Through my eyes and words, I want each of you to experience this exotic, ancient country, India, which is standing on the brink of becoming a world power. And having a blog gives me a reason to write for my family, former students, grand-babies, and friends. Writing is to be read, so having readers, comments, and questions to answer will encourage me along the way.
Update
Our four month adventure in India is over, but there are still tales to tell from that far off magical place which seems now only a dream. I want to share the perfect quote from a new blogger friend who understands the trouble I am having articulating my Indian obsession!
“India leaves her mark on her guests in a most haunting compelling and often surprising way. I suspect that even now you are trying to figure out how to get back there!” (A comment response to me from Ninagrandiose’s Blog)
Bingo, Nina!
I have been fortunate to travel pretty extensively through Western and Eastern Europe to Egypt, Ghana, Tunisia, Belize, and Guatemala. So stories from any of these places could pop up anytime. And of course tales from the United States ! You are most welcome to come along for the ride!
anne.t.bell@gmail.com
TalesAlongTheWay 
Hey Anne! I have nominated you for ‘Shine On’ blog award. Keep shining and inspiring many souls.
Please click the link below for the award details.
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Oh what a lovely surprise and thank you ever so much. I have been remiss to respond and nominate on WordPress family awards , so now I will. Just know it will be a week or so until I respond to this in a public way. Blessings,. . . namaste. . .. Anne
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You are welcome!!
Let the appreciation flow..
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I love your blog! There’s so much to see, just like in India! I don’t travel much because of health issues and this really takes me to India. Love the pictures!
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I am so glad you like the blog. I love to share incredible India! Please stop by often and comment. I love to hear from my readers! Namaste. . . .Anne
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Hi! I nominated you for The Very Inspiring Blogger Award. Please get the badges at http://wp.me/p32YrK-uY and get more info. Have a great Sunday. 🙂
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What a lovely Sunday morning surprise, thank you my friend! I am happy to accept your gracious encouragement, just know that I have another award to respond to and nominate for and then yours. I do love to encourage others, but I hate to look look like I am showing off by sending out too many all at once. So I wait a week or so. You have a lovely Sunday, as well! Namaste. . . Anne
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I have to use my two days wisely. Tomorrow, I am offline. 😦
You don’t see any badges on my about page. That’s how I maintain my humility. 🙂
I know it looked like bragging but it’s my responsibility that I have to accomplish.
Best wishes.Good luck. 🙂
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Nice and interesting blog, Anne! Thanks for following “Known is a drop, Unknown is an Ocean”. 🙂
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Great name. . . .so true…we know so little….. namaste. . . . .
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Coucou ami(e) blogueur
Je t’ai nominé (e) pour le Versatile Blogger Award
J’espère que celà te plaira
Voic i le lien pour y accéder, et voir quelques règles ” très gentilles ”
http://wp.me/p2mqcl-nn
Toutes mes félicitations, et bonne continuation, cher(e) ami (e)
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Hi, thank you so much for thinking of me and nominating me for the Versatile Blogger Award. I I don’t read French and was unable to read your message, but I went to your page. The problem is that I didn’t see my name on the list. I don’t mind at all if I am not included. as I have 4 other awards I have not yet passed forward, but if you want me to have it , I, of course, am very pleased! Sorry for the confusion.
Namaste. . . . .Anne
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Hey
I’ve nominated you for the “I Am Part of the WordPress Family Award”, in my post :
http://doncharisma.wordpress.com/2013/08/28/doncharisma-i-am-part-of-the-wordpress-family-award/
Please get your badge at :
I look forward to seeing your acceptance post:)
5readsblog would also really like your submission, so I will ask them to contact you.
Keep in touch …
Cheers
Don Charisma
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Thanks so much for the nomination. I have one more to “do” next weekend and then yours. I do so appreciate your kind recognition and I love to encourage other bloggers as well! Namaste. . . . ..
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Hi.. anne, thanks for stoping by to my humble house.
You have a great blog,.
cheers..
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Many thanks! Namaste
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Greetings from the professor!
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Back at you from the professor’s wife!
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Thank you so much for following my blog thus leading me to yours which I’m thoroughly enjoying!
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I am glad!
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wow! i’m glad you “liked” my meager post today. thank you. it brought me to your blog and i was touched by the writings you shared over the past few days. truly, i appreciated each piece very much. peace.
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weronika, thanks so much for your comment. I am glad you enjoyed my posts. Please visit again soon and often. Namaste. . . .
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Brilliant stuff here! Hello, and thank you for dropping by my blog and liking my pages – very much appreciated! All the best, Michael
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Your pictures are wonderful. . .
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I would love to see India, very interesting blog!
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I am so glad you are enjoying my blog. I hope you will go back and read some of the earlier posts particularly in March when we were on the north trip. If you can swing it in any way..don’t go for just a week. Stay as long as you can. The jet lag is awful for several days. Read Pilgrimage City. . . .Veranasi…..IT is a change your life kind of an experience.
If you have any questions be sure and ask…. I love Incredible India!
I was very lucky to go for 4 months with my professor husband and 11 architecture students. I have come to discover that there are only two opinions on India…either you LOVE it …like we did ( and we are very opposite personalities) or you HATE even the idea. I think you will love it! Namste. . . ..
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Thanks so much for nominating our blog, Oh, the Places We See, for the Summer Sun Award. You can see our responses here: http://ohtheplaceswesee.com/2013/09/21/summer-sun-award/
Namaste!
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Hey Anne. Cool blog! It’s always great to read about other people’s travelling experiences. On our website we normally publish stories and articles about hitch-hiking and travelling so if you any story you would like to be seen by a wider audience (with a link to your blog of course). This is how we do it: http://hitchhikershandbook.com/your-contributions/travel-stories/ Drop us a line if you are interested.
Happy travels!
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Are you interested in either choosing or having me choose one of my already published posts writing something specific for your blog? I have never hitch-hiked in my life! 😎 I am honored to be asked….I looked at your site but didn’t read the submissions too carefully! Namaste. . . . What about my posts interested you ?
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We particularly liked the post about Diwali festival and the photos you selected were fabulous, but if you have any other suggestions, we are open 🙂
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I love….The Garden, Four Rickshaw Drivers, Varanasi, Feral Dogs, California Dreaming. Le me know if you don’t get them with a search. Namaste. . . . . also Dreamers and Doers
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It is a pleasure to meet you. I’m certain we’ll be enjoying many a post between our two sites.
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Lovely!
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I am so glad to meet you , too!
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Hi 🙂 We’ve nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. We’ve really enjoyed reading your blog and hope that you will accept the award. 🙂 You can check it out here: http://todaycommai.wordpress.com/2013/10/10/6530/
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Many thanks for the honor! I will get it done soon, but have two other awards I need to pass along first! I love the tone of your blog! Namaste. . . .
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Hey, I have nominated you for the Liebster award! Check out my blog to learn more about it. I look forward to your response. Namaste 🙂
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Wow….thanks so much. I have to complete two others and then I will do yours. It is most appreciated it! Namaste. . . .
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Interesting site!!!for sure I’ll be coming back and forth to read more of your adventures. 🙂
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Thank you so much! Namaste. . . .
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Lovely Blog Anne:)
You seem so fond of Tigers! Beautiful!
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I agree pretty much with my Hindi friends and love most animals! Namaste. . . .
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Namaste Anne:)
I too love Animals
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Thank you for following my blogs, your blog is very nice! especially about your travelling. I hope I can travel like you.
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Traveling is wonderful and I have been blessed! Thanks for the comment and happy travels to you ! Namaaste. . . .
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you are welcome, nice to meet you.
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Nice to meet you ! Visit again! Namaste. . .
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Hello Annet,
I’m glad you stopped by my blog and followed. Yours promises to be worthwhile and I won’t mind diving in.
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India is such an inspiring country isn’t it. Love the quote at the end of your about section! It totally sums up how I (and probably everyone who goes) felt about it!
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I have lost touch with her, but that is exactly how I feel! Thanks for commenting! d Namaste . . . .
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Hey, I’ve awarded you the “Inner Peace” and “Sunshine” Awards, yay !
Congrats:)
Warm regards
Don Charisma
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Thanks so much! Good idea to combine awards. I have several I haven’t passed on yet! I appreciate your encouragement! Namaste!
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These two seemed to work well together, although I did the others separately. Too many awards combined together takes the specialness out a bit I think, and can end up with a very long confusing post … well at least those are my word of “wisdom” today !
good to hear from you, hope all is well:)
warm regards
DC
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Wise words. . I like to encourage other bloggers , but it takes me a log time to get it done. I just need to get to it, I am trying to stay warm. . Want spring already. Better get used to it as we will be in NY this winter, not India or AZ!
Smiles. . . .
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Don’y envy you a NY winter, they are harsh, was quite suprised as compared to London it’s warmer in summer and colder in winter … entreme city !
Gotta go to bed now, I’ve been at these awards for like 18 hours, need get some rest.
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Well, I am in Upstate NY about 2 hours north of the city. We are not quite in the snow belt but have lots of dreary cold grey days …kind of like London. And it will last until near the end of April! We are planning a trip to Hawaii in January when professor is giving a paper at a conference. They have lots of people from our area at that conference! 😎
18 hours…wow. It used to take me hours and hours to do one nomination post…now it takes just hours. But you did so many yesterday…..good on you ! Namaste. . . .
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Thanks Annet:)
In Asia here it’s just hot every day, only back in UK now once every six months if I can help it.
I’ve just done my second post about promoting a website or blog, might be of interest:)
Warm regards
DC
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Are you in incredible India? I looked quickly at your posts and will read them more carefully. I had no idea. Certainly hope it will all work out well for you. . . .
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Thanks for the honor. LOL , your picture always make me smile!
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LOL I do my best … speak soon DC
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The view from your eyes seems beautiful.. N charming.. !
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What a lovely comment! Do visit again soon and often and let me know how I am doing! Namaste. . . .
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You have a beautiful blog! Very inspiring, too 🙂
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Many thanks. Hope you will visit often !
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Many thanks! Talk again soon.
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Thanks for following my bog Anne! I look forward to traveling through yours. The pictures are beautiful. I’ll be back later to read my way through India
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Lovely. . . .thank you so much. . . .namste. . . .
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I love going through your posts and looking at your photos…
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So glad….return often!
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Hey Annet, I just wanted to thank you for your suggestion to look for the Claude Monet’s garden on youtube! It is amazing! I shared the video on http://morningloveangel.wordpress.com/ as well as details of your blog, because I’m so happy you took the time to comment and point me to the video! Have a great day!!!
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Oh that is great. I slept late and woke up to this lovely film and your kind words. Now I have another suggestion for you
Beautiful French film we watched on TV. Hope you can find it! Renoir was also an Impressionist and a contemporary , I think of Monet! .
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I just watched the trailer and you’re right again! I have to find this movie and watch it. Do you know that they were friends at some time during their life? I love Impressionism, my favorite art style in history. So thanks again for the great suggestion. Don’t EVER stop with these suggestions! 🙂 Have a great day!
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You are welcome!
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“This is a copy paste message”
Hi there my name is Almeida Garcez, and I´m a freelance illustrator and writer.
I love to listen, and interpretate the power of words.
My work is mainly focus on social issues, philosophy, and existentialism.
Right now I´m into a very personal project, that I think it´s the answer for all forms of life – collaboration.
I illustrate people´s phrases, songs and wandering thoughts, I´ve called it Abandoned Illustrations.
The reason that I´m “reaching” you, it´s because you followed me a couple of weeks ago.
I hope it wasn´t a mechanical reaction that bursted out of you.
I hope the first reaction I caused in you, was good, and my work truly made you reflect.
We both know it´s easy to follow someone, since we already do that in our role in society,
and in all sorts of ideologies.
Please unfollow me if you only intended to sell your marketing.
If you didn´t returned to my blog after you followed me, please go to:
http://almeidagarcez.wordpress.com/about-the-guilty-preacher-spirits-link/
There you can take a look at the topography of my reflections, and overall geography of my brain.
If you come to a conclusion that after all you don´t like my interpretations and analogies, please unfollow my blog.
Kindest Regards
Almeida Garcez
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Thanks for the information and good luck!
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You have a beautiful blog Anne, interesting and diverse. Roma is my absolutely favourite place! Thank you 🙂
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Do you have requests about anything in Rome? I lived there of a total of 1 1/2 years and visited many places. DO you know about Domus Aurea Nero’s Golden House? It was found in the last few years in the hill across from Colloeseo and is being renovated. We saw it in 1999 by special group, as it was not there open to the public. Have you been to Roma? Isn’t it amazing that ancient sites t here are stll being uncovered in construction of roads and such?
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Yes I spent 4 magical days there last year (my first trip). Without exaggeration, I felt happier (and more ‘right’) there in those 4 days than I have anywhere else in my life. Even at home in NZ I often feel too emotional, too loud, too big, too much. Whereas in Roma these traits didn’t seem to be an issue! I loved the golden light and how form and aesthetic is so valued there. My partner was totally taken with the ruins, but for me it was the churches. The beauty and the art but also the energy within from centuries of prayer/devotion/meditation. Wonderful. I would love to know how you managed to live there and what you did for that time. I fantasize daily about living there for a year or so and visiting churches every day! x
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Wow. . . I asked the right question! I adore this post. You totally figured out Italy and Italians in four days. Emotion, and noise are no problem there and architect says that the most talented , creative people on earth were /are Italians! Once you have seen the art, sculpture, churches, other architecture, you have seen the best in the world! Funny thing that the people who have the best design of ethering and the most intricate work also produce tacky , tasteless junk as tell. You may have seen these things as well. Indeed a mystery!
We were there with students from the architecture school. I went twice when our kids were little and we had school in he morning and field trips in Roma in the afternoon! I went once after they were grown with my husband. He has actually been 8 semesters and has his fill of Rome. He has visited everyone of the 360 ( I think) churches in the city. We also traveled all around Italy. My favorite place in the whole world is Venice…magical! I hope I answered your questions and you have inspired me to post on Rome again and soon. Problem is that I so adore India !
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Oh how funny! We spent 4 days in Venice after Roma and I was utterly claustrophobic the whole time! Couldn’t leave fast enough!! And I had so expected to love it. You just can’t really know a place until you get there, I suppose, no matter how much you think you ‘get’ it and love it through reading/film etc. I would love to go to India also. Thanks Anne x
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Wow…. will we will just have to disagree. I have been there quite a few times and always loved it. Especially Carnivale celebrations with fog, gorgeous costumes….loved Barrono and the ladies making lace…We were even there after a flood where they put up these low to the grown tables that you walk on over the water. I am planning a Venice blog…Did you go to Florence ?
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No, didn’t make it to Florence unfortunately, I’ll just have to go back! And I’ll have to give Venice another go too. I was mortified that I didn’t like it!!
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Oh don’t be embarrassed, lots of people don’t like Venice . Architect calls it adult Disneyland. Regular families can ‘t afford to live there. He doesn’t like Florence either too many tourists! Yeah. . Most tourists in all of Italy. I used to take the train from Rome to Florence for the day. Felt so urbane. I love Venice because it is totally unique with it being no wheeee else like it anywhere . My second favorite city is New York! Totally love it. Architects just shakes his head in disbelief!
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Thank you for following mu blog ! happy that you like it 🙂 what a nice blog you have 🙂 for sure will come back here !
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I am glad we found each other! 😎
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I think Nina’s comment captures the sentiment perfectly. My family are actually from Sri Lanka. Though as many of the locals said to me (whilst visiting India for the first time as an adult last year), it’s practically the same place!
I too was in Rajasthan but didn’t make it to the temples you refer to in your most recent post. Perhaps when I return…
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We are so blessed to be in India for 4 months! Husband is professor and we were there will 11 architecture students for the spring semester. . . . .then Sri Lanka is incredible, too! 😎 I have discovered opinions on India are at opposite ends of the scale….either love or hate , with no luke warm! I loved the people! Even for people who have never been….”I can’t even imagine going THERE, or I have wanted to visit since I was a child,” etc!
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Yes me too. I spent a decent amount of time travelling last year and India was the one place that split opinion…
Interestingly, I found the people quite awful (as to them I was just ‘another Indian’ when in fact, I see myself as a Westerner) but in spite of this, there was something about the country that moved me…
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Darn I just lost a very long reply. We had the white skin, blue eyes going for most of us and some red headed Irish kids. Indians would want to see our eyes and if they were blue, give us a huge smile in reward! I loved the attention and waved and shook hands all over India…sorry sounds very superficial! Husband is very quite and got tired of so much attention but he really loved and respected the people with all their challenges and no anger and the joy they took in small things..kite flying, Holi celebration, joy at seeing the camera with their picture. Amazing to American people or at least us!
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Wow! I look at your blog and feel humbled that you took the time to even glance at mine….I think your blog is very well maintained and shows your commitment and it teaches. That’s what I dig. Your newest fan….
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Many thanks for this very lovely comment. Thanks for taking the time. I hope you continue to visit and enjoy my tales!
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Da Nada
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Well after 7 years in AZ, I know that is “you’re welcome!” Or was it from Dora the Explorer?
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I thought it meant it’s nothing
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😎
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Thank you for noticing and following my blog. I haven’t been to India in a while, but was involved with wonderful people and organizations in that country while working in the field of international development. I share your sense of appreciation and admiration
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You have a lovely blog. Namaste. . . .Glad you like India. I have found that pretty universally, there are only two opinions…..love or the other end of the scale with nothing in the middle!
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It may have to do with scale. The place can be so overwhelming…
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Hey anne,it’s nice to know that you visited my country.hope you learned lots of good things from here. Thanks for your great views for my country
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Incredible India!
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You are right.hope you will visit again..
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So Anne, you decided to join the small clan of Uncle Spike followers, sometimes known as The Spikey’s…. That makes me a happy blogger now – I really appreciate you making that special mouse click.
Hope you like my upcoming posts and if you get bored one day, maybe you’ll enjoy trawling through some of my older stuff too.
If you have any likes, dislikes or suggestions about my blog, just let me know, either through ‘comments’ or via email. Always welcome reader input 🙂
Have a great old day…
UNCLE SPIKE
uncle.spikes.adventures1@gmail.com
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Thanks….looking forward to it!
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Please accept the “The Dragon’s Loyalty Award”
I SAID NICE THINGS ABOUT YOU HERE, WITH THE EASY RULES:
http://prayingforoneday.wordpress.com/2013/11/25/the-dragons-loyalty-award-3/
I hope you can accept..
Thank you.
Shaun
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Thanks so much for the. Award . I accept with deep appreciation. It will
Take me awhile to pass it forward as I have a couple to do first before yours
Smiles
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Thank you..
At your pace..
Shaun xx
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Hey Annet, hope all good with you … wanted to say thanks for the reblog, I did get some new visitors and followers, so much appreciated … warm regards Don Charisma
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Anytime, my friend! You are most welcome!
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😎
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Pingback: Influentially Blogged! | Paint the world with words
Many thanks for the reblog!
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Hi there! I’ve nominated you for the Most Influential Blogger Award! Congrats:)
Follow this link: http://painttheworldwithwords.wordpress.com/?p=711
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Amreen, thank you so much for this great honor. I accept with humility. I need to get to work and pass on some awards. Many thanks. Anne
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You’re welcome Annetbell:)
Congrats & spread the love..
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Hi! I’ve nominated you for the “Blog Of The Year” Award! Congrats!
Follow this link: http://painttheworldwithwords.wordpress.com/?p=714
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Wow…I have never even heard of Blogger of the Year. Many thanks and I accept. I am overwhelmed and very grateful! Anne
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You’re welcome & congrats dear!
Spread the love & be inspired!:)
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My dear friend … how can I have a pack of wolves w/o you!!??
Please, accept this!!
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Oh, what a lovely surprise and smile! Thank you for the honor. I am way behind on the awards so it will take me a while, but I love to accept them to encourage others.
Many thanks for the honor! Need to get on it. I dither and then it is fun…but time consuming.. But well worth the effort!
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No rush …. the fun is in giving them!! Be well … 🙂
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Every time I visit your blog I learn something.
I am impressed with how well maintained your blog is. I didn’t have much time this morning to go beyond your 2 most recent posts, but I am pleased to inform you that you have made yellow sticky note status and are scheduled to be thoroughly scrutinized, read and plundered this weekend….
Congratulations (I’m so full of crap sometimes!)
I’m actually looking forward to it…who would have thought I’d ever reach a time in my life where I’d be looking forward to ANYTHING a teacher had to say…LOL!!!
Weird….
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LOL…that makes me laugh. I have no doubt you would have liked my class….studying ancient civilizations, writing your name in hieroglyphs, hearing THE ODYSSEY …boys loved it. writing everyday. My goal was to have kids leave my class thinking of themselves as writers….and they did according to the principal. Debating and Socratic seminars…Living museum of ancient characters….just to name a few things I did! 😎
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I loved teaching…but not sure now with all the testing and such!
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See above reply about my teaching days!
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I am paying it forward. Who better than you? Please, accept this:http://hrexach.wordpress.com/2013/12/04/duet-awards-from-glorialanas-blog/
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Hello – thank you so much for the follow. Hope to see you often. 😀
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I’ll be back!
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Congratulations, Anne!
I have nominated your blog for the Blog Of The Year 2013 Award.
More on this nomination is at
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I am from India, and I think you’ve captured our country in a really beautiful way. I love the photographs, I love the writing, I love the bits of humor you’ve injected everywhere !
As we say in hindi, I’m ‘fida’ over your blog 😉
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Nothing makes me happier than my Indian friends feeling that I have been accurate in my tales from your amazing country. Thank you !
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Congratulations, Anne! Tremendous thanks to you for sharing your best moments with us. 🙂 http://carolynmalone.wordpress.com/2013/12/09/best-moment-award/
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Oh my dear Carolyn, many thanks for thinking of me. I accept gratefully and will pass it along as soon as I can! Blessings,Anne
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Congratulations! I have nominated you for the Sisterhood Award! Follow this link: http://painttheworldwithwords.wordpress.com/?p=892
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Pingback: The Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award | Paint the world with words
T Y !
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