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.

The problems traveling creates

People want to know what you did, where you went and where you are going next.

You crave authentic food that isn't found in the USA, right now I'm thinking about mozzarella de buffalo which is only found in Italy. 

You make friends with people you will most likely only stay in contact with via Facebook 

When you open your Facebook your news feed is full of updates on events around the world, thanks to all those friends who participate and post

Your sense of style isn't from any one country, but all places you have ben too

When you here of tragic events your heart and mind go to friends living in the area

Your heart is never at rest since you 'left a piece of your heart in everyplace you've been'

With people that don't travel you have to find other common ground

People ask you how you can afford all the trips and time off (answer: it is a priority to me so all my time and money is spent traveling)

When things don't work out by putting down roots, you always have that desire to fill the void in your life with new places. 
You attend events where all your friends gather and you feel strangely out of place since they are married, engaged or have a baby. 

You feel out of place, traveling is like a drug to me. I use it as my shield and my excuse. When you travel and have been around the world to some 22 or so countries you are just cool & "interesting" right? What happens when you are flat out broke and can no longer use it as a shield, or you just feel like you are bragging or "one-upping" so you refrain from sharing, then what do I talk about. 
What happens when you are done running away and want to start running to something. Everyone looks at my life and thinks, "wow what a great life, traveling not worrying about a thing". But while traveling everyone has moved into the next stage of life and suddenly you find yourself alone. You become slightly uncertain of who you are. I mean you have always been going somewhere and now you are ready to settle down… will people still be your friend and think your cool enough to hang out. Will people still find you "interesting" enough to talk to. 
Like an addict there comes a time when you hit bottom and are ready to grow up, face your problems, but the problem is you don't know what the problem is. You just know when you aren't traveling you are restless, but the secretly it feels good to be grounded, it feels nice to have someone to come home to, that wants you. 
Maybe thats why I'm running, to find that someone even if it is just me. 

Traveling India's Himalayas, is it for you?

Darjheeling, India

What can I say about this place, I love it. When I think of India, this is not the place I picture but has fast become one of my favorite places. After the heat and chaos of the city it was so nice to go up to Darjeeling and get away from the heat and chaos. The mountains have always had a way of healing my soul and rejuvenating me for another "round" in life.

After flying into the worlds smallest airport, Bagdogra we hitched a ride in a hummer up the step mountain road. *disclaimer if you get motion sickness or if you don't like "thrilling" rides than this trip is not for you. Distance wise it is quite close, as in 45km, but time wise it is a few hours away. The ride was quite the adventure with 12 people in a hummer up the step and winding road ascending deeper and deeper into the clouds.

Along the way our driver stopped to put a covering on all our luggage that was on top, we wondered down the road to see the beautiful lush forest, but before we went to far he warned us to watch for tigers and wild elephants!
Interesting side note, every hummer has a driver and an assistant, many of them ride standing on the back bumper! India is so different then America in more ways then one.

Once we reached Darjeeling (as an american you will pronounce this completely wrong, it is not a 3 syllable word, Dahr-jee-ling… it is more like one word slurred together. Dahrsheling.. it is a softer j… )
Anyways back on track once we reached our home for the week we were in love, it is chillier up there but such a welcome respite from Hyderabad. Up there everyone was a lot more relaxed and just went about their business. We had reserved 2 rooms for the 10 of us, but when we checked in they told us we had to pay an exhorbant amount extra for the extra people, but they wouldn't let us cancel either, finally after much back and forth the head manager (or the owner) came from off property and was amazing, he not only didn't charge us extra but he let us use a 3rd room as well. He cited that since we where helping his country he wanted to help us. (so nice of him, people are amazing!)

Everywhere in town is either uphill or downhill, and our rooms were up the stairs (it is all outside stairs and our place was like a villa I suppose, but each room had its own separate feel… but we did have roof access and that was amazing!
We went into town for some dinner and then headed to bed, the next morning I was wide awake thinking it was noon, but when I looked at my phone it was 6am! The sun rises early here, but it was so quaint to have a cup of lemon tea and enjoy the stillness of the morning.

Once everyone was up we stopped at a bakery and grabbed breakfast pastries to eat on the way to our explorations. We started off in search of the tibetan refugee camp, but ended up taking the back road to Observation Hill. As we walked up the hill we saw a monkey and got so excited, and then another, the top of the hill was shrouded in fog but we continued our walk upwards. Soon we started seeing lines of Tibetan prayer flags followed by more prayer flags and still more. The top of the hill is a place where buddhism flourishes and there are many shrines and temples. I found a quite area and just thought for a while, it was such a magical place, so quite and so
removed from the world. The monkeys would run and jump along the lines of prayer flags.



We eventually walked around the top and were able to talk to some buddhist monks about their life and they gave us a blessing and good luck. I noticed that as the monkeys would try and get close and into the temple all the guardians had to do was pick up a rock and they would scatter, they didn't even have to chuck the rock picking it up was enough. We all began to gather as we prepared to descend the hill and venture around some more.  1/2 the group was going down ahead, Anna & I stopped to wait for a few more stragglers to come down.  (did I ever mention that monkey are curious??)
As Anna and I were standing around a young monkey decided that it would be adventurous and climb my leg.. Not wanting and I'll affects I gently nudged the little guy away from my leg… apparently that was very upsetting, he jumped back 35 feet or so and screamed. All the adults in the vicinity took that very personal and came running with bared teeth at me. Umm yes this was terrifying, I went to back up and tripped on the ledge into a small ditch on the side. So not only do I have monkeys getting ready to end my life, I also happen to be trying to balance and not fall and thus render myself totally and completely helpless. One monkey made it and grabbed my leg and bit down hard (I had made a last minute decision to wear my denim jeans instead of my leggings that morning.. this may have saved my life.. Literarlly) As soon as he bit down I flung him off my leg (natural instinct) which only made them angrier. At this point I realize it is probably the end, I am backed against a wall, and if I turn and run they will be on me faster than an open flame can ignite a dry field.
As I am realizing this I pull my hands up to shield my face and take back mocking death by monkeys…at the same time my friends realized what was happening and my hopeless predicament and came charging swinging bags at these ferocious primates. I can not tell you the amount of relief I had at seeing them.  I tend to be a suffer in silence type, so I don't know if I ever even screamed. I was just so focused on the situation. Oh this whole encounter happened within the span of maybe 2 minutes and I was gifted with instant black-and-blue bruising from the encounter.  Later that night at dinner some of the girls were freaking out over the fact that I was attacked by monkeys and were surprised I was so calm about it. There was one other family in the restaurant with us.. As they got  up to leave they informed us that "next time we want to throw around racial slurs to be mindful of who was around". We were all in such shock. Luckily Matt and Hudson quickly got up and followed them out to explain that I really was attacked by monkeys and it had nothing to do with racial slurs.  Just for the record I never want to try for a better story than that.