Discovering India
The sound of rickshaws and bikes whizzing by.
The sight of women donning brightly coloured saris,
drivers stopping for cows in the middle of streets;
cows pooping wherever, playing hop scotch over cow dung
The smell of spicy curry and nan (flatbread) on my fingers!
Every day was an adventure!
Yes, I am speaking of India! Though busy and what some may deem chaotic, everything seemed to flow systematically.
The cuisine provides a bellyful of reasons why it’s one of my favourite places to visit. It is a huge country with incredible history and heritage, but also a land of extremes. On one end of the continuum are colorful festivals, and beautiful landscapes, and at the other end, are the homeless, beggars and street children. There were women with young babies begging on the street and street children doing magic tricks. On TV channels were mainly people of fair complexions, a contrast with the darker skinned people we encountered on streets who occupied a different social space; a different caste: two different Indias. Some places were dirty and there wasn’t any toilet paper at one of our hotels (it is standard to use a water spray hose).
My friend and I, Kadian, whom I now affectionately call “Mango Belly” did the Golden Triangle Tour with a hired driver throughout our stay in Delhi, Jaipur, Rajasthan and Agra. Our entire trip was guided; from drop-offs to popular tourist sites and restaurants, then back to our hotels.
I was on a discovery of unearthing India’s history and cultural heritage by learning about Gandhi and his contribution to India’s independence and visiting the Taj Mahal; a mausoleum and UNESCO World Heritage Site that looked surreal from a distance- similar to a painting from a book. Stories of the Hawa Mahal, built to house royal wives and concubines captured my imagination. The honey comb like structure of the Hawa Mahal had windows which allowed the royal women to observe the crowds below while being hidden from the public eye. I practiced weaving, learnt about silk and textures ,visited an establishment where carpets are made and encountered snake charmers on the way.
As we rode in the tuk-tuk, it was lovely watching men playing chess on pavements.
We were cocooned during the entire guided trip and I was curious to discover spots where locals ate and shopped. Seeing India through different lenses would provide a different perspective. My friend and I got dressed and ventured out for the first time on our own unprepared for what we’d encounter. Now I was wearing my tailor made top that had been delivered. The bustling roads had us running from one end to the next. Train travel was an experience in itself; inside the station behind a sandbag was a soldier holding a heavy gun and passengers scanning their bags before boarding trains. While on the train, a woman stared at my sheer tights- I’m not sure if she was impressed. But, that was not all; while crossing the street, a man grabbed my breast in broad day light. I think that was the only negative thing about the trip, aside from the hotel worker who entered our room unannounced. And, oh, I had diarrhea on the last day of the trip.
Still, I love India! The food- the colours- the music!
At the market, we found some really delicious East Indian mangoes, the same we have in Jamaica! I guess the indentured labourers brought them from East India to Jamaica. We enjoyed the mangoes! Now, you know where Kadian got her name!
Some interesting facts:
- Cows are revered and protected in India.
- Eating with your hands is part of the culture , but only the right hand is reserved for eating as using the left hand is seen as rude and unclean. It is said that touching the food with your hands creates a connection with it.
- Paan/ betel leaves give the teeth a red stained look when chewed. It used as a mouth freshener and is said to aid in digestion.
A couple of things to be mindful of :
- Botted water – It was evident, just by looking at the cap, that the bottled was tampered with. It appeared someone had re-used the plastic water bottle by refilling it with tap water. Always check to make sure that the cap is properly sealed. Don’t use tap water to brush your teeth.
- What to wear
In India, be mindful of what you wear. Being properly dressed is no protection against being groped. However, pack respectful, modest clothing.
Layout of the Golden Triangle Tour :
Day 1
Dehli
-Old Dehli (the most historic part of the metropolis),
-Jama Masjid,the principal mosque of Old Delhi
– Rickshaw ride through Chandi Chowk, the old marketplace of Shah Jahanabad
-RedFort
In New Dehli, Raj Ghat, memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.
Drove past the India Gate and President’s House
Humayun’s Tomb
UNESCO World Heritage SiteQutub Minar
Day 2
Jaipur
Pink City, the flamboyant & colourful capital of Rajasthan.
Day 3
Jaipur
Amber Fort with Elephant ride
-the City Palace, a perfect blend of Rajasthani & Mughal architecture
Jantar Mantar(Solar Observatory)
Hawa Mahal(Palace of Winds), a five-storied structure of pink sandstone
– Shopping tour in the evening
Day 4
Agra
Fatehpur Sikri(Ghost Capital),
Emperor Akbar’s Residential complex, Mosque & Tomb of Salim Chisti.
Day 5
Agra
UNESCO World Heritage SiteTheTaj Mahal
Agra Fort
Sikandara,Akbar’s tomb.
Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb
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