Ah . . . Ann Arbor

Back in the States (finally)! I first visited Dearborn for a few days before heading back to Ann Arbor. Sarah decided to come and visit while I am staying with Meredith, and we headed over to the Ann Arbor Farmer's Market for a morning stroll with a quick stop at Zingerman's (of course) and brunch at Cafe Zola (my favorite). It's a bit chilly in Michigan with temperatures reaching a high in the mid-60's.


Zingerman's is an old favorite from college days, and I love browsing through this very eclectic deli to witness 50 varieties of mustard and what seems like 20 types of honey.


We first stop at the wall of bread opposite the cheese and meat section to buy some fresh bread. Sarah purchased a chocolate and cherry loaf, and I opted for a vollkornbrot...I miss my dense rye bread.

On our way out of Zingerman's to the market, Sarah spotted celebrity chef Mario Batali enjoying breakfast with his son. She posed for a quick photo with him. Oh Mario! We love your butternut squash risotto in India! Of course, I have to make it with pumpkin not butternut squash as it is all I can find.

Now to the market . . .

The raspberries even taste like raspberries . . .

I am amazed to find dozens of varieties of tomatoes for sale. How quickly I had forgotten!

A pretty cluster of carrots and beets . . .
Yum! Pretzels!

We are all finished shopping. Aside from the bread, I also picked up a pint of fresh blueberries. From Kerrytown, we walk over to Main Street and Cafe Zola for breakfast.

Then, back to Meredith's to play with Katherine . . . who loves her bananas!

Hiking @ Sinhagad Fort

Today, Paul, me, Judene, Scott and Eric went on a hike up to Sinhagad Fort. Sinhagad Fort, literally translating to Lion Fort, is about 30 kilometers outside Pune and was built in the 1600's. We decided to hike 4 km up the hill through switchbacks, and then take a leisurely 8 km stroll back down the paved road. The total altitude we climbed was about 4,500 feet. We did not see any lions or leopards, but we did see some dung beetles and a crab and not to mention the splendid countryside that is now lush and green due to the monsoon rains.

Here I am 25% of the way up the hill . . .

View of the valley below and a chai station. These little chai stations are at various points up the hill selling chai, cucumbers, roasted corn and other treats.

An idyllic village below . . .

We finally made it to the top and the entrance to the fort . . .

As you can see, Judene and I found it easier to stroll down 8 km on this deserted road . . . it is usually packed with cars, but today it was completely empty and we were surrounded with natural beauty, fresh air, and no honking horns. Paul stops to smell the flowers . . .

We spot a curious temple on the way down . . .

Back to Scott and Judene's terrace at Waterfront to chat about the hike over some cheese and crackers.