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

Wonders of New Delhi!

Last leg of the trip, Delhi. After we hired our taxi driver to take us from Agra to Delhi I am pretty sure we all fell asleep. I can't help it, something about car rides in the rain are magical to me and lull me to sleep. We had a rough start, the hostel we were going to stay at was completely booked, but we did get a few recommendations from the staff for other hotels. 

Hudson and I went to check out a couple hotels while the group sat with our stuff. Once we decided on our hotel we went out to explore and found a great little restaurant tucked away amongst the shops. 

Finally the true moment I had been waiting for, the 4th of July celebration for American citizens at the embassy. I had prepared for this, once I realized there was a celebration in Delhi I began working on my fellow friends to help them realize their own desire to go party. In Darjheeling Ann and I had found these awesome leggings to enhance the American spirit. Oh and US passport  is required to enter. 

Once in there was american food, games, and FIREWORKS! 

The best part was the dancing, I love a good dance party and once Ann and I got up and danced our little hearts out we were joined but many more fellow American citizens. Dancing has never felt so good.
Once the party ended I met one of the members that work at the embassy, we chatted and had a great time, she introduced me (and in turn everyone else in the group) to other ex-pats. We passed the test(mostly since we don't drink) and were invited to join them at the Belgium embassy to watch the World Cup in the quarter finals as they played against Argentina. The Belgians provided Beer which everyone was super excited about, and since we don't drink we became their new favorite friends.
It was such an amazing experience to have, this trip was so worth the stress and effort.

Sunday we found a ward (very difficult to find the meetinghouse) and attended church. After we went to the Lotus temple. Beware there is a long winding line to get into the grounds, but it goes fairly quickly. It was such a beautiful and peaceful place from the building to the grounds, totally worth the wait. The Bahia faith is a beautiful belief.

The more I travel and learn about other cultures, religions, and beliefs I realize we as the human race have much more in common than not. Yet as humans we to often focus on the differences and let those differences tear us apart. What would the world be like our main export was respect, and love for one another. We are all living our own personal truths and doing what we can to survive and thrive in this life. How amazing would it be if we all stopped to help another? This is one thing that impacts me the most about travel, I am representing my country, my religion and woman. Am I leaving people better than I found them, with a positive lasting impact so one day when someone speaks ill of what I represent and hold dear, the individual I met will think twice before believing that ill.
We often hear one person can't change the world.. But one person can if we believe in ourselves, for better or worse. To name a few people that changed the world. Ghandi, Mother Teresa, Buddha, Jesus Christ, Muhammad, Michael Jordan, Nelson Mandela, Walt Disney, Madam Curie, Florence Nightingale the list goes on and on. So yes, I believe a smile and a positive word can change the world.

Back to our Delhi trip, to end the vacation we met up with one of our friends from the embassy to get lunch before we left.
Ann & I both ordered salads and this (to the left) is how they came.. Something different… After we grabbed a couple of Autos and raced to the airport, barely making it in time to catch the bus from the auto drop off to the airport, and then barely making it to check in for our flight. We even got an escort to get us thru security and down the terminal to our flight. Turns out my seat was double booked so I enjoyed a nice flight in 1st class. It is a miracle we have not missed a flight or bus in this country when traveling. We have had so man "walk on" moments.








Lastly one of my favorite things in India but especially Delhi are the "warning" signs and slogans. The picture below says STOP Criticizing. Thank you India for reminding us to be better people.

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)