Sunday, January 24, 2010
Time to relax :)
Pushkar is a quite little town nestled in a valley in Rajasthan. The town didn't greet us with a full to-do list, we actually weren't even sure why we were going at all. But much to our surprise (which seems to be the trend in India) we enjoyed what little it did have to offer and we found a great place to eat, a couple mountain top temples to trek to, and some energetic monkeys to play with. Lets just say we had a lot of time on our hands to just... well... relax. And boy did it feel good. We read some books, devoured the best food we have had yet in India, and enjoyed each others company. We are off to the Thar Desert next and we are both looking forward to meeting our camels that we will have 3 days to bond with. I'm sure we will have some great pics to post along with a funny story or two. I hope there is a strong camel that is up to hauling Kendrick around for a few days :)
Monday, January 18, 2010
Udaipur
Udaipur is a real gem. Our time here has been as flawless as the scenery. The Indians are more welcoming and less heckling and people tend to smile more which has been a rarity so far in India. It's amazing what a little natural beauty can do for your soul. We are eating good food, getting a good nights sleep, and taking in a couple deep breaths of fresh air. We have finally experienced the great power of a true Indian sunset and its perfection repeats itself every night. It truly leaves you speechless and its impossible to stop smiling. The happiness that overwhelms you is so intense that we are finally reminded why we wanted to spend 4 months in this part of the world. Who knew it would be a simple sunset that would make us feel at home and at ease in this hectic country.
We also made our first step into mother nature. The city was wearing on us and we were desperate for a little exercise amongst the wildlife. We couldn't find any trekking companies so we ventured out on our own. We looked into the horizon, picked a mountain with a structure on the top of it and went exploring. We climbed the mountain on the steep zig zagging path that led to a quaint little Hindu temple on the top. This temple was no bigger than 12'x12' and it housed a 365 degree panoramic view of awesomeness. There were no tourists and men and women of all ages, children, goats, and chickens were making the climb to pray in this tiny temple. Their devotion and dedication was inspiring and they welcomed us despite knowing we were not Hindu. We descended the mountain so happy we almost had the giggles. This spirituality, whatever it is, is contagious and we are embracing every second of it.
We also made our first step into mother nature. The city was wearing on us and we were desperate for a little exercise amongst the wildlife. We couldn't find any trekking companies so we ventured out on our own. We looked into the horizon, picked a mountain with a structure on the top of it and went exploring. We climbed the mountain on the steep zig zagging path that led to a quaint little Hindu temple on the top. This temple was no bigger than 12'x12' and it housed a 365 degree panoramic view of awesomeness. There were no tourists and men and women of all ages, children, goats, and chickens were making the climb to pray in this tiny temple. Their devotion and dedication was inspiring and they welcomed us despite knowing we were not Hindu. We descended the mountain so happy we almost had the giggles. This spirituality, whatever it is, is contagious and we are embracing every second of it.
Ooo la la... The Taj Mahal
I really didn't want to go to Agra, but who goes to India for 4 months and doesn't see the Taj Mahal. I mean, it is one of the 7 wonders of the world. So I was mentally preparing myself to be ripped off for 2 days just to snap the same picture every tourist takes marveling the architectural perfection and immaculate symmetry of the Taj Mahal. How great could it be? So I had my expectations, they weren't the greatest, but at least I wasn't going to be let down.
We arrived in Agra. Much to our surprise (wink wink) the driver that was supposed to be picking us up decided he didn't want to wait for our 5 hour delayed train and we were stranded. Well not stranded literally, but traveling on a budget we didn't want to pay for another rickshaw when one was included with our hotel. So we decided to make a call and wait... and wait... and wait. Finally, an old man emerged from a sea of Indian men persistently yelling to us to ride their rickshaw for "cheap price." The man held a glorious sign that said "Mr. Kendrick John". Thank heavens! It was the most refreshing sight I'd seen in 24 hours. So we hopped into the taxi and away we went. Of course the taxi driver didn't bring us to the right hotel but at this point we didn't care. Kendrick and I are still in survival mode at this point in our trip, and food and shelter were a necessity. We got our shelter and then our food and got royally ripped off in the process. Welcome to Agra. We plopped our exhausted bodies on the bed and regained our focus to the soul reason why we came to Agra... The TAJ.
Agra blessed us with one great sight on our arrival... the sun! Of course India had to have record cold temps and a never lifting thick layer of fog when we decided to journey half way around the world to see it's beauty. Our bodies were craving the sun's warmth and vitamin D. We thought we would go to the Taj Mahal in the afternoon in hopes to get a glimpse of our first Indian sunset.
We arrived at the gate of the Taj after fighting through begging children trying to sell us snow globes for ridiculous prices. I found humor in the Taj Mahal snow globes cause it never snows in Agra. There are only so many ways you can present the image of the Taj so I commend them on their creativity. Once in line to get our tickets I found myself cringing again while looking at the pricing board. 25 rs for Indians, 750 rs for foreigners. We have been spending about 750 rs a day for both of us to eat, shop, and travel around the city. Hey at least we got a free water and shoe covers :)
I have to admit after completing the security check I was feeling a little spark of excitement. The Taj Mahal and all it's hype blew my expectations out of the water. When it came into view it left me speechless and probably with an open jaw. It was stunning and perfect and it really did seem as though it was floating on clouds. It actually didn't seem real at all. It looked more like an enormous canvas painting that was hanging from the heavens. Wondering if other people were having the same experience I was I took a look around. One woman was in tears (Ok, maybe I'm being insensitive but its not that overwhelming). I checked myself back to reality and decided I should be a tourist and take some pictures. Kendrick and I strolled down the mall closer to the Taj stopping frequently so Indian tourists could take their picture with us. We climbed the white marble stairs of the Taj, took one loop around, and found a nice sitting place to watch the sunset. I was pleasantly surprised and completely at ease. The Taj Mahal took its toll on me and did a job well done.
We arrived in Agra. Much to our surprise (wink wink) the driver that was supposed to be picking us up decided he didn't want to wait for our 5 hour delayed train and we were stranded. Well not stranded literally, but traveling on a budget we didn't want to pay for another rickshaw when one was included with our hotel. So we decided to make a call and wait... and wait... and wait. Finally, an old man emerged from a sea of Indian men persistently yelling to us to ride their rickshaw for "cheap price." The man held a glorious sign that said "Mr. Kendrick John". Thank heavens! It was the most refreshing sight I'd seen in 24 hours. So we hopped into the taxi and away we went. Of course the taxi driver didn't bring us to the right hotel but at this point we didn't care. Kendrick and I are still in survival mode at this point in our trip, and food and shelter were a necessity. We got our shelter and then our food and got royally ripped off in the process. Welcome to Agra. We plopped our exhausted bodies on the bed and regained our focus to the soul reason why we came to Agra... The TAJ.
Agra blessed us with one great sight on our arrival... the sun! Of course India had to have record cold temps and a never lifting thick layer of fog when we decided to journey half way around the world to see it's beauty. Our bodies were craving the sun's warmth and vitamin D. We thought we would go to the Taj Mahal in the afternoon in hopes to get a glimpse of our first Indian sunset.
We arrived at the gate of the Taj after fighting through begging children trying to sell us snow globes for ridiculous prices. I found humor in the Taj Mahal snow globes cause it never snows in Agra. There are only so many ways you can present the image of the Taj so I commend them on their creativity. Once in line to get our tickets I found myself cringing again while looking at the pricing board. 25 rs for Indians, 750 rs for foreigners. We have been spending about 750 rs a day for both of us to eat, shop, and travel around the city. Hey at least we got a free water and shoe covers :)
I have to admit after completing the security check I was feeling a little spark of excitement. The Taj Mahal and all it's hype blew my expectations out of the water. When it came into view it left me speechless and probably with an open jaw. It was stunning and perfect and it really did seem as though it was floating on clouds. It actually didn't seem real at all. It looked more like an enormous canvas painting that was hanging from the heavens. Wondering if other people were having the same experience I was I took a look around. One woman was in tears (Ok, maybe I'm being insensitive but its not that overwhelming). I checked myself back to reality and decided I should be a tourist and take some pictures. Kendrick and I strolled down the mall closer to the Taj stopping frequently so Indian tourists could take their picture with us. We climbed the white marble stairs of the Taj, took one loop around, and found a nice sitting place to watch the sunset. I was pleasantly surprised and completely at ease. The Taj Mahal took its toll on me and did a job well done.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Varanasi
Varanasi is an unbelieveable place. It's so peaceful, tranquil, and spiritual. It takes over your mind, body, and soul. You dont have to be religious to feel the energy and aura of Varanasi. There are crazy things taking place all around you but everything seems normal, it seems right. Bodies burning, naked pilgrams bathing, people taking thier morning dump, all within yards of each other. But nothing seems out of place or distrubing. Kendrick and I are staying in a hostel that overlooks a cremation ghat. We are constantly surrounded by smoke, ashes and the smell of burning wood and bodies. There are hundreds of bodies a day being burned within yards of us and yet it doesn't phase either of us in the least bit. It's actually kind of refreshing, revitalizing, and calming.
Varanasi is just what we needed after the stresses of Delhi. It has completely turned our trip around and has put us in a great state of mind to continue our journey. We needed a great eye opener and Varanasi was the perfect treatment. Next we are off to Agra to fight through the tourists to sneak a peak at the Taj Mahal. Until then...
Varanasi is just what we needed after the stresses of Delhi. It has completely turned our trip around and has put us in a great state of mind to continue our journey. We needed a great eye opener and Varanasi was the perfect treatment. Next we are off to Agra to fight through the tourists to sneak a peak at the Taj Mahal. Until then...
Saturday, January 9, 2010
A little grumpy...
Day 2 was literally about survival. Shelter, food, sleep. We were lacking all 3 and the Indians took full advantage of that. We have booked the next month of our journey with an Indian travel agent... big mistake? Probably. We were both in no state to be making big decisions but it happened and we will make the best of it.
I think we both want out of Delhi... quick. There is nothing for us here except millions of people and non stop horn honking. The city is so polluted there is not only a dense layer of smog outside, but inside. I have been to some polluted cities but I've never seen anything like this. I blow my nose and its black, if a car passes my eyes sting from the exhaust.
With all the discomfort aside, I think we are going to grow to love India. The crazy smells, the colors, the people. Ohhh the people. And boy do the people love us. Every single person stops and stares. People are constantly coming up to us trying to make conversation. They love my blonde hair and they love Kendricks height even more. Dozens of Indian men have approached him saying "wow man you have good height!" One guy even asked Kendrick what he should take for protein. These Indians, they are a different breed. Its pure entertainment.
I think we both want out of Delhi... quick. There is nothing for us here except millions of people and non stop horn honking. The city is so polluted there is not only a dense layer of smog outside, but inside. I have been to some polluted cities but I've never seen anything like this. I blow my nose and its black, if a car passes my eyes sting from the exhaust.
With all the discomfort aside, I think we are going to grow to love India. The crazy smells, the colors, the people. Ohhh the people. And boy do the people love us. Every single person stops and stares. People are constantly coming up to us trying to make conversation. They love my blonde hair and they love Kendricks height even more. Dozens of Indian men have approached him saying "wow man you have good height!" One guy even asked Kendrick what he should take for protein. These Indians, they are a different breed. Its pure entertainment.
No packs, no sleep, no place... no problem!
India welcomed us with open arms.... HA yeah right! We thought we were prepared for the worst but we weren't even close. We arrived in Delhi at 11:30 pm only to discover our backpacks were still in Amsterdam. We carried on light, and by light I mean a camera, a couple books and some tp. The airline assured us we would have our packs in 2 days. Hmmm only 2 days with no clothes, no toothbrush, no nothing... no big deal :)
I have to say I was blessed with something, and thats a talkitive boyfriend. There is not a shy bone in that kids body. Kendrick became bff's with this English tunnel engineer who works in Delhi and ended up saving our butts our first night in India. Gordan gave us tons of advise on the plane and offered us a ride to a guest house in the center of Delhi. Well his dirver never showed up (which is typical on Indian standards) and we rode around some alley ways in a taxi unable to find a place to stay. Needless to say we ended up "sleeping" in a random English guys (Gordon) servants room on a less than twin bed, while the howling street dogs sang us to sleep. Oh happy days! I am overwhelmed with excitement and wonder what kind of adventures tomorrow will bring. Oh India, how I love you already!
I have to say I was blessed with something, and thats a talkitive boyfriend. There is not a shy bone in that kids body. Kendrick became bff's with this English tunnel engineer who works in Delhi and ended up saving our butts our first night in India. Gordan gave us tons of advise on the plane and offered us a ride to a guest house in the center of Delhi. Well his dirver never showed up (which is typical on Indian standards) and we rode around some alley ways in a taxi unable to find a place to stay. Needless to say we ended up "sleeping" in a random English guys (Gordon) servants room on a less than twin bed, while the howling street dogs sang us to sleep. Oh happy days! I am overwhelmed with excitement and wonder what kind of adventures tomorrow will bring. Oh India, how I love you already!
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