India 2006 - Amir's thoughts of first visit to India
When it sunk in I was going to India for the first time, I didn't really know what to think. I constantly thought, what is it going to be like? I have traveled to many places, but this trip had my mind more curious than any other trip. Perhaps it is because part of my roots are Indian, or maybe Ami's fondness for India, or even that I am going for the first time when it is a place I have always wanted to visit? It is a combination of all of the above, and perhaps more. I was content being curious and excited.
When we touched down in Mumbai on February 3rd, I was excited to see India. Let me out of the plane I thought. Little did I realize when I got off the plane that I would be confronted with the following: no lights in the airport hallway, learning at the baggage claim that 'dhakoing' and 'ghoosing' were a way of life, and that 'No' does not mean anything to taxi drivers. I loved it. I loved it because it wasn't home. I loved it because it was different.
It didn't take long to notice other differences as well:
1) Animals. Cows own the city. They were everywhere. To hear that there were once more blew my mind. I mean, you drive down the road and a cow could be standing there, and it won't move. My first thought was I don't see cows like this except at the Zoo, or in Coalinga on the drive down to LA. But then, I saw monkeys, elephants, dogs, donkeys, horses, multiple types of birds, pigs, boars, and other animals. And then you compound the elements with the way people drive, the concept of a zoo was an understatement. Again, I loved it.
2) Bucket Showers. I mean, come on, how do you not have a divider between the toilet and the place you shower? Indian style toilets….interesting! It's a way of life, so you adjust. J
3) Travel Options. We traveled via foot, rickshaw, car, bus, train, and plane. Riding around in rickshaws was crazy, especially when all 5 of us squeezed into one. One of my favorite sounds during the travels: At the train stops hearing 'Chai, Chai, Chai…Gharam Chai….Chai, Chai, Chai.' You have to have the right voice for that job!
4) Cricket is not a sport covered in the states, as we have baseball, but I am glad I was able to watch the sport, experience the passion and rivalry of the sport between India and Pakistan, and learn the sport. Thanks Raj! I am looking forward to the next Cricket match with England on March 1st.
Places we visited, and key highlights:
Mumbai - visiting Ami's relatives. Juhu beach - man, first time I went to the beach and everyone was fully dressed. It feels more like being at a carnival, with all the food vendors. You have chaos on the beach, but you looked out at the ocean, it was peaceful.
Surat - visiting Ami's relatives and shopping at Aussie!
Ahmedabad - visiting the people and location of a place close to Ami's heart, Manav Sadhna. The people behind the cause are amazing, inspirational people. Having the opportunity to speak with Vhirenbhai provided insight on his passion for founding the organization, and the amazing programs they have established. Quite an amazing place. Having the opportunity to visit the Tekra with Jayeshbhai was an eye opening experience. The conditions these people live in are sad, but the hope that MS provides is heart warming.
Jaisalmer - The city within the Fort. Just seeing the fort from the distance is an awesome sight, and then to be in it and see the abundance of life within the fort city is cool. I'll have to let the pictures do the speaking. Attending the desert festival was really cool, and watching the Kabadi match was off the hook (check out these pics - once we post them). Going to Khuri Village in the desert to ride the camels (ouch! - my recommendation, don't go on them when they run) to the sand dunes and watch the sunset was a great experience.
Jaipur - All I have to say is Monkey Temple! Visiting this Mandir at dusk was straight up a scene out of Indiana Jones. There were hundreds of monkeys running in front of you, behind you, by you, and crowding the mountainsides the mandir sat on, squealing, and constantly fighting for territory. Don't bring food with you!!!
Amritsar - the pictures you see do not do the Golden Temple justice. The serenity of the temple is amazing, and visiting it is a must to truly understand the beauty of this temple. Attending the border ceremony at Wagah border was insane. The dancing, chanting, daily troop ceremonies - I mean, this happens everyday!!!!!
Lastly, shots out to Ami's family. Her relatives in India were very hospitable. And, her parents and brother showed me what a great time India is. Much props to the parents for making it through two nights on the train. That is hard core!!! Thanks for planning a great trip Raj. Without them, who knows what my first trip to India would have been like….especially not knowing Hindi or Gujurati…….some day I'll learn J
These thoughts represent just some of my high level thoughts. Overall, I enjoyed my first India experience. I am looking forward to seeing more of India. When that day will come…..who knows…..but hopefully soon.
When we touched down in Mumbai on February 3rd, I was excited to see India. Let me out of the plane I thought. Little did I realize when I got off the plane that I would be confronted with the following: no lights in the airport hallway, learning at the baggage claim that 'dhakoing' and 'ghoosing' were a way of life, and that 'No' does not mean anything to taxi drivers. I loved it. I loved it because it wasn't home. I loved it because it was different.
It didn't take long to notice other differences as well:
1) Animals. Cows own the city. They were everywhere. To hear that there were once more blew my mind. I mean, you drive down the road and a cow could be standing there, and it won't move. My first thought was I don't see cows like this except at the Zoo, or in Coalinga on the drive down to LA. But then, I saw monkeys, elephants, dogs, donkeys, horses, multiple types of birds, pigs, boars, and other animals. And then you compound the elements with the way people drive, the concept of a zoo was an understatement. Again, I loved it.
2) Bucket Showers. I mean, come on, how do you not have a divider between the toilet and the place you shower? Indian style toilets….interesting! It's a way of life, so you adjust. J
3) Travel Options. We traveled via foot, rickshaw, car, bus, train, and plane. Riding around in rickshaws was crazy, especially when all 5 of us squeezed into one. One of my favorite sounds during the travels: At the train stops hearing 'Chai, Chai, Chai…Gharam Chai….Chai, Chai, Chai.' You have to have the right voice for that job!
4) Cricket is not a sport covered in the states, as we have baseball, but I am glad I was able to watch the sport, experience the passion and rivalry of the sport between India and Pakistan, and learn the sport. Thanks Raj! I am looking forward to the next Cricket match with England on March 1st.
Places we visited, and key highlights:
Mumbai - visiting Ami's relatives. Juhu beach - man, first time I went to the beach and everyone was fully dressed. It feels more like being at a carnival, with all the food vendors. You have chaos on the beach, but you looked out at the ocean, it was peaceful.
Surat - visiting Ami's relatives and shopping at Aussie!
Ahmedabad - visiting the people and location of a place close to Ami's heart, Manav Sadhna. The people behind the cause are amazing, inspirational people. Having the opportunity to speak with Vhirenbhai provided insight on his passion for founding the organization, and the amazing programs they have established. Quite an amazing place. Having the opportunity to visit the Tekra with Jayeshbhai was an eye opening experience. The conditions these people live in are sad, but the hope that MS provides is heart warming.
Jaisalmer - The city within the Fort. Just seeing the fort from the distance is an awesome sight, and then to be in it and see the abundance of life within the fort city is cool. I'll have to let the pictures do the speaking. Attending the desert festival was really cool, and watching the Kabadi match was off the hook (check out these pics - once we post them). Going to Khuri Village in the desert to ride the camels (ouch! - my recommendation, don't go on them when they run) to the sand dunes and watch the sunset was a great experience.
Jaipur - All I have to say is Monkey Temple! Visiting this Mandir at dusk was straight up a scene out of Indiana Jones. There were hundreds of monkeys running in front of you, behind you, by you, and crowding the mountainsides the mandir sat on, squealing, and constantly fighting for territory. Don't bring food with you!!!
Amritsar - the pictures you see do not do the Golden Temple justice. The serenity of the temple is amazing, and visiting it is a must to truly understand the beauty of this temple. Attending the border ceremony at Wagah border was insane. The dancing, chanting, daily troop ceremonies - I mean, this happens everyday!!!!!
Lastly, shots out to Ami's family. Her relatives in India were very hospitable. And, her parents and brother showed me what a great time India is. Much props to the parents for making it through two nights on the train. That is hard core!!! Thanks for planning a great trip Raj. Without them, who knows what my first trip to India would have been like….especially not knowing Hindi or Gujurati…….some day I'll learn J
These thoughts represent just some of my high level thoughts. Overall, I enjoyed my first India experience. I am looking forward to seeing more of India. When that day will come…..who knows…..but hopefully soon.
posted by Raj Kanani | 1:42 AM
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