In an attempt to combine adventuring with relaxation, Elsa, Kate, and I headed southeast for Quarter Break. We stayed at a birding lodge in a village near Nainital. The accommodations were beautiful, but the staff was not very helpful. After frustrations with the lodge's steep prices for activities, we set out to do everything our own way. Needless to say, we had fun.
Thousands of chicks waiting with us to catch a train.
Who knew this would be the best bird photo of the trip?
The family style meals were delightful. We spent a lot of time in the dining cabin.
The communal book room below and a private room on top.
Birding was less successful. Nope, no birds here!
We did manage to see some woodpeckers and turtledoves.
Birds?
I felt cool because I had the same bird book that our guide had.
What to do when no birds to be found?
...have fun with binoculars.
The village of Pangot...more like the development of birding camps of Pangot.
Downtown Pangot was pretty hopping.
Village life is full of funny juxtapositions.
Some of India's highest peaks - Nanda Devi and Trishul - just before sunrise
Sleepy, but happy.
Sunrise popping up over Nepal (about 40km to the east)
Happy.
Sometimes the Himalaya seem infinite.
View of Nainital, the city with the "mango-shaped" lake.
I didn't know Hard Rock Cafe served dosas and momos.
Morning prayers at the temple.
What's wrong with this picture?
I was pretty excited to stumble upon a boat-maker!
We almost went to the zoo just to see this animal...
...but then got freaked out by the thought of running into this guy!
Hanging out by the lake.
And shootin' some BB guns!
I did really well, but the concept of prizes doesn't exist here.
Our boat. Yep, "Gud Luck." Very reassuring.
Elsa hosted a variety of newscasts while in the boat. Between the three of us, we managed episodes in French, Spanish, German, Hindi, Italian, and English. 
Relaxed.
A short walk from the Lodge.
We made friends with some villagers and were invited in for chai. The chicken joined us.
Harry Potter in Hindi was on tv.
The family spoke very little English, but our Hindi is improving. Conversations were funny.
And so were their decorations...
Three siblings and a mangy dog.
This guy is going to be an artist someday.
Our friend and her two prized possessions: a chicken and tv.
Group picture: Our friend, her four children, us, and some creepers in the background.
Photo cred: Kate
The four siblings outside the house.
Elsa asking about the previous night's cricket match and the mother trying to get us to dance to the bollywood song on tv.
