Welcome Home We are so happy for you and Stan and the opportunity you had to serve the people of India. This was truly a trip of a lifetime. I can't imagine what you two are planning for your next adventure. I must admit that I will miss the hearing from you and your blog and seeing all the amazing sights. Have a safe trip home and call us when you get in. Be well.
Great experience I am glad you guys had such an experience. As you know, Bev and I were in India four times but the amount of time we spent there was not much less than yours and we did not do a work site which I am a jealous of. You are lucky to have been there. We were in some of the places you went in Kerala. Loved Cochin. Welcome back.
Stan
India Trip Your trip is so full of interesting places and events. It is marvelous to read about it and see your wonderful pictures as well. Your enthusiasm and energy come right back out to me.
marriage and death Well, the weddings and funeral ceremonies have one thing in common--anniversaries!! What dramatic life passages you are experiencing the Indian way.
Joy and Honor I feel great joy in participating in th wedding via this blog. I feel great honor in participating in the celebration of the live of those who have changed before or change.
Fascinating Thanks for following our blog, Jen. In response to your question, 99.9% of women here continue to wear traditional garb, while only about 50% or less of the men do. None of my male co-workers wear traditional dress. So it would actually look odd for me, a Westerner, to don the dhoti or lungi. Whether I'd have the guts to do it even if I'd fit in, is another question.
Why is the Taj on the banks of Hinduism's second holiest river, Yamuna. Please visit this site to find out:
http://www.stephen-knapp.com/was_the_taj_mahal_a_vedic_temple.htm
Fascinating Thanks again for another fascinating installment. It's wonderful to be enjoying your adventure so vicariously.
Margaret, I see you've embraced the local wardrobe. Stan? What about you? That western dress you're wearing looks mightily out of place. Will we soon see a photo of you in a dhoti or a lungi?
What an extraordinary experience, on so many levels. We're all so proud of you for your commitment, passion, wonder and optimism. It sounds like you're doing great work. Thanks for sharing this experience with us!
Hard at Work in India I had no idea the scope of your mission was so multi-faceted. Good Luck! You both look well, and Margeret, per your appearance in a "red sari", it looks like you're enjoying the Indian cuisine.
Thanks for the comprehensive report.
What an amazing experience.
Obviously so different from the US, but you appear to be working on the issues that characterized your work at home.
primeval events You appear to be returning to a 'state of nature' re-created in man made colors, parades, festivals, etc. Will you ever be able to go home again? It looks exciting to be part of this grand civilization with new events and people every day.
Chilling at the Taj You two look thrilled to be there, whether in the streets or at the momentous Taj Mahal, your words and photos bring me there in spirit. It is hard to imagine what it's really like being there amidst the masses of people who live large outdoors.
Muslims in India According to Wikipedia, who cited a few different sources, here's the top 4 countries: Indonesia - just over 200 million, Pakistan - about 160 mil., India - about 150 mil, and Bangladesh - just over 130 mil. I remembered Indonesia being #1, but didn't know Pakistan was #2.
Muslims in Inida A person giving a presentation on India stated that India, as a country, has the largest number of Muslims in the world. I have not done independent research on this, but it seems possible due to the total population.
Muslims in India You mention that Muslims constitute 15% of the Indian population. On one hand that seems relatively small, but for a country of a billion people, it constitutes the 2nd largest Muslim population in the world.
How Exciting Margaret, You are a great writer....and photographer. So nice to see and hear your first day story. I again love the colors.....thank you for bringing me along on your journey..... Lynne
We are traveling to India to do a volunteer service project. We will be volunteering for 2 months in Cuttack, Orissa, India at a legal assistance project for the poor. We will be doing some limited traveling before and after the volunteer placement. We hope to learn more about everyday living and Indian culture and society by working with and becoming part of a local community for a few months. We hope to share this with our friends and family.... full info
Roberta
non-member comment
Welcome Home
We are so happy for you and Stan and the opportunity you had to serve the people of India. This was truly a trip of a lifetime. I can't imagine what you two are planning for your next adventure. I must admit that I will miss the hearing from you and your blog and seeing all the amazing sights. Have a safe trip home and call us when you get in. Be well.