Blogs from Haryana, India, Asia - page 5

The smells are what marks the greatest contrast between America and India. As I walked along the dirt and sand stone roads this afternoon and evening each step brings a new smell with it... literally each step. For example just walking from one street corner to another I smelled burning wood, gasoline, peanuts, something really spicy, rotting trash, and then a acrid smell that I held my breath for. I don't really like all the smells, but I think that is because it is just different than how it is at home. The beggars are so numerous, but they will not hound you. It’s the sellers that you have to dodge and run from. Kinda makes me not want to buy anything from them. While out roaming the streets with Sarah we went into a historical ... read more

I'd like to start this Blog entry off by thanking one Mr. Ryan Lee. A co-worker of mine at Aecon suggested many months back to try out a Vipassana course. At the time, I didn't really know what it was, other then it had something to do with meditation and buddhism. I found a 10 day course running from Dec 2 to 13 in India, which fit my travel schedule perfectly so I registered my name....not sure whether or not I would actually do it. Well, I did actually take the course and am happy I did. If you generally don't believe in religion, or spirituality, give this blog a chance. I, by no means am religious, or a spiritual person, but I found Vipassana to be suprisingly scientific base....with a few leaps of faith. Another ... read more

I have now finally gotten around to do some volunterwork here in India, and it may not come as a big surprise to you that this includes animals and there welfare.. Friendicoes seca is an animal welfare organization here in India (much needed here!!) which basically does the same as other such organizations around the world i.e. raising money for shelter, food and veterinary expenses for lost, sick and abandoned animals. They have a sanctuary in Gurgaon, quite far out on the countryside, where they have monkeys- most are found abandoned around Dehli when they are babies; then there are the bunny rabbits and the guinneapigs , which of course as everywhere else is sold out way to cheap from petshops with the result that they are easily abandoned of bored owners; and the dogs and ... read more

Here is a short video illustrating the fun ride i had back from the Palms club yesterday evening..Our driver was supposed to pick me up, however, due some miscommunication (surprise surprise..) he was in Dehli when I called and because of the Diwali (festival of lights) which is going on in all of India (=traffic jams are taken to another level, and that is actually rather amazing, I did not think that was possible..Incred..India). I got a taxi from the palms, and the plan was to go home with my bag and then drive over to a big shoppingmall for a bowling night. However, the trafficjam outside was an absolute disaster, and it took us to hours to "drive" (we sat in the car, traffic was not moving at all) approximately 5 km... Fun fun fun! ... read more

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohIYxWcpr_U... read more