The Little Wonder of the Poor Man's Taj Mahal

No trip to India would be complete without an overnight train ride. Lucky for me, Dr. Meera invited us to join her on her trip to Aurangabad. Meera brought delicious food for us for dinner. Lesson learned, if you don't stake your claim on your area, others will join you in your space even if they don't talk to you.  We did maintain our full claim of the top bunk, so between Matt, Hudson and I we each had a chance to take a nap. The only AC the trains have is what comes on the breeze thru the windows, so surprisingly train trips are tiring. When we stop at stations to take on more passengers many people come by the windows to sell food, drink and cigarettes.

Once we got to the end of our rail journey, Meera's family meet us to bring us home to Jaina. We were kindly given the upstairs room with an indoor bathroom and 2 rooms. Our beds were all spread out and ready for us as well, as we were settling in, they brought dinner up as well as dessert a delicious mixture of thin noodles in a sweetened milk with cardomam and it was the perfect end to a long journey.                               

After sitting all day we decided it was a great idea to do some stretches and yoga before bed. Even though my bed consisted of a plush mat on the floor, I have never slept quite so good, and without any sheets or covers at all. 

In the morning we went over to the school and had breakfast with Meera before we got the chance to tour the school and meet some of the students. They were all very proud of their school and the work they have done.  We got to take pictures with the soon to be graduating honors class, as excited as they were to meet us I think they were even more excited to get a break from school work, (I know I would've been). 

Pictures with us and Madame headmaster(whom is one of my Indian mothers, one more reason India will always have my heart).  After pictures we went out to see the Ellorah caves of Aurangabad, they are old temples and palaces that were carved into the hillside, much like those in Petra, Jordan.  The architecture, detail and preservation is amazing!

The next day we were able to perform a little skit the Wizard of OZ with a few alterations became the Wizard of Aurangabad. There is still the Wicked Witch, Dorthy, a scarecrow, a tin man, a TIGER and of course the good fairy (played by yours truly) everyone was so excited they even found me a crown and a wand. I mean what kind of fairy would I be without either one of those?! The kids were adorable to watch, they gasped and sat back in fear when the bad witch let out a cackle. 

After the play Matt gave his presentation on substance abuse, the headmaster called up a few kids and teachers to tell what they had learned. One lady got up and said her husband needed help and she had no idea what to do, but now she knew where to start and how to help him but most importantly of all has the courage and support to intervene and help him. 

To round out the presentation there was a ceremony where they honored Meera and all she does, and then gave us beautiful flower leis and gifts the kids had made of popsicle sticks with a card. It was the sweetest thing anyone has ever given me, (sadly mine got left behind somehow). 

We finished the day with a trip to the Poor Mans Taj Mahal, similar to the Taj Mahal, but on a smaller scale and built with limestone. The grandson of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built it for his mother to show his love.

The last place I went was the old fort, we all hiked up and as it started to pour I took refuge in an old alcove. A man and two young girls joined me as we waited out the storm.  As I was talking with them I found out one of the girls was married to this man, this is probably the first time I was really exposed to child marriage. They were very sweet but still to witness how young she is….

Ending the trip we went to many historical places in Aurangabad including the Mill that is home to a 600 year old tree(talk about old), all of them absolutely amazing. As we were driving we got word that my bus back to Hyderabad had been canceled due to weather/road conditions. Everyone was amazing in getting 3 tickets on the train back to Hyderabad so I could make my flight back to the USA. I don't know how they did it as the train was completely booked which is why we were going on the bus in the first place. After a thrilling ride thru traffic we got to the station in the knick of time to catch train 1. Everything was arranged for us and they even gave us a contact to help us on our way. The hospitality always amazes me and inspires me to be a better person. The next train we had beds to sleep on which was fantastic. I am always worried getting on and off trains with luggage that somehow only half will make it, but with Hudson and Ann's help me and all my luggage made it to the airport (again in the knick of time) to catch my flight. What a way to end my sojourn in India. I have left a part of my heart there with each of my mothers, sisters, & brothers. Until we meet again.

I love all the positive quotes and advice around the school

Taj Mahal, another World Wonder down, 4 to go…

A dream come true, I have wanted to go to the Taj Mahal ever since I can remember. I don't remember a time when I didn't want to go to India. Call me crazy but I love this country. We arrived very early in the morning on the overnight bus, the bus had flat beds but no A/C so we kept the windows open all night. There is nothing quite like the lullaby of traffic and honking.

Once we arrived in Agra we walked down the road and found a hotel that would let us store our luggage with them and also let us use their bathroom to freshen up. No amount of freshening up can take away our time on the bus. Finally it came time for the Taj Mahal to open, we entered from the western gates and it was a beautiful site to see. The sunrise was just ending so the sky still had colors of purple and pink, with it being the low tourist season and given the early hour we were able to experience it with very few people around. We got pictures with just us & the Taj Mahal.

Sometimes early mornings pay off

Once we got to the end of the pools we removed our shoes or as they call them in India we removed our "slippers" and walked up to and thru this monument. What people don't tell you is that there are 2 beautiful buildings to either side of the Taj Mahal as well. *Note if you have a foot/germ phobia then the platform of the Taj Mahal is defiantly not for you.* After we spent quite a bit of time soaking in the beauty we determined it was time for food. The place we stored our luggage had a rooftop restaurant with good food and a great view of the Taj Mahal.

We didn't have much time to explore Agra, but from the bit we did see it seemed the Taj Mahal is pretty much it for this small town in India. The only place we saw souvenirs was in the market as we left the Taj Mahal.
We left soon after taking a taxi to Delhi, I am pretty sure everyone slept the whole way there ( I know I did)

** to note the Taj Mahal is closed every Friday and is open from sunrise to sunset.**

Looking back at the gate to the Taj Mahal

This nice older guy came up as I was taking selfies
and asked if I wanted a photo with the Taj in my eye.
I think he has done this before.. But it is a cool idea

Jaipur India, our beginning to the Golden Triangle

Finally we embark on our journey of the Golden Triangle. This is the place everyone thinks of when traveling to India. The Triangle comprises of Agra (home of the Taj Mahal), Delhi (the thriving capital city of India) and Jaipur (home of the Red Palace & Amber Fort).

We stayed at the "peacock hotel" I loved it, it felt like how I pictured places in India to be. You know like during the era when the British occupied India. One of my favorite things are the bowls of water with flowers in them, not only do they look gorgeous but the smell is wonderful.

Upon checking into the hotel we meet Salim, he was very helpful and friendly and by the end of the night we decided to hire him as our tour guide/driver. By the end of the 2 days we became "family" Matt was like his son, and I was like a daughter. Our first stop of the morning was Lassiwalla, if you want to try Lassi(or give it a 2nd try) this is the place. When done right this dairy beverage is delicious, but it is quite easy to mess up in the making, but I find most are deliciously passable. If your American, get the sweetened version, you will thank me later.

 We stopped to look at the Jal Mahal Palace and Amber fort. A snake charmer came over and started his act. We were very intrigued, and the charmer even let us play the flute, touch the cobra! At the end the charmer wanted a crazy amount but Salim set us straight on how much to pay. Sadly the pictures of me where lost when someone left their phone in an Auto, guess I will just have to go back to Jaipur and charm some more Cobras.

The Amber Fort was a great stop, but be prepared to walk up stairs or get their early and ride an elephant.

 On second thought if you don't like elephants, people, architecture or good views, don't stop here because that is all this place has to offer.

Heading out we went to visit some beautiful tombs and monuments for past kings, I am telling you these intricate designs are absolutely beautiful. I love the architecture and how they have carved stories from the deceased's life into the stone.

Shortly after we did stop at a scientific/astronomy park, it was cool but I didn't understand any of it.. I did Aries, which is my sign. 

The culminating moment was when Salim took us to ride the elephants! Life long dream come true! These elephants take tourists up to the Amber fort in the morning and then are taken back to the park. I got to ride an elephant bareback, the real kicker is how we got up onto the elephants. Contrary to what I had originally believed, we climbed up on the elephants via the foot/trunk. Once the elephant had lifted its foot high enough we scurried up the trunk onto their back.  This is a lot tricker than you think, once you get to their fore head it is straight up and down. We all made it on without incident, and proceeded on a parade thru the "forest" with our Mahouts (the elephant guides). 

 Our last stop of the day was Monkey Palace (you can imagine my delight at this decision.)  If you want an adventure watching your back and your companions back, this is the place for you. DO NOT carry food, cameras or bags loosely. These guys aka Monkeys are quick and strong, once they have hold of your stuff it is history. Between speed, agility and the other monkey gang members you stand very little chance.  The monkeys are most active in the morning and evening, but even when you think they are all sleeping during midday they will be watching you.

PS the monkeys at the top end are aggressive.... don't make eye contact unless you are prepared to battle for your life. On the upside there are some nice monks there.

The Red Palace of Jaipur. 

Such beautiful designs and architecture on the gate to the city. 

Once back at the Peacock palace/hotel we watched the World cup in the lobby (the only place with a TV) with a bunch of other americans and foreigners. What a blast, who new soccer could be so entertaining.

Matt's new friend who wanted Matt's deodorant so the boy would smell good for his girlfriend.  Hilarious exchange!

At the end of the day, we got on a overnight bus to Agra and the Taj Majal, this time with flat beds. Since there were 5 of us and 3 beds I bravely took the single bed, with Hudson and Matt across the aisle from me to keep me safe all night long.

Below is how you climb onto an elephant… or at least how I do.

First you grab the ears

Next you jump onto the trunk

Don't stop climbing or else you will end up like this...

Finally on...

Next you have to turn around

Whew I think its over when they tell me I have to jump onto the other elephant

Here I go!!!

Made it! 

                               

                              Making peace with the monkeys with a Monks watchful eye (&permission)

Traveling India's Himalayas 2.0

Now that we got the crazy story from the Himalayas out of the way, I can proceed to the shorter tale of Darjeeling. Feeling adventurous we decided to head out on a hike thru the Himalayas into Nepal.
Being wise, we decided to hire a guide, since the Himalayas are a crazy place to get adventurous.
I was a bit hesitant at first since this was a full day, no turning back type of hike, but it ended up being more than worth the anxiety. Pima, our guide, picked us up in the AM and headed about 1 hour away into Nepal where we ate an early breakfast before heading out, the food was delicious and the warm mug of boost was delightful. It was a tight fit getting all 8 of us seated, since the kitchen was out of someone's home, but it was some of the best breakfast food ever. After we went to the customs office to present our passports for documentation, it was a great "typical" mountaineering-in-a-foreign-country office.
From there we began our hike up thru the amazing lush green mountain, what started off as a nicely cobblestoned path soon disappeared (which is when we were so glad Pima was with us).

I wavered between thinking we were in India, Ireland and New Zealand, with the mist settling over us it felt like we were the last people on earth. As we continued walking amazing cultural & natural beauty awaited us as the fog revealed its treasures. Already in love with the Tibetan culture, seeing the brightly painted stones only enhanced my love and sense of wonderment for this land, its history and culture. I mean talk about a magical experience!
Was I in 2014, or had I gone back a few centuries?

Eventually we did stop for lunch in Nepal at a great little lodge tucked up in the slopes of the mountains. I learned you can also hike and spend the night up there, during summer they are completely booked with many travelers filling every available space on the floor! With wonderful food cooked over the wood stove, a perky little puppy and friends gathered around the table what is not to be loved? The whole place is a recipe for memories for years to come.
Eventually we did finish eating and continued our way down the mountainside. We did cross inbetween Nepal and India so we came to another "border crossing" and presented our passports for documentation at the smallest boarder crossing station I have ever seen. (sorry no pictures) but it was just a hut big enough for a guy and platform for writing. The last part was the hardest part since it was all down hill(and we aren't talking a nice stroll, I mean we are in the freaking Himalayas!)

The lodge we stopped at for a delightful lunch.

This place is magical with the green hills, the fog and the stillness.

Tibetan Writing (love the colors)

Once we all made it down and back to town some of us were crazy enough to go out into town to get dinner and do some shopping, the walk uphill to town center was a killer! I have no idea what we were thinking. Ann and I stopped at a breakfast restaurant that happened to have the best gluten free cookies. Who would have thought we would find those in Darjheeling of all places! As everyone split up for various activities some how Ann and I got left alone without a working phone…when some of the girls took it to the border crossing into Nepal it did something… needless to say heading back in the dark thru the freaky alleyways was quite the adventure. At one point we walked past a small group who started watching us and then following us. Since I do believe in a higher power I silently started pleading for protection. Ann loves to sing so to calm our hearts we sang a medley of Disney songs.. It worked we made it home safely (with help from the heavenly side) and singing. Music is a powerful force in this world.

For our final adventure we took one of the last operating steam trains in the world(at least thats what they claim) from Darjeeling to Ghum. Great experience but be prepared for some major ash. This train used to operate all the way from the valley, but it has ceased those operations and now acts as a tourist operation.  One of the coolest things I was hoping to view was Mt. Everest, on a clear day you can see the mountain but we were never lucky enough for a clear day. But the respite from the heat and crowds did wonders for us all. One of my new favorite destinations.