Blogs from Andhra Pradesh, India, Asia - page 38

Asia » India » Andhra Pradesh » Hyderabad April 5th 2005

If you've never seen one, auto-rickshaws are a bizarre 3-wheeled scooter enclosed in a rickshaw cabin. They're all around India and provide a cheap means of whizzing through traffic. They also provide some of the greatest action-adventure you can have in this country. You see, I suspect that driving school was one school these guys avoided. Instead of slowing down when there is a slow car in front, auto-rickshaws instead accelerate extra hard and then swerve at the last second to avoid the car, giving little attention to whether traffic exists in the adjacent lane. Another driving technique is to squeeze that horn. Car in your way - no problem, just keep beeping that horn and hope he gets out of the way. Don't slow down or anything in case the car decided to not get ... read more

homey living in hyderabad :)

Asia » India » Andhra Pradesh » Hyderabad January 18th 2005

traditional saris

wandering gypsy

well our time in hyderabad has come to an end- and i had a really pleasant stay :) kellie was the most gracious host and a weath of information about india and it's history as well as about many other things! she really is very knowledgable and has a passion for knowing which shines through when she talks about anything. i am not a history buff- despite being a cancer (the crab is supposed to LOVE history)- but i loved to hear it all from kellie. so not only did i get to relax in an area resembling western civilization but i also go to brush up on my india history ;) all in all a nice week :) so what exactly did we do in our time here? relaxed, ate some great food (courtesy of ... read more

in search of a guru...

Asia » India » Andhra Pradesh » Hyderabad January 18th 2005

Puttaparti

Lauralee

I've finally made it from Hampi to this place called Puttapathi, home of this ashram (sacred spiritual centre) of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, believed to be a living god. I guess this guru has millions of followers around the world and they flock from all over to come and see him. He must be in his 80s now and is still known for his afro-like hair and his orange robe. It was a strange experience to see thousands of people gather just to see a glimpse of him and bow down to worship. Women have to wear shawls here... for what purpose I'm not sure. Perhaps to cover your chest or shoulders? Either way, it definitely makes for a sticky day in the heat. They have some strange rules here (such as the fact that you're ... read more

Seven hills and a divine republic

Asia » India » Andhra Pradesh September 10th 2002

Dejavu

As Saptagiri Express nears the seven sacred hills, pilgrims stretch to look at the parade of temples fleeting by the windows. They prepare themselves for the altitude of piety as the train halts at Tirupati. Though we decided on this trip only last night, Ganesh has been planning it since his father was diagnosed with cancer. The road from the railway station's entrance leads to a temple, with many to follow until the journey ends at the famed Venkateshwara temple on Tirumala 3,200 feet above sea level. Flower vendors and Hanuman lookalikes heckle visitors. Offerings for the god wait for customers on either side of the road. Those who return from the shrine with tonsured heads grab the wigs. Tirupati town and its denizens owe its existence to the sacred occupant on Tirumala. From bus stands ... read more

Poor Nandi, as if I could desert him at this stage!

Asia » India » Andhra Pradesh » Hyderabad November 3rd 2001

Street Wear

Pedallingpete

2001………..6wks-2nd CYCLING TRIP-2,200kms IN SOUTHERN INDIA 31.10.01 Hyderabad I got the overnight train at 1am direct to Hyderabad, 530km away (220rp/ $9.20) I thought a couple of quotes from the railway station in Hospet were timely- given the terrorism and my slight apprehension of moving to a Muslim City. There have been violent demonstrations against the good ol’ USA in Hyderabad only recently. -“The Allah of Islam is the same as the God of Christians and the Ishwar of Hindus” -“Religion is one tree with many branches. As branches, you may say, Religion are many. But as tree, Religion is only one.” -But then as I neared Hyderabad, I noticed some slogans an the walls by the tracks- one was “Killer Clinton go back” Other snippets of wisdom I’ve come across are: "Wealth is not for ... read more

Brief history of India

The Indus Valley civilization, one of the oldest in the world, dates back at least 5,000 years. Aryan tribes from the northwest invaded about 1500 B.C.; their merger with the earlier Dravidian inhabitants created the classical Indian culture. Arab in...more history

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