While walking around the Amber Fort, we passed two men playing traditional instruments around a cobra. I joined them with the hoop to the amusement of the players, the Japanese tourists and the working guards.

Aside from taking us to over-priced shops where we would promptly be ripped off, our Jaipur guide also took us sight-seeing. Here we are at the royal tombs of Maharaja Sawai Man Sigh II, containing beautiful architecture and many many monkeys.

The Taj Mahal security guards insisted that hula hoops were not allowed on premises. I tried to convince them by spinning on the spot, but despite a few laughters from the men in uniform, we were denied. Not to be thwarted, Ajit found a hostel with a rooftop restaurant that had a distance view of the Taj. We moved some tables and chairs around to create the video you see here. Thanks to our fellow backpackers for braving the hoop for us.

The first hooping video taking place in India! Thanks to Meekal and Ajit for showing us Qutub Minar and joining us in our hooping endeavors.

Julie and I had our first duo performance at Laguardia airport in New York. Upon trying to edit the videos in the hotel here, I found that it may prove more difficult than I originally anticipated… so get ready for very raw footage going forward.

Music: Good Enough for Granddad by the Squirrel Nut Zippers

On my way to Connecticut, I visited my friend Ariela in DC. Setting up hoops seemed like the perfect way to spend an afternoon. We met a couple awesome guys from Bulgaria in the process and was later overtaken by a group of school kids wanting to hoop with us. Just perfect!

I am thinking of changing the format for my next few videos to include narrative… look out for hooping at the airport gate in NYC next!

A group of my friends and I took over Little 5 Points with tarot cards readings, free lemonade and, of course, lots of hula hooping.

Let me know what you think! Any comments/suggestions will help me make even better videos when I get to India in a week.

Music:  Free the History by Random Rab

A video made in my last class at Georgia Tech - Creative Design and Cognition with Dr. Ellen Doe, who is the closing portion. This is my first attempt at capturing hooping video. Definitely a few lessons learned, but seems pretty good for a first try. Would love to hear some honest critique from people.

Music: The Interlocutor by Squirrel Nut Zippers

I can’t believe the trip is just a few weeks away and there is so much left to do! Just started taking my Typhod pills and sent my India Visa application Express Mail this morning.

The picture on the left is me hooping at the Candler Park Festival this past weekend.  I guess you can call this my ‘training’.