Getting goosebumps !! Names of CST train station, Leopold Cafe, Taj Hotel - all gave me goosebumps. All these places were hit by terrorists on Nov 26, 2008 in one of the worst acts of mindless violence. Anyways, never say goodbye to India. There is loads to cover on the next trip. :)
Shentons look alike. I really can't think of any Indian film actor who looks like Shenton. The only person I can think of is Aussie cricketer David Warner. He has a huge fan following in India as I discovered on my last trip. It would be interesting to know which film actor people confused him with . Did you get a name? With his glasses on I think Shenton looks like David Warner and even I would have asked for an autograph.
Children eye liner. Parents put eye liners on their children to ward off "evil eye". Bit of a superstition. I had it and my brothers too. I never put them on my kids but the grandparents tied a black thread on the ankle of my little ones for the same purpose. Also, some believe that black eye liners ( called Soorma or Kajal) also improves eye sight. But, that's a myth.
Mirchi Vada and Kachori - super delicious The guy is preparing Kachori and Mirchi Vada. Both are delicious and my favorites from Rajasthan. Should have told you before, both of these go very well with some chilled beer - Haywards 5000.
Nice haircut. I recall watching Michael Palin getting a haircut on a street corner in adhering some years ago, as I can remember the person doing the hair cutting was blind..... anyway will now catch up with all the posts you have now made. We ourselves are on the way to Sarasota in Florida for a friends 70th birthday celebration.
Are you sure ????? Are you sure this is a Diwali procession?? This one looks like a wedding procession. In this picture I can see the groom sitting on a horse with his face behind a "curtain" of flowers. This is a typical wedding procession heading towards either brides home or the wedding venue. You should have joined the procession and attended the wedding. The people in the uniform are on hire, so is the elephant, the horse , the music band etc etc.
Wedding We really did not know what was happening we had guess at Diwali, some wedding it would have been then, you are right, we should have joined in!
Wah Taj !!!!! Great pictures. I am glad that you got to see the Taj without any scaffolding attached. I got that on my last visit as some repair works were on. Looks like you are getting hassled by people who want to make a quick buck by selling their artwork. This will remain in Jaipur as well. Need to get used to it. This is not just to foreigners but local tourists as well. I always tell them that " I live here" and then they stop following you. Someday these people need to learn the art of "subtlety". I am glad you stopped over at Fatehpur Sikri. Some beautiful history there. The palace is also associated with Tansen, a classical singer in the court of Akbar. I am sure you saw the small island structure in the middle of a pond where he used to perform and contest with other singers.
the images look really great, seems you are both seeing a lot of really interesting places. We can only imagine what Diwali would be like in India based on how it is celebrated here by the Hindu expat community. Fireworks are banned from public sae but they do lay on public displays and of course there are the light and candles that all display around their houses and apartments. look forward to reading these as you post...
Connected Hi Guys . Managed to get connected,,, you need to remember I only went digital 20 years ago and still only using one finger .. just starting to have read all about your adventure ( will skip the bit about Shitting the bed ) hope you guys are having a great time it's a very varied country . B??
SOUNDS LIKE TYPICAL RISHIKESH I am so glad you are having a perfect Rishikesh experience. No mention of monkeys on the bridge. May be they were on a day off today. The bridge is bouncy and is called Ram Jhula (named after Lord Rama). "Jhula" literally means A Swing (like Hammock) . So now you know why??? :). There is a similar bridge a few Kms away that's called Laxman Jhula. This one named after Lord Rama's younger brother Lord Laxman. You are surely having a spiritual experience. Enjoy your stay as you will be heading back to the mayhem of Delhi soon and then one scale up on mayhem - Agra.
yes ... sh*t***g the bed, been there before... Vietnam I think you both will remember. We are looking forward to the photos when you get connected. This is so making me want to go to India as soon as possible. whats the weather like?
Andy not sure you realise the comments are public too but never mind everyone now knows you sh*t the bed in Vietnam and Shenton thinks this is hilarious. The weather is great by the way.
Amit
non-member comment
Getting goosebumps !!
Names of CST train station, Leopold Cafe, Taj Hotel - all gave me goosebumps. All these places were hit by terrorists on Nov 26, 2008 in one of the worst acts of mindless violence. Anyways, never say goodbye to India. There is loads to cover on the next trip. :)