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

A day in transition-Cambodia to Chiang Mai

Whew, I am back! Sometimes colds can really knock you out. But.. Leaving Siem Reap and go!!

What a great day to travel! During the night it poured rain complete with lightning and thunder. So when our bus came to pick us up it was perfect, despite the literal downpour.
We made a few more rounds and then all packed onto a bigger bus for the ride to the border. Our total travel time was to be 6 hours to Bangkok... Those 6 hours turned into 12.

We drove to the border, and then all had to cross the border on foot, getting out of Campodia was easy, getting into Thailand was a bit trickier with a very long, long line. But once thru we broke into smaller groups and rode in vans to Bangkok.

I had scheduled our flight at  21.00 to give us plenty of time, turns out that time vanished with the rain and we barely made it to the ticket counter on time.  We did get to ride the airport link which was super fancy, and convenient. Unless you have large bags...

Oh tidbit Seven-Eleven is everywhere over there, and are happy to break large bills that the ATM spits out. We boarded our flight where off to Chiang Mai. I love landing at night in a new city. It's like a surprise waiting to happen. You take roads and end up at your hotel, with no idea of your surroundings, but then in the morning you wake up and take a look outside and SURPRISE there is a beautiful, or not so beautiful in some cases, view out your window.

Other plans we had for Cambodia and are worth checkin out
Volunteer at an Orphanage
Yoga-Plethora of studios
Artisan Classes http://www.backstreetacademy.com/#!siem-reap/cmh3

This place has local artisans that will teach you their trade, and with how inexpensive it is, it is definitely worth a look

 List of more activities for Siem Reap

http://www.travelfish.org/sights/cambodia/western_cambodia/siem_reap/siem_reap