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Published: November 12th 2006
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Delhi
Weaver Fair 2006- sari weaving loom Well the last 9 days I was living in Delhi, India staying with a host family that a dear friend Maya set me up with. I was greeted at the airport 1st with smiles and hugs, and later laughter on the way back to the Sharma's house. After a month of travelling to and from alone it was such an incredible change.
The Sharma's are a family of 7 people who live in Delhi. Their are extremely warm and loving people who have accepted me as one of their own. They have been extremely helpful in assisting me with arrangements for travel, my volunteer work, and making sure I am as comfortable as possible. Its very hard to put into words how wonderful this family has really been to me. This living and visiting with different families along my travels in India has given me a unique insight to Indian life. Most travellers see the dust, pollution, and crowds and poverty which I have also seen but I also have the ability to learn the diversity and even in such a short time have grown to respect their family system.
A few days ago Rajnish which I will post
Delhi
Outside the Sharma's 3flr balcony a picture of later down the line took me to the Pink city, Jaipur. His neices, Mega and Milli, Rajnish, and I left at 6am on a drive 5 hours away to shop and sight see. I was on sensory overload. The crowds, the colours of dress (Jaipur is none for its diversity, its special cloth prints which are all done by hand, and its pink buildings. While we were driving I experienced for the first time the true meaning of oogling someone... Everytime we passed a motorcycle, car, truck, taxi, bus, or were stopped up in traffic people stared at me. But not just the average look real eyes out of their head, smiles, and chatting amoungst others. Apparently I was a site to be seen with my "pale" skin. While we westerns try our best to have an even tan coloured skin people in Asia, even in Thailand, fantasies about pale skin. Apparently the whiter the better. Milli and Mega got a real laugh as it all.
The shopping was crowded, exciting, and although I didnt get alot it was a great day. We drove home that evening having a long day and went straight to bed.
Delhi
on the way to Jaipur... Slum that stunned me I have done so many things over the last couple weeks. Market shopping, national clothing weaving (yes thats right but as boring as it sounds the fabrics from around India are absolutely amazing). We hit a couple Sikh temples, dirty street ways, saw camels and cows parading and sunbathing on the streets (which I still get a kick of by the way) and so many different people.
I would love to post all the pictures but unfortunately those who are back in Vancouver will have to wait until I get home. Only 21 days to go and still so much to do.
I have been in Mumbai for the last week. Have seen caves, incredible stong carvings, a slew of monkeys, went on a small trek up at Elephanta, took a ferry, went shopping, saw a traditional Indian musical theatre, went to see a hindi movie at the cinema, got on a bollywood set and got my picture taken with one of Indias biggest actors, seen more people that I have ever seen in one place before, and the list goes on. OHHH... I do have to mention that I went for an Indian oil head massage
Delhi
Jaipur market... woman making the base of roti and OH MY GOOD LORD!! It is the most amazing thing I have EVER experienced. I asked the man if I could take him home with me to Canada but he spoke very little english and didnt understand. So if at any point anyone is coming to Mumbai PLEASE contact me for this salons information. I promise you you will not be sorry!
Staying with the Sohoni's here in Mumbai has been quite a wonderful experience. My last day here tomorrow will be spend in an orphanage run by the Catholic church. (Pictures to follow) Tuesday morning I board 5:30am train to Goa where I will be staying at a very nice Portuguese resort in the south. The Sohoni's made a couple calls for me and got me in a nice place for a price within my budget. woohoo
I will be staying in the south of Goa for a week before I return to Delhi for the final weeks of my trip where I will be volunteering at a school for underprivileged children.
I cant believe my trip has gone so fast.....
I will post again when I get back to Delhi with all my
Delhi
Jaipur- pink city Goa pictures...
(Maya dont worry I will remember to stock up on the mango pulp and hindi movies for you!!! Thanks again soooo much for showing me your India which has become one of the most wonderful experiences ever!)
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Carmela
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Hi Loretta, I am so glad your trip has been a wonderful experience for you. Its nice to hear of your experiences. Take care and safe travels. Love Carmela