Amritsar, Golden Temple, Sikh

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In Amritsar. Didn't sleep much last night, took off at 6:00am to get to the train station this morning. Long ass ride with screaming children. Agriculture. Rice. Fruit trees. Jilns for bricks. Corn. Strange haystacks.

But we finally arrived. The only non-indian tourists we could see, accosted by drivers. Eventually made it to the info center - notsohelpful. Aot an autorickshaw to the Temple. Found the info center. Again, notsomuch very helpful. Went to go find lodging. Are staying in the free open beds at the Temple. Ate lunch at the langar with free dal and bread.

We're such a rare sight - reminds me of China. Walking around inside the Temple boys come up and shake our hands and ask to have pictures taken with us. Old women smile and want photos taken with us, have their baby grandchildren thrust into our arms while we smile, yet again, for another photo. Flattering at first, tiring after a while. Would be nice to sit and take in the surroundings for a few moments.

The Golden Temple is ... hauntingly beautiful. Chanting. Singing. Immense water. White marble. Barefeet. Head covered. Boys bathing in the water. Rainstorm. Gold. So much gold. Spears. Orange suits, turbans, and flags.

Warrior. Spears. Swords. Even some women wear daggers. Gataka.

Had a light dinner. Heading back to the dorm for sleep soon. Exhausted.

Immensely beautiful... photos from online doesn't do it justice...

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Photos

golden temple sunset
amritsar and the sikh golden temple at sunset on our first night staying at the temple complex.

orange turban
walking around the temple, counterclockwise, so the right hand is always facing the center and the temple. the left hand is considered dirty in india and you walk counterclockwise around all temples, no matter the religion.

happy children
at the golden temple

women in the water
the temple is the sikh's holiest site and everyone wants to bathe in the water and gather some of the holy water to take home, too.