Author: kymdt

Rajasthan Explained

Posted on by kymdt

Some of you have wondered about our recent lack of posts. It can be explained thus…

From Jaipur we had two big days of driving. Both around 6 hours which meant we were pretty tired at the end of each day. We then had the pleasure of staying in wonderful Udaipur certainly, in our humble view, the most picturesque city we have seen on our holiday. At this point we managed to fill up our two Compact Flash cards – yes guys you’ll be seeing thousands of photos at our next slide show. So our opportunity to blog was eaten up by trying to get some CDs burned. Normally an easy task but our very friendly internet “cum” – yes that is the Indian spelling – telephone cum general store had a big nasty virus on his computer which spread to our compact flash card!! Ripper, went down the road to some young blokes, who could be in a bollywood film, to de-virs our compact flash card and burn a CD. So that is why you haven’t heard from us.

Also, it may have something to do with Jaipur Belly for one of us! Guess which one.

Ping

Posted on by kymdt

The Title “Ping” was all the Mumbai Domestic Airport internet cafe could manage out of 15 minutes of my typing! They’re on the take too so DON’T GO THERE! I am editing this in Aurangabad where the computer is workinf in a marble hall of inactivity. It’s Holi Festival and we’re aiming to go out for dinner – who knows we may come back multi-colored. If so it is Helen’s fault.

Abhaneri

Posted on by kymdt


Abhaneri
Originally uploaded by kdt.

Of course I should be writing a blog entry about the beauty of the Taj Mahal and how the passionate love of a Mughal Emperor created this masterpiece. But how can a thumbnail do it any justice? So you’ll just have to make your own way to India to truly appreciate it… or perhaps with a small bribe we will show some photos on our return…

Anyway this photo is of Chand Baori in Abhaneri step. The guide that followed us around (without really asking whether we wanted one) told as a few things about it. It appears to have been built around 900 and is a huge step well – we think apparently a queen powedered her nose in one of the rooms and slept in in another or so I am led to believe. Of course, had I brought my trusty Lonley Planet with me I could have sounded authoritative. But trust me it has a lot of steps and is rather impressive.

Village Life…

Posted on by kymdt


Peharsar
Originally uploaded by kdt.

After viewing the Taj Mahal at sunrise (while it was cloudly the sun did come through and it was very beautiful!), we headed off to Peharsar, where we stayed at the Chandra Mahal Haveli. Peharsar is a very quite village of approximately 5000. We arrived at around 3pm, and after a light lunch of pokoras (sorry if the spelling is wrong – don’t have time to check!) we went for a walk around the village with a guide. The guide was there to tell the children to go away when they got too carried away. Althought you sometimes wonder who is the attraction – strange white tourists from Australia (ah yes – Ricky Ponting – and I know practically nothing about cricket), or the villagers. Although on this occassion I think this time it was us. Discussion with the locals went from “What is your name?”, “what is your country”. The walk took us around the whole village, where we were shown the chicken harem, past the school, pharmacy, farm areas and well. Along the way we came across a water well, where women were lifting water, as there is no pump. They even let me have a go at lifting a container full of water (which I might add was very very very deep) up to the surface. It held approx. 10 litres of water. After the water is pulled up from the well, it goes into another container, and put on the top of their head where they carry it back to their house. The women in the village do this a number of times a day. It really makes you appreciate the life that we have.
Peharsar Originally uploaded by kdt.

Listen to advice from those who learn the hard way

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IMG_0010
Originally uploaded by kdt.

One of the best tips I read before leaving was that the difference between an enjoyable holiday and one less so in India is having the judgement to work out who is trying to “scam” you and those that are not.

Here is documentary evidence of a very friendly Indian that approached me to have a conversation in the beautiful Lodi Gardens (although some might consider it better named lovers’ gardens). He welcomed me to his country and pinned a flag on my lapel. He then seemed reassuring and genuine until he pulled out his book and asked for money for blind orphans! Of course there was a good list of other people who hade made contributions – from all over the world.

I certainly hope he was geniune but I have my doubts. The approaches from children and beggars for 10 rupees is a lot easier to deal with than those with reasonable command of English and appears to be having a good chat. One day when I am feeling vulnerable ask me about Jaipur!!!

Off course this makes it bade for those genuine people who do just want to have a chat. And there have been a few of those ….

Stop Lights Work Sometimes

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Stop Lights Work Sometimes
Originally uploaded by kdt.

The model of orderly traffic here in Delhi. But really its not that bad provided you have that special blend of the devil may care attitude combined with hair trigger rection times.

We’ve managed cross a few of these roads unaided and lived to tell the tale. Caught an auto rickshaw to dinner, unaided. It’s the best ride you can have for a $1.00!

Although, the road to Agra was an education in peak hour traffic Indian style. Especially the overpacked rickshaws with employees on the way to work. A relaxing bike ride is possible and is certainly popular, provided you have the special combination.

The road to Agra is lined with gum trees. If California and India can plant them why can’t the State Government and the ACC line our streets with them?

Anyway – can’t do too much more because this internet connection is very slow.

Amazing Delhi

Posted on by kymdt

Sorry no photos yet. Need to find a computer with reliable USB connection…. Will find one don’t worry!

If I could, I would show you some photos of the beautiful avenues that are in New Delhi. Tree lined streets that would put many a big-city to shame. The quiet relaxing parks, where you can hardly hear a horn, and the prim and proper Mughal gardens – part of the President’s house – so Two security checks and pat downs, a free paradise shared by many an Indian tourist! Sorry I can never upload a photo from this garden because no cameras are allowed.

The capital buildings and the layout of New Delhi is impressive and I certainly look forward to returning to see how Delhi develops this fundmanetally european city. The start is already present in Connaught Place with an increading number of boutique refitting these glourious old buildings. P.s. don’t ask about Helen’s shopping frenzy!!

Off to Agra tomorrow.

P.s. All is well on the health front and we’ve eaten lots of yummy food. Including Indian sweets shared by Parliamentary Library Assistants celebrating the installation of a new computer.

Transit in KL

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This is a speed typing exercise. Chinese New Year meant that a lot of KL is closed, for another three days.

For fun, to while away the hours, we got a cab to Sunland Pyramid Shopping Centre. Of course, the only internet cafe there was closed because of CNY. Hence we are back at the hotel being executives in the executive business centre. Tres cher. We did do some big buying – two sets of goggles – we packed so light that we forget them! I can tell you we were very proud at the airport when our bags were well below the limit. I even spotaneously shared with the check in person my secrets…..

Our hotel is set amongst many beautiful hectares of garden, but it is not advisable to walk through them. You may get hit by a golf ball. The gesticulations of some of the golfers indicated that our presence WAS NOT WELCOME! Oh well, pity that because the lake did look rather nice.

Catching our free transfer in an hour. Can’t afford to type any more.