Independence Day in India, one of 3 major celebrations in a year here

by PamelaTravelBlog
I awake to a lovely garden outside my window, birds chirping and hazy morning light covering the beautiful lawn and garden benches. We are close to the water and boardwalk here. Last night we could see vendors on the boardwalk and lots of visitors and tourists walking. It is a beautiful city in the city part – where we are now. In contrast to Agra and the parts of Delhi that we experienced, this city is more modern and even has hanging baskets of flowers along the boardwalk!! Still tuktuks and traffic, we are still in India.

It’s blue sky today … Our first morning blue sky since arrival! Fantastic, fresh and vibrant. Flowers and greenery everywhere. Everything looks better with blue! Lol. A great day of celebration. Sunglasses needed!  

First stop the Amber Fort and a ride on the back of an elephant! Wow – very fun indeed. The view was spectacular of the surrounding area as we climbed higher and higher. Many young men taking photos and we were to find out later how aggressive their sales techniques were … But for now, enjoying the adventure and vistas. Jaipur seems much cleaner than the last places we have stayed … And although congested, seems a bit more manageable. The fort was huge, and indeed spectacular.  

On this trip I am inspired by the details of the carvings and paintings, frescoes and other designs of architecture that I have seen. I am hopeful to combine them one day in a quilt of my journey to India.  

After the Fort we went to a handicraft cooperative where we were served tea, soft drinks, pakoras and some other snacks and shown the beauty of carpet making in wool and silk. Then to the fabric and textile area where we were shown all kinds of textures, colours, sizes and prices! When one appreciates quality it is easy to fall in love with the art.  

We had a saree wrapping demonstration – and they used me for a model for the other women to watch. I was draped and wrapped in just a moment … Covered in pink from head to toe 🙂 and even a bindi mid forehead just between my eyebrows. It was fun to be the model and the process seems so effortless to the talented woman doing the demonstration. Still no Saree purchases in our group!  

Upon leaving that venue we went to another palace structure and then on to the observatory and explained how horoscope study is used in India. Interesting! The sun was out in full by now and the air warmed up quite a bit. We were treated to a ride on rickshaws through the streets and to the market area of Jaipur.  

We got back on the bus, some of the gals heading to the central market area of town for some shopping. The rest of us followed the itinerary to the Gem cutting demonstration and an opportunity to shop some for those serious gem and precious stone lovers!

Back to the hotel for a walk along the boardwalk and photo time. Feeling like part of the street celebration, we walked and enjoyed the hubbub in the air and on the walkway. Street food and knickknacks were being sold, balloons being held, kids squealing with delight and playing … A cow eating some seeds left for pigeons. It was late afternoon and the sun soon to descend.  

A few of us went for supper via TukTuk just a few short blocks away. And home early for relaxing this evening, packing and preparing to head out tomorrow to Pushkar. It will be a smaller town, I understand, and partly in desert. We are meeting with spiritual guide type people I believe, and have some time to shop in the market in Pushkar. The sun will shine and it will be a lovely day away from the hustle and bustle of big cities and aggressive sales folk ….. What treasures will we see? Will we feel blessed?  

Trying to stay in the moment as much as possible and to hold the space for all that comes and goes through me here in India. Land of beautiful things, eastern sun and exotic visions.  

Good night my family and friends, Namaste….

Pamela
PamelaTravelBlog | January 27, 2016 at 9:49 am |

by PamelaTravelBlog
It’s Independence Day in India and yesterday we had a day of travel.

Yesterday we drove to Jaipur. First, the sights leaving the city of Agra. Kind of a dirty little city, built no doubt to support the visitors to the Taj Mahal. Small openings showing the meagre and minimalist size and belongings of families living on the edge. Shops are really just counters with some wares displayed behind the vendor and people – mostly men = standing around and talking. About one in 10 or 20 are women carrying children or packages and seem to be going somewhere. We see school children in uniforms and even some schools are seen from the road.

Everything seems dirty. No recycling and the streets and side alleys and properties strewn with packages and refuse. Long bristled brooms sometimes seen to be sweeping a piece of land near a property worker, who is looking after his own site. It’s breath taking to see the amount of garbage that goes to the environment to deal with. Animals, pigs, cows and dogs mostly rummaging for foodstuffs in the rubble and filth.

On a cheerier side we see vendors pushing brightly coloured and ample Vegetable carts, filled with cauliflower and all manner of veggies that look fresh and in contrast to the grey of the garbage and dust that surrounds them.

I won’t soon forget the sights of this day. I try to let the vision of the poverty and filth enter and move through me. Much gets stuck in my heart region. I hope in time I can let it release back to the world. I send out Ho’oponopono wishes in repetitive fashion as I take in another view and another view and another, sigh after sigh, breath after breath.

As we distance ourselves from this city, we are in rural India. Still hazy and cool in the morning and feeling full from another exquisite breakfast at this 5 star fabulous luxurious hotel.  

Luv, our tour director tells stories of the royals and this royal region as we enter Rajisthan, and he happily answers questions from the gals.  

We stop for lunch and are ushered outside into a fantastic garden setting. Trees and flowers in this oasis from the mornings sites that still haunt us. The owner shows us his turban, how it is tied and worn … Meters and meters of fabric carefully placed upon his head. It was so interesting.  

We are in the country now and on a major toll highway so we still go by many animals grazing in the fields and along the road sides. We are excited to see the elephants and camels, now, less so for the cows that once delighted us. We are becoming more used to the unexpected in India, having been here over a week.  

How does this all change me as a person? What will I think of in terms of my own life and meaning? This is a haunting place in so many ways and the intense eye contact from the locals contributes to the messages getting directly into my heart. Young boys in the back of a big truck, under blankets and a goat curled up the corner. The boys are delighted to wave to us, we wave back, they giggle and wave again. Do they think we are someone famous? To them, I guess we are!! Feeling privilege and honouring that they think we are special. It is a moment, a postcard … A memory of this place.

Luv says 80% marriages are still arranged in India. Matched by families using the horoscope. Not as concerned with caste as in perfect fit based on date and time of birth and location of birth – which directs the families to find the mate for their sons and daughters for life partnership. Large elaborate ceremonies, even the time of the wedding is dictated by the horoscope. There are expert readers of this ancient art of the mating game, and we will be meeting such a one on this trip.

We stop at the very old abandoned palace and city – a ghost town really, in India, in Rajisthan – very famous and picturesque. With the mist still floating in the air we wander and take pictures and imagine the magnificence of diamonds and gem stones and how this magical place must have once sparkled in glory. Each wife of the Emperor, all different religions including a Christian wife, a Muslim wife and a Hindu wife, all have different living quarters. We can see remnants of what life could have been like with the help of our expert guide.
Fatehpur stop, abandoned city. Photos safely stored in my trusty iPad.  

We moved on and had a few hours to drive in the afternoon, through rural countryside. Bright coloured sarees worn by the local women and turbans of the region by the men. Apparently the colour and shape of the turbans changes and can be identification of every 15 miles in this region. The women wearing bright saffron colours, oranges, peach …. You can see them for a long distance away, often carrying heavy loads upon their heads as they walk and go about their business of the day.

As we arrive in Jaipur there are thousands of kites up in the air, and many more hung up on trees and wires. This is part of the national day of celebration for India’s Independence.

We arrive at another oasis hotel, in the Trident chain about 545 pm local time we arrive. We have 45 minutes to prepare for our evening venue, a hosted dinner and then dancing and puppet show entertainment for us. We dress warmly and put on our Deet as it is an outside event. When we arrive they provided heaters and a cover for our groups tables. Food is authentic and lovely, the colourful and talented dancers and puppeteers and musicians keep us entertained. A man does some fire swallowing, there is snake charming demonstration as well. About 6 of us got up to dance at one point … I feel clumsy next to their expert skills.  

Attached to that venue is a very famous bar. Turquoise painted ceiling and walls with white trip, bright lights and fantastic chandeliers, candle lit tables and Italian themed meals served. It is lovely open to the air. Quite the setting! We have a group photo and laugh.

Home late and exhausted. Such a big day today now …. Independence Day, shopping, elephant ride, the Amber Fort, gem cutting and more. Phew. This is a full and exhausting tour and yet, I would not have wanted to miss a thing!!!!

Wish you were here, 

With love

Pamela

Photos later! Internet is sketchy.  
PamelaTravelBlog | January 26, 2016 at 9:37 am | 

Another post by my friend Pam

by PamelaTravelBlog
It’s four in the morning and a new dawning in New Delhi, India. Under the full moon I wake and wonder.

What is life like at this time of day in this place? Young and old, families and singles who live in virtual homelessness on the streets may also be looking up at this same moon.  

It is cold here at night, this time of year. Not cold in Canadian standards, but relative to the day time. It is the coldest ever in Delhi I am told, around 8 degrees at night. Up to the early twenties (degrees C) during daytime, very pleasant for walking around and feeling the sunshine as it strains to reach the earth through the smoggy grey air.  

Today I anticipate sweet moments spent with travelling buddies. Hopefully a woman driven cab, we will venture for a few hours to see “her” India. A little time to shop in a more modern upscale designer location. Perhaps back to that local foodery where the price is reasonable and the portions plenty, with flavours of local pride and joy.  

Namaste, 

Pamela

Plans for today: gather all the gals who are not otherwise booked to go on a private tour. We plan to see Chandhi Chowk for wander through Khari Spice Market, Chawni stationery, Delhi haat handicrafts … Then Anokhi store on 32 Khan Market. Akshat Dham Temple and a few other sacred sights. Dinner back tonight at Hotel (another word for restaurant) Saravana Bhavan.  
PamelaTravelBlog | January 22, 2016 at 11:14 pm 

Another of Pamela’s blogs. 

by PamelaTravelBlog

TAJ MAHAL

Namaste and good morning. We took a horse drawn carriage to the Taj Mahal this morning.  

It is a peaceful setting. Early morning and the haze is lifting. Revealing blue skies. Sweet birds singing in the huge green tree coverings. White marble stones make up the mighty Taj. No lighting allowed within the palace.  

Cover our feet in white cloth to enter the palace and burial site of once emperor and his beloved wife. He was emperor for thirty years. She was his third and last wife. They had 14 children, 7 died in infancy and she died giving birth to the last. 4 boys and 3 girls survived. Later the youngest son killed his elder brothers and took over as emperor, imprisoning his father for his last 8 years of his father’s life. The daughters also lived in the palace at red fort and cared for their father, where he was kept captive.  

Marble inlaid with semi precious stones, jade, carnelian and others. Malachite, topaz, jasper, lapis lazuli, turquoise, … many imported from different places in the world.  

Stunning sight. Beyond words. White marble bricks inlaid with mother of pearl so on full moon, like tonight … It glows at night. The Emperor could see this tribute to his wife from his home at Red Fort.

****

Next stop marble art studio to show how Taj Mahal was made in delicate detail. This art is only done by artisans direct descendants of the original and only in Agra. Beautiful marble items in exquisite detail, inlaid with precious stones.  

Then we went to the red Fort, size over 2.5 kms. Largest fort in India. Royal stories. Still used by army. Beautiful courtyard and gardens, Indian unique beveled archways. Preserved in time and red sandstone. Great dynasties have lived here and met with their own people in central place for Public audience. White marble structure is private mosque for the Royals. 

Peacock is national bird of India. We have seen them wild and in marble. Also great elephants in this land are revered. Stories of Royals and elephants … Elephants carved in marble … All very interesting. In this country also are tigers and lions. Very exotic.

We had a catered authentic Indian lunch and listened to a performer playing stringed sitar. Then we returned to the beautiful upscale Trident hotel.  
 
PamelaTravelBlog | January 24, 2016 at 7:53 pm | Categories: Travel Diary | URL: http://wp.me/pzpWQ-pE

Comm

My friend and traveling companion to India, Pamela Macdonald, has allowed me to share her posts from her travel blog.  She writes so much better than I do and so thought I would send them as part of my blog.  I hope you enjoy them.

Gail 

by PamelaTravelBlog

Day Trip to AGRA

After breakfast this morning, we 17 met in the lobby, cleared our bills and brought our luggage to the bus. Pick up was arranged at hotel for 9 am and we met our guide Mr Luv. He will be with us – and his team of driver and assistant, for the entire two weeks. He is lovely, kind and well informed.

He informed us of a few facts as we toured the city of Delhi and New Delhi. Namaste is the greeting used widely in this country despite many languages spoken. Guests are considered like gods and service is very important. Delhi is the second largest city in India, 20 million population. Mumbai is the largest with 22 million. India is the second largest country in population, next to China. There are 1.5 billion people living in India.

Delhi is rich in diversity of all kinds. Religion categories include Hinduism which is the oldest religion practiced by 82% of the population of India. Followed by Muslims at 12.5%, and third Christians at 2.5%. The Sikh religion is 400 years old, relatively young in age and less than 1% practice, .7%. Buddhism is practiced by less again. Why? We will talk about it more another day. The city of Delhi is the city of dreams and opportunities with many universities and educational facilities.  

Delhi is the book that narrates the history of India. Del means heart and this city is the capital of India. 20% of the city is covered in green space. 180 sq miles is this city.  

Diversity is also seen in wealth, with the very very rich and the very very poor. All people sail and are enjoying life and are happy, says Luv. This makes India a most exotic destination and different from any other. Our tour is called Royal India and we will learn about the land of the Kings and Queens of India.

India has been taken over some 7 times in history. This 26 January marks Republic Day, a celebration of independence for India. India celebrates many festivals for such things as full moon, half moon and no moon! Life itself is about celebrations and happiness, says Luv.

Our first stop is Qutab Minar. It is a very ornately carved and stunningly beautiful minaret situated in a park like peaceful setting with plenty of green space and many ruins around it.  

Meen trees are medication, used for toothbrushes. 

Referred to as the Tower of victory. This Minaret is the tallest. 72.5 meters, 379 steps, 5 stories. Pride of Delhi. From 7 and 8 century was worship place.  

Rulers took over and divided people and tried to stop the religion. In 1199 began construction of the World largest brick minaret.  
Looks like lotus flower in ground from aerial view. Access is closed here due to suicides. Also on the property is the Tower of jealousy. Calamities happened and it was never finished.  

Demolished all temples that were here prior .. Now Ruins here … Also, first mosque facing to west. More mosques in India than any country in the world. First mosque and largest mosque in Delhi and New Delhi.  

We also visited today the Lotus Temple, which is the Baha’i House of Worship. It is made completely out of white marble and has 27 massive lotus petals. Once inside we were treated and blessed by the chanting and prayers. The sound was so moving it brought tears to my eyes. What an experience!  

Lotus flower is symbol of creation and is the seat of the thrown of Lord Brahma, God of creation. The temple to him is in Pushkar and we will go there later on the tour.  

Lastly we stopped at the burial and cremation ground of Mahatma Ghandi – another powerfully moving place.

Security is high in Delhi, however we are making our way :). 

Tomorrow we will tour the Taj Mahal. Described as a poem of love in marble. We will stay tonight at the Trident Hotel in Agra, part of an Indian chain of hotels of very high quality. It is considered an oasis in Agra.

Namaste

Pamela

by PamelaTravelBlog

Exotic mysterious. Another world. Off in the distance and extreme up close. There is a mystery in the air, trees coming out of the mist, buildings with unique structures silhouetted against the sky. Full moon, hazy yellow sun ball of light.

Busy. Hazy.  

People. Hard working. Content and smiling. People wanting to please others. Peaceful. Tragic deformations, intense eye contact

Brown barefoot and some with sandals. Women carrying items on their heads, using no hands. The body is a vessel of manual labour. Scarves. Bright coloured women with grey clothed men. Chiseled features, black hair, deep eyes with big smiles. People wanting to be close to us, have their picture taken standing close.  

Sacred animals wild and tame. Dogs, monkeys, cows, Brahma Bulls, horses, peacocks, chipmunks, green parrots, large dark birds of prey, chickens. Beasts of burden pulling carts of produce.

Chanting. Haunting music and bells, sounds of prayer. Music of India heard on the streets. Honking of cars, tuktuks and people, airplanes overhead.

Spice markets, scent of incense, florals, urine and dust. Vehicle exhaust.

Crowds of people on the roadways, on sidewalks and in doorways and businesses. People walking and carrying goods. People in rickshaws hauling heavy loads with strength of their legs. Gentle mothers cradling babes in their arms, holding hands with children close by, walking behind the men. Heads covered and shawls draped around covering shoulders and breasts. Skirts long to the ground, bright red can be seen from a distance. Single worker in the fields.

Green and orange and white flag waving with pride. Tents and cardboard huts for homes, clothes out on the line. Stacks of rooms where people stay, hundreds upon thousands of new apartments being built in the suburb area outside of the center. Town center in old area is busy and crowded, bodies touching as they go about their business. Men working in shops of countless varieties. Selling sarees, spices, food stuffs, clothing. Bare necessities of life. Jewellery adorns faces and necks. Henna designs on hands and feet.

Palaces and structures of ancient times, poetry in marble. Preserved and visited historical monuments to a time of Royal reign. The Taj Mahal took my breath away.

Namaste. 
PamelaTravelBlog | January 24, 2016 at 7:56 pm | Categories: Travel Diary | URL: http://wp.me/pzpWQ-pF

January 25/16Off to Rajhistan and Jaipur. It’s so foggy. You cannot see200 feet

Going to abandoned fort because of lack of water….unesco sign. 1584 abandon

80% of marriages are arranged. 1% divorce rate because use of horoscope in arrangement.

Cibi…. Indian cows….bigger hump are males.

There so many people that wear blankets over there shoulders and their heads I think mostly to keep warm. It is quite cool and they don’t have sweaters or jackets.

Cow dung patties used for cooking. Lots of brick factors Es.

75,000 Kms of rail…largest in world. All levels of service up to “palace on wheels”….5-600$US/night.

Tata …most of “road-kings”… Decorated cuz it is their home, hanging black balls, 7 chillies and piece of lemons….protect….get rid of negativity.number of days..

Ackbah home. Fatehpur Sikri.. City of victory 1570-1586 built only occupied for ten years. Then abandoned.

Ragisthan largest state as well as largest producer of wool. 350000sq. Jaipur is pink city.

Sorry about the random thoughts…..only get pieces of the info

January 23/16.. Beginning of tourDestination today is Agra to Taj Mahal. Taj..means crown. Mahal means palace.

82% are Hindu. Oldest religion 1.25 billion population in India.

12% Moslem. More than in Pakistan, 2.5% Christians

Sikhism from Punjab is only 400 years old. More Christians than Sikhs, also Buddhist only less than 1%. Jainism….only .5%…a very strict extreme religion…food, insects
Lotus temple…lotus symbol of creation

Population …20 million in Delhi (1400 sq. Kms), 22 million in Mumbai

Odd and even rule for cars to lessen pollution. ….1400 more vehicles added daily to the streets of Delhi.

20% of the area of Delhi is considered green.

Tuk-tuk or auto rickshaws use compressed natural gas.

Jaipur shopping capital
Qutab minar tallest brick minaret in world. 370 stairs 5 stories high. From top looking down, looks like lotus which represents creation. Airplanes so close you think they could touch it. Built in 1199ad …..first mosque in India 7&8 century Moslem came to India. 300,000 mosques in India more than any Moslem country. That may be because they have the second largest populated country in the world
Lotus Temple next…Baha’i religion….19th century…no idols, 1986

Rajasthan marble, best in world because it is …non porous…..used for Taj Mahal. It is spectacular.

Cities ending with “bad”were started and ruled by Muslims

“Pur” cities were started and ruled by Hindus.

Then we were off to see where Mahatma Ghandi was cremated…..surrounded by a very, very large manicured green space with flowers (dahlias) and on the centre piece of the monument…..lots of cut marigolds……lovely.

From there we hit the highway….a toll highway….no traffic, passed miles and miles of farmlands. Round huts sort of like yurts. Not sure what they are, if they are homes??? We stopped mid way to Agra for a late lunch. Everyone seemed to enjoy their meal but except the garlic naan bread, I couldn’t eat….just way way too hot for my tender mouth. This is not fun. I has ordered a yellow dhal that was supposed to be so mild it I couldn’t bear it. They even brought one that had “nothing” in it but I still could not.
January 24/16

Agra and the Taj Mahal. We didn’t go at daybreak due to chance of major fog/smog and then being unable to see it. As it is, the skies although somewhat sunny, it is hazy. Just as we were leaving in our bus, the bus supposedly broke down so off we get only to be transported in horse drawn carriages…..Indian style. That was an experience. One gal was terrified! It wasn’t scary really but fun. OH MY GOD is not enough to describe the Taj! Spectacular is not good enough….just don’t know how to describe it. Breathtakingly beautiful. All white marble with inlaid semi precious stones at the entrance and inside where you cannot take pictures or anything with you that could possibly be used to chip out one of the stones. The structure is built on a plaza that is flanked on 4 sides with canals and gardens that are the same and on the north and south side has humongous “guest houses” in red sandstone. The Taj was never a residence but a mausoleum, (built to honour the favourite wife of the Shah Jehad who died in childbirth……the 14th), so I am not sure why the guest houses.

From there we travelled to a place that has the artisans that once a week, go in to repair and maintain the Taj. They also make spectacular tables, table tops, elephants, etc…..all with inlaid semiprecious stones, for sale. Some of the group bought pieces.

Then we went to explore the Red Fort of Agra….the residence of the Shah’s family, concubines, etc. It is of course made of the red sandstone. The building(s) if you want to call it that, overlooks the river and primarily looks at the Taj Mahal….so that the Shah could look at the beautiful building that housed the body of his beloved……all the while reflecting in the river. For the last 8 years of his life, he was kept in house arrest by his son, the new leader, because along with the beliefs of Islam, to prevent further building of palatial structures…one of which he had wanted to build of black marble.

Then it was back to the hotel and yoga…..ouch!

January 18/16…..Travel to India 
It was 4 in the morning when I started my day. Four of us girls left Victoria ….Janie, Gerry, Jeanette and myself. Janie left on a different flight and direction than us other 3 but we connected on our flight that left out of Toronto, with her sister Donna. There was snow on the ground and -9 in Toronto so of course they to de-ice the plane. As my late husband used to say in reference to the first ferry in the morning, that they were right on time….15 minutes late, we were right on time too……1 hour late when leaving the ground in Toronto for Delhi, India. The first two flights, YYJ to YVR and YVR to YYZ (Toronto), were on time. We were totally out-numbered race wise….probably 95% Indian or higher. The flight was good except it was so, so very long….about 14 hours. We arrived at the airport at 9:51 pm on January 19th. Figure it out…..it’s a long time. I believe there is 13.5 hours difference between Victoria and Delhi……Delhi being ahead. After going through the line up for e-visa customs (a different one than those with regular visas), picking up our luggage (didn’t have to have our luggage checked) we went to the exit where we were to be greeted by someone from Indus for our transfer to our hotel. No one was there. After waiting around for a while, Gerry asked a fellow with a cell phone (funny, he happened to be from Brampton, ON) if he could call Indus. They did send someone around finally….probably another half an hour. The airport is quite a distance from the hotel. The Hotel, the Metropolitan, is quite lovely. They check vehicles coming into the hotel parking lot, underneath…….with a mirror on a stick as well as under the hood. (I remember a similar experience when entering the property of a restaurant and classy resort, when I was in Kuwait). They also ask that you put any hand luggage or bags every time you enter the hotel, through a scanner. After unloading my luggage (cuz I had to find some stuff for my so very sore mouth and throat……hope it isn’t anything serious, I hit the hay around 1:30 am. Exhausted??? Oh yes! That was probably 30 plus hours since getting up.
January 20th.  

After a good buffet breakfast we 3 met up with Audrey, whom both her and I though we were to share in Delhi. The hotel staff insisted that we were not to. Who knows??? As long as they don’t charge us more, I don’t care. They say I am to share with Laine, another gal on the trip. I’ll find out tomorrow when she arrives. Anyway, a representative from Indus met us in the lobby around 10 am, apologizing for the screw up at the airport when the fellow wasn’t there to greet us. He said also, that we could have a vehicle to drive us around Delhi anytime, with 2 hours notice, at no charge. We thought we 4 would just walk around and check out the sights in the area. Audrey had ventured outside earlier by herself. She and Jeanette and I had thought about taking a slum tour before leaving Victoria but after she had walked around earlier, thought we didn’t need to….that there was enough slums close by. Right from the start, it was pretty obvious from last night in the dark and this morning, there is major smog….a combination of fog and smut. It smelled somewhat bad last eve but not this morning. Anyway, we started our walk, after going back for my jacket (it was quite chilly…. about 9-10 in the morning and 14-15 in the day. Colder apparently than they are used to. Oh my, the vehicles were driving all over the place(there is no such thing as staying in your own lane), tuk-tuks (3 wheeled vehicles…..like motorized rickshaws) all over the place, trucks, and cars and taxis and they are all beeping their horns. It is deafening! We stopped by this humongous Sikh temple where we got a brief lesson on Sikhism before entering it. We had to put little cloth things on to cover our heads, had to take off our shoes and socks because you have to walk through water before going in (and wash your hands). It was explained to us that a temple is not a place of worship but a place of learning. The whole area appears to made from marble….the floors, walls, pillars, domes (that was explained are representative of upside down flowers … marigolds). Inside the “temple building” the ceiling, pillars and altar-type centre piece, was coated in gold…pure gold I am told. Impressive….the whole thing! From there we just wandered. We seemed to have guys hanging around us, wanting to help…across busy, and I mean take your life in your hands busy streets, showing us shops, getting tuk-tuks. One particular one, would wait outside as we would go in this store(?) or that and would be there when we exited. He was real a pain although he didn’t come off in anyway, as threatening. We saw a herd, if that is the right word, of monkeys, scurrying up this wall and down another….I guess in search of food. At one point, a woman was making Chai tea…on the side of the street. Gerry and Audrey had some….because it was obviously boiling that it should be safe to drink. We’ll see. Shawna, Donna and Janie’s niece who lives here in Delhi and whom along with husband are connected to Canadian High Commission, explained to us the night before, to not give anyone anything for if you do give one person something that hundreds will be all over you and….although it seems harsh, when you see little children with no legs…begging, to not give them money, food is okay. They are the way they are because someone, parent or pimp has done this to them as a way to make money. Disgusting! Twice I saw that yesterday. It is so hard when they are following after you with outstretched hands, to ignore and keep on walking. Keep remembering…….don’t!!! I think it was around 3 when we had had enough. My knees were bothering me and that constant “attention” and the noise of the horns beeping was getting to all of us. We though a nap was in order. Sleep it was. Audrey called at one point as did Jeanette, waking me up, asking if I wanted to go get something to eat. I did not. I had a protein shake and went back to sleep….not getting up until 4 am. Guess I was tired. Oh yes…no wifi anywhere ……unless you pay. Maybe tomorrow I will.
January 21st

A number of the girls should have arrived last night but no one came to share with me. Sure wished I had wifi so that I could let my family and friends know that I am okay. Got to check on that.

7 am and the chanting with drums start. I heard them sometime during the night as well …… not sure what time it was though…. Maybe it was only 7pm???

At the breakfast buffet, we met up with a few more gals that arrived last night…..Pamela, Sherry, Laine, Christine, Iona, Glenda, Darlene and Linda. Later, although I didn’t see them (they are staying at a different hotel, are Cindy and Liz. Janie and Donna are at the High Commission. That leaves Gail H. to arrive on Friday.

We all with the exception of Sherry, walked around in much the same areas as the day before, finally ending up at the same place, Nirula Handcrafts Bazar P Ltd., where a number of us are having Indian PJs (kimono and pants) made….of pure silk. Anita was the main lady…spoke extremely good English with no accent. Her helper started to show us off wrapped in saris (they take 7 metres of fabric). They were absolutely beautiful but no one bought. They also had scarves and carpets etc, etc. The smell on the street was pretty bad today (a number of us put on masks for breathing) although the sun did come out and disbursed the fog. By this time my knees and feet had had enough so Jeanette and I caught a tuk-tuk back to the hotel. The rest walked. Again I never had “dinner”. If I don’t lose weight I will be totally surprised. I tried to send a message from McDonald’s to my kids that I had arrived safely but I don’t think it went. 

In the newspaper”Selfie kills youth”. It is apparent that a number of people have died as a result of getting too close to the edge in different locations while taking selfies. I don’t remember hearing of anything like that at home???

January 22nd

Again no one is here to share with me. Pam spoke to them at the desk yesterday. Incase, she is saying do not give them a credit card and to pay for incidentals with cash. I paid already, I am not paying single supplement.  

Today I don’t feel like walking or touring. I wouldn’t mind having a massage. Nine of us decided to take a couple of taxis with tour guide, to show us around. First we went to see the Hindu Krishna Temple. No pictures allowed inside. Lots of gods in this religion, Brahman, Vishnu and about 6 others. From there we went to the mini Taj Mahal….huge not really mini at all but considerably smaller than…… It is not a lot of white marble but predominately red sandstone. Beautiful grounds….the same on each of the four sides….with pools and narrow canals. The doors are carved from single piece rock. Amazing. We passed by the India Gate but because of preparation for Republic Day on the 26th and the treat of terrorism, it was not open to the public….lots of cops and military. We then were taken to Chandni Chowk (not sure of that spelling), to the spice market and to the wholesale spice market where no cameras were to be used) , men slogging huge heavy loads like you wonder how they can carry them or push, alleyways and rickshaws and masses and masses of people, some cows at the beginning, overhead wires hanging like spaghetti in a pile, sections that were strictly sari sales, bangles, rickrack and accessories for making of clothes, monkeys on the overhead wires, into a mosque off the street, shoes off, shoes on, thought my phone was gone at one point, then forgot my Nordic poles, vehicles honking, insanity to the extreme. It is amazing that there are no accidents either between vehicles or people’s or animals. Generally nice featured people, mild mannered, no aggression that was noticeable…. surprising seeing as what they’d were having to deal with. I guess it is all a matter of what you are used to. Just the biggest Oh My God!!! How can people live like this? The noise is deafening wherever you go. The hoards of people everywhere. I’ll just keep saying it is insanity but it seems to work. Amazing and crazy and to this point, the highlight!

 I have added descriptions but they have disappeared…too bad!  

flower display in honour of 66th anniversary of China