INDIA PART I: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly but Not Necessarily in that Order


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Asia » India
January 11th 2010
Published: March 18th 2010
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"Travel was pointless. It removed you from the place in which you had a meaning, and to which you gave meaning in return by dedicating your life to it, and it spirited you away into fairylands where you were, and looked, frankly absurd."--from The Enchantress of Florence by Salman Rushdie Flashback: Bangkok, Thailand—October 2009. “Another holiday, what do you mean another holiday?” I ask... Read Full Entry



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Wiring, Indian-styleWiring, Indian-style
Wiring, Indian-style

No wonder we have so many blackouts!
A sad sightA sad sight
A sad sight

This is one of the historic synagogues in Kolkata that has fallen into disuse and disrepair. It now sits behind a wrought-iron fence looking forlorn in the midst of a chaotic neighborhood.
Mamallapuram beachMamallapuram beach
Mamallapuram beach

Unfortunately the fisherman sleep and poop on the beach. Watch your step!
Iconic ImagesIconic Images
Iconic Images

This picture symbolizes rural India for me. An ancient temple, a beautifully dressed girl and a free-range goat all far from the hectic cities. Peaceful Mamallapuram.
What are these strange notches in the rock for?What are these strange notches in the rock for?
What are these strange notches in the rock for?

I'll leave that to future archaeologists
Holy Paper-munching Cow, Batman!Holy Paper-munching Cow, Batman!
Holy Paper-munching Cow, Batman!

Supposedly cows are sacred in India but I saw some guy pelleting this calf with a rock. I guess restaurant flyers are more sacred.
Ancient carved structure in MamallapuramAncient carved structure in Mamallapuram
Ancient carved structure in Mamallapuram

What is this for? Breeding mosquitoes of course!
Yes, I know sunscreen was invented for people like me.Yes, I know sunscreen was invented for people like me.
Yes, I know sunscreen was invented for people like me.

I tried to wash my shirt off in the ocean and the tide promptly swept it out to sea, I had to walk back the 3 kilometers without a shirt
This was one of the restaurant ownersThis was one of the restaurant owners
This was one of the restaurant owners

He was just super excited to have his picture taken



18th March 2010

Great post
Well written and very informative. Been around myself and always considered India. If I do go I'll need to do the luxury trip. Thanks for your honesty. Regards, William
19th March 2010

You both look so happy in your pictures (except the sunburn one, Kev). If mom just looks at the pictures, rather than reading the blog (which I have a sneaking suspicion about) she might think that you are part of the "Incredible India" campaign. Glad you guys got out of there alive.
19th March 2010

Loved this blog
I looooved your blog!!! I have never been to India or anywhere quite that "3rd worldly" I find the culture really interesting and would love to go...eventually...but I do know its extremly dirty and not quite sure i'd be able to handle it all!! My biggest fear is getting sick on a trip and in India it looks unvoidable! Hmmm...maybe one day I will go, Id still love to, but this was a great post!
20th March 2010

INDIA
Hi Kevin and Ammi... Thanks so much for your comment against my India blog... You feel my pain... very very funny, but so true... You have done extremely well to make it through 10 weeks... :)... Thanks so much for information on Turkey... I am so looking forward to it... On my last day in Delhi... Yeeha... You have written an absolutely fantastic blog on your experience here... Your assessment tool is perfect... :) Take care and enjoy your next destination... Nic...
20th March 2010

Previous Entries
You have me hooked. I'm going back to the start of your trip to read all your posts. None of the usual gap year booze-up in BKK stories. Hope you are going to be travelling for a while longer. Looking forward to your next blog. Hope you guy's continue to have a wonderful trip, take it easy and don't push it. Can become hard work if you do. Just enjoy yourselves and tell us all about it. William (UK), grey sky and raining, again !
12th April 2010

incredible
so well written! its been awhile since I have read this but WOW I am back to being hooked on your travel tales. love you both

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