a gathering place for the words, images and momentos of the world of adventures i've adventured, the stories i've wandered through. curriculum bella vita...a resume, of sorts, of the good life.

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Law Enforcement

A week long interviewing course at the National Police Academy, a great break from the usual grind and a cool chance to sit alongside some very experienced Indian Police Service officers at their home training facility. I was way better with a Glock than expected and the 50-meter pool felt great. I am sad to report, though, that India's next generation of police officials are being trained incorrectly in archery...

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Beautiful Bidar

the summer sun didn't stop my two closest non-consulate friends and i from hitting up nearby Bidar for a roadtrip reunion, even if our fourth member's pigging out on barbeque in kansas city every day for the past month. it's an easy 2.5 hours drive west of Hyderabad, hopping just across the AP/Karnataka border.


Bidar, like Golconda, is an old capital city. The Bahamani Sultans reigned from the city's epic fort from 1427 until overrun by the Mughals in 1686. Many of the ruins are better preserved than Golconda, including the triple-moat defense carved out of bedrock and a cannon bigger than all the cannons i've ever seen put together. A madrassa and clocktower give some character to the town's walled old city area, while the peaceful tomb complex makes the trips worthwhile. a great day trip from HYD.