We arrived to Delhi at 1am on Sat 29th. Tim and I met up with Adrians driver who kindly drove us to Agra to see the Taj Mahal and Red Fort. I just learned that people don't need to take drivers tests to get a licence. So, scary drive. But the Taj was breathtaking!
The next morning, I left Tim in Delhi and took a train up to Rishikesh, the yoga and spiritual capital of the world. Sounds full-on. My first day, I felt a bit daunted by the incense and pachouli oil, but then I discovered that there were a lot of people like me who are out here to enjoy a bit of yoga (I do chuckle at the backpackers with dreadlocks and canadian flags on their packs - they're staying in another part of town). The ashram I am staying in is a bit like a no-frills hotel - my room overlooks the river, which is stunning at sunset. I can take whatever yoga class is on offer in a huge yoga hall with marble floors and great acoustics for the mantras (no, Kellie, I'm not on dirt floors in a hut!). I have purchased a couple items of clothing - I have to look the part whilst in India. I'm starting to warm up to the "Om-ing" as well. The sanscrit is a bit hard to pronounce but I mumble my way through it. I do feel quite limbered up and relaxed from the ayurvedic massage each day - at GBP 10 per session, why not?
I always thought that India would be hot, dusty and full of beggars. But I bypassed that by going up to Rishikesh first off. Tim and I go to Rajistan on Saturday so maybe I'll see a more hectic view of India. I do love the cows wandering the streets and how they are considered sacred creatures. Personally, I don't know how people can go thru life without enjoying the occasional cheeseburger but it's their choice. The Hindu religion is fascinating as well. I didn't realise it's one of the oldest religions - and complex!
Rajistan was beautiful. We drove to Bikiner first and stayed in the Old Town. Tim and Jane, his colleague, went to view hotels for their new business (http://www.expindia.co.uk/) and David (Jane's husband) and I went to shop in the old town. The old cobblestone streets and doors opening to havelis (beautiful courtyards). We also visited the fort and the rat temple (the rats are reincarnations of saints so well fed and plentiful). Ask Tim how far he leapt when one decided to breakdance around his feet. We also did a camel safari into the desert dunes, had a geographical lesson on the landscape and learned a vast amount on camels, and then we had dinner as the sunset (and a fine bottle of wine from David's collection).
We also ventured to Jodpur, which is also known as the Blue City. Though we visited many forts, this one had the most breathtaking view of the blue buildings. Tim and I were only there for 10 hours and took an overnight train back to Delhi. Always book first class when travelling in India. The price difference is nothing for us over consuming affluent foreigners...
Delhi was a cosmopolitan bustling city. It has a lot of great museums to visit including the Mahatama Ghandi museum which was very historic. We had dinners with Adrian and Naomi (by the way, they just had a baby girl named Nina) which was great fun. I met Tim and Adrian's work colleagues at the UKIBC (UK Indian Business Council). One of their colleages, Cindrela, saved me by loaning me her compter to do a video conference with my new employer. That video conference allowed me to do the final interview which got me the job! So, thanks for the UKIBC for facilitiating that!!
The next morning, I left Tim in Delhi and took a train up to Rishikesh, the yoga and spiritual capital of the world. Sounds full-on. My first day, I felt a bit daunted by the incense and pachouli oil, but then I discovered that there were a lot of people like me who are out here to enjoy a bit of yoga (I do chuckle at the backpackers with dreadlocks and canadian flags on their packs - they're staying in another part of town). The ashram I am staying in is a bit like a no-frills hotel - my room overlooks the river, which is stunning at sunset. I can take whatever yoga class is on offer in a huge yoga hall with marble floors and great acoustics for the mantras (no, Kellie, I'm not on dirt floors in a hut!). I have purchased a couple items of clothing - I have to look the part whilst in India. I'm starting to warm up to the "Om-ing" as well. The sanscrit is a bit hard to pronounce but I mumble my way through it. I do feel quite limbered up and relaxed from the ayurvedic massage each day - at GBP 10 per session, why not?
I always thought that India would be hot, dusty and full of beggars. But I bypassed that by going up to Rishikesh first off. Tim and I go to Rajistan on Saturday so maybe I'll see a more hectic view of India. I do love the cows wandering the streets and how they are considered sacred creatures. Personally, I don't know how people can go thru life without enjoying the occasional cheeseburger but it's their choice. The Hindu religion is fascinating as well. I didn't realise it's one of the oldest religions - and complex!Rajistan was beautiful. We drove to Bikiner first and stayed in the Old Town. Tim and Jane, his colleague, went to view hotels for their new business (http://www.expindia.co.uk/) and David (Jane's husband) and I went to shop in the old town. The old cobblestone streets and doors opening to havelis (beautiful courtyards). We also visited the fort and the rat temple (the rats are reincarnations of saints so well fed and plentiful). Ask Tim how far he leapt when one decided to breakdance around his feet. We also did a camel safari into the desert dunes, had a geographical lesson on the landscape and learned a vast amount on camels, and then we had dinner as the sunset (and a fine bottle of wine from David's collection).We also ventured to Jodpur, which is also known as the Blue City. Though we visited many forts, this one had the most breathtaking view of the blue buildings. Tim and I were only there for 10 hours and took an overnight train back to Delhi. Always book first class when travelling in India. The price difference is nothing for us over consuming affluent foreigners... Delhi was a cosmopolitan bustling city. It has a lot of great museums to visit including the Mahatama Ghandi museum which was very historic. We had dinners with Adrian and Naomi (by the way, they just had a baby girl named Nina) which was great fun. I met Tim and Adrian's work colleagues at the UKIBC (UK Indian Business Council). One of their colleages, Cindrela, saved me by loaning me her compter to do a video conference with my new employer. That video conference allowed me to do the final interview which got me the job! So, thanks for the UKIBC for facilitiating that!!
The things I love about India are the regional food, the spicy masala chai, the beautiful people and colourful clothing. The only thing I can live without is having to brush my teeth with bottled water. I'm really looking forward to going back to India - there are so many places we want to visit. It's a huge, exciting and SAFE country!
