I went to India for work and have some things to share!! Because it is a truth universally acknowledged an internet peruser in possession of a few spare minutes must be in want of travel stories and pictures. (hahahaha! Another clever literary adaptation! Ahem. Sorry, Ms Austen.)
The visit was only for a week, so no pretentious travel reflections here. I estimate having 5-7 seconds of worthwhile India knowledge to offer and therefore shall now present surface-level observations and pictures.
Traffic
video: taking a Tuk Tuk
One time we missed an exit. Our cab driver backed up on the
side of the interstate, held his hand out the window to stop 5
lanes of traffic, and we drove across the freeway to the needed exit.
We visited an agricultural village and learned about water rights, seeds,
and GMOs in a community with 800 years of farming history. A family in
the village is in charge of tracking history and genealogy.
We visited several organizations focused on food security and social initiatives throughout the week - like Goonj, a recycling organization which brings clothes/necessities to rural villages.
We visited several organizations focused on food security and social initiatives throughout the week - like Goonj, a recycling organization which brings clothes/necessities to rural villages.
My friend Nitya, who I met on a volunteer program in Spain (see this post). Before traveling to India, I recommend meeting someone on a volunteer program who is lovely, will meet you for touring, and bring you to their friends' house for dinner.
Jaipur spice market.
We kept catching ourselves describing food as 'spicy' and having to clarify spicy -> full of spices vs spicy -> hot.
Ahmedabad market
We kept catching ourselves describing food as 'spicy' and having to clarify spicy -> full of spices vs spicy -> hot.
Ahmedabad market
On a scale of 1 to 87, my Ahmedabad hotel room was an 88!
The House of MG, a former haveli (traditional house/mansion), is beautiful. The hotel probably made a mistake in awarding me this room, but one musn't complain.
The House of MG, a former haveli (traditional house/mansion), is beautiful. The hotel probably made a mistake in awarding me this room, but one musn't complain.
I hope this is not an un-PC observation, but seeing
cows everywhere filled me with joy. They cross the road... lay on the road... generally hanging out with confidence and dignity.
Favorite cow sighting -
a casual stroll through the Jaipur market.
Sulabh International. Another social innovation organization.
Humayan's tomb
Delhi
Humayan's tomb
Delhi
Taj Mahal
(Everyone calls it 'the Taj'. Sound like someone who knows things by saying, 'I went to the Taj.')
The outside of the Taj is peaceful, the inside mirrors a Delhi traffic jam. Everyone shoves each other around while police blow whistles to keep everyone shoving, flustered, and not taking pictures.
(Everyone calls it 'the Taj'. Sound like someone who knows things by saying, 'I went to the Taj.')
The outside of the Taj is peaceful, the inside mirrors a Delhi traffic jam. Everyone shoves each other around while police blow whistles to keep everyone shoving, flustered, and not taking pictures.
Me at the Taj
Cows outside the Taj
Cows outside the Taj
Other assorted pictures
