… some of your photos showed areas that looked a bit rough. Have you ever been concerned taking Maddie into areas like that? Does it concern you about all the men that want to hold her (again from a safety perspective)?
You truly have a gift with words. I really enjoy your blog. Thanks for sharing.
Glad to hear and see that all is well. Maddy is precious in those photos–especially when she’s sleeping in the backpack and when she got new shoes! So adorable! Keep the posts coming. Thinking of you all!
Great pictures !!!!
I love the pictures!! You all look like you are having a great time. So glad that you are sharing with us. I know this time is precious to you and Maddy. You are awesome and I can’t wait to hear about more of your trip. I hope that it is all what you hoped for and more.
What beautiful pictures! I love that you are sharing this place that you and Liz loved so much with Maddie. These pictures will mean so much to her.
On a side note…do be careful holding Maddie up by her hands. My 22 month old has had his arm pulled out of socket 3 times by different people. I think he has pretty loose sockets because it happens easily with him.
What a beautiful place.
Echoing what others have said, gorgeous gorgeous photos. That video of Maddie dancing, though, brought a huge smile to my bronchitis and sinusitis ridden person.
oh my goodness. Time has just flown by. I adore the dancing Maddy video. We think of you two often. Take care.
Love all the pics! I especially like the one you took of the man’s hand hanging out the car window. Very cool perspective.
I know that you aren’t into mainstream music and you probably hate Pearl Jam with a passion, BUT their new song is pretty good and reminded me of you and Maddy. Humour one of your faithful blog readers and check it out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuq7RYQ8Wa0
Have fun on the rest of your trip! Good luck with the writing.
Hey Matt,
It looks like you two are having a wicked cool time. I love all the pictures! I noticed your tattoos in a few and I’m curious as to what they say. That’s a LOT of writing. Details please?
Love all the beautiful pictures. I would love to go there someday…in the meantime, I am enjoying the lessons I am learning from you…
My favorite is the first one of her shopping…she is SO adorable. Looks like you are having the best time…enjoy these precious memories you are making that will last a lifetime.
The pictures are stunning! Maddy will treasure those someday!
Thank you. For including us on your journey. It is simply amazing.
Gorgeous photos and what amazing memories!
LOVE THE PHOTOS.
Amazing shots!
Wow you are so amazing for doing this. Maddy will be very proud of you when she gets older.
Those umbrellas were beautiful!! I want one lol
You got some real beauty pictures!! Your daughter is such a cutie pie* looks like you all had a lot of fun
Amazing how much she looks like Liz! What a wonderful experience for her and you to share together. I know she will cherish you as much as you cherish her. She certainly looks fearless and up for any challenge. Great pictures and thank you for sharing with all of us. Liz would be proud!
So, I’m still behind. Did I miss something, or did you get some more ink? I see lots of words on the upper inner parts of your arms. Can we see it better? I think you tats are an amazing tribute to your two best girls.