GENTLEMEN, START YOUR CAMELS!

Of course, there's a camel race at the Pushkar Camel Fair. One loop around the town's sandy soccer field, the first one back to the start/finish line wins a pot of around $200, which is serious money around these parts. Plus, the winner gets bragging rights until next year's race.

Naturally, Kip had to get as close to the action as possible. Liz stayed (intelligently) in the stands with the hundreds of spectators watching the contest. 

It was a close race, but in the end, a camel won. 

Afterward, we walked onto the track/soccer field to meet the winning jockey and snap a couple of shots of the new champion, a dark, smelly critter without a name. Luckily, we had dressed appropriately for the occasion. 

It ain't NASCAR, but watching these fleet-footed beasts sprint full stride a few feet in front of you isn't a bad way to spend part of a Sunday. 

Next time though, we'll be tailgating with a grill and a cooler full of frosty beverages.