Vijaya writes:

We arrive in New Delhi. Staying at Sanskriti Institute – an artists retreat on outskirts of the city. Here’s Jeff giving an interview amongst giant terra cotta sculptures – typical in south Indian region of Tamil Nadu.

Below, Jeff and Shatanu Duttagupta, one of our Scholastic India friends.

Shantanu has taken great care of us ever since we arrived in Bangalore. Shantanu and Scholastic India’s publicist Rohini Vij, (along with our Kathleen Glosan) worked tirelessly to put this booktour together.

Jeff with Scholastic India’s publicist, Rohini Vij.

Chalk talk at Childrens Lit festival, Bookaroo.

Afterward, the kids got in line to get their books signed. Jeff signed for a couple of hours.

So that’s it! I’m sure that Jeff will share a lot more that happened on their trip when he gets back… So stay tuned. Happy Thanksgiving!

Just received these pics this morning. I hope they bring some of these snacks back for us!

Jeff writes:

I found it! The food of the trip!

While shopping in Mumbai I found the perfect snack: Panipuri.

Indians have a name for fast, fresh casual food you can pick up from a street stand; they call it "chaat." This is a panipuri stand. 

I’ve had panipuris during lunch, and late at night after a couple of beers. I’m hooked.

The puris are light, crispy, deep fried pastries. And pani means water; very spicy water! 

A small hole is popped in the crispy top and filled with a mixture of water, spices, and chick peas.
The whole thing goes in your mouth and when you bite down there is a literal explosion of crunchy, sweet & spicy flavors!

The vendor keeps cranking them out as long as you stand there. I ate about eight of them and I could have kept going. We need some of these carts in New York City!

Jeff and V sure have been busy. These pics were in my inbox this morning. ENJOY!

Jeff writes:

We arrived in Mumbai the day before yesterday (the giant city that used to be called Bombay, home of Bollywood, the world’s largest film capital), and have been visiting family & friends. Also spent a lot of time in the hotel cafe – - gave a dozen interviews including some of India’s biggest papers like Times of India, The Hindu, Time Out Mumbai, DNA Daily News, and Rolling Stone India. 

Last night I had a book signing downtown @ Crossword Bookstore, at Kemps Corner, Mumbai 7:00pm. Good turn out.

Today I am giving a lecture at the Whistling Woods Film Institute.

First I was given a tour of the animation dept. Very nice. State of the art.

Part of my talk covers comics influences like this Krazy Kat Sunday page by Geo. Herriman.

Afterward, the students came up and asked questions and passed around the books.

It was great fun!