Our first day involved touring by Ambassador (the big white car). But most importantly with help from our driver (on the right) and our guide (on the left). We were kept safe from the traffic and provided with much interesting information about Delhi. Thank you.
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.
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 ….
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.
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.
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.
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.
Apologies for stopping short with the last post. Anyway…
After the last bag check you are frisked again (females and males separated), then you can get on the plane. Once you understand it – it makes perfect logical sense.
Although there is no entertainment available on the domestic flights, I must say that thus far the flights haven’t been too bad. Okay, now I know that I am not the worlds best flyer (easier option would be to knock myself out I think, based on the sweat produced!), but the food is good too. Just wish the packets of spicy snacks they give were easier to open. Surprisingly after the person next to me couldn’t open them the attendant, whipped out her scissors (?!??!!@#@##…) and cut off the corner!!!
When we reach Mumbai airport, we had 5 hours to kill before our flight to Aurangabad. Thankfully there were at least 8 free newspapers to read. I made my way through the majority of them, within the first three hours. Anyone would of thought that I was starved for reading material while on holiday, and had not heard any of the latest news events. But to tell you the truth, on the TV the main issues in India so far have been India’s potential for the World Cup, train bombing (occurred just before we left) and the Holi festival. But there are better things to watch – like Indian music videos!
Activity in the airport is much like any other airport. If you are ever in the domestic area of Mumbai airport – do not use the internet cafe. Grab all the free papers available and read them It claims to be broadband… but it doesn’t work well (read next to useless). 2 out of the terminals are offline. 1 is for the staff to use when not talking to each other and drinking tea, and they are incredibily slow, and is a rip off at 30 rupees for 30 minutes.
After a very short flight we arrived in Mumbai (where I am typing this from). After the usual wait at the luggage carousel (only 5 minutes!), we located the person holding our names and where lead to a waiting point for the car. Now the airport has become privately owned in recent times and is going through a major expansion. Nothing like construction!.
Anyway, we were standing there waiting with our bags when a white hearse pulled up (that is the colour used by Indians). It looked much like a station wagan with a solid piece of glass along the window area, and on the windows were the words “Resting” in traditional old English style font. Through the window we could plainly see the coffin, which was red, with an embroidered trim and cross in the centre. Stuck midway down was an address label for where it was going , and a baggage check sticker.
Really didn’t expect to see that!
While Helen has been typing her treaty on the joys of flying I have been selecting and uploading some photos! This internet cafe is faster than some. But it still takes time.
This beautiful photo of Helen was rather opportunistic. This group was actuallt in the process of being professionaly shot – not sure for what. We were side on…. By the way today we’re going to a Indian Film (part of which is known as Bollywood, there is also Tollywood and Kollywood) shoot……
