(Sorry for the delay...been a hectic couple of days...)
Jaisalmer: The Ocean Desert!
So arriving in Jaisalmer, completely submerged in the Desert, I felt like I was living Aladins life. (Although it has come to my attention that the movie does not take place here, I will pretend it does!) I had a magical view of the golden Jaisalmer fort from my room and every house was a golden sand colour with open rooftops where colourful saries hang to dry! Really a beautiful sight. My main reason for coming to this magical (and extremely hot) desert was for the Camel Safari! Eager to get on a camel I booked the tour for the next day!
Riding a camel is not THAT difficult. It's very similar to riding a strangely humped, long necked horse! (Probably the consequence of a horse and a giraffe getting confused in this heat!) Strange... but beautiful animals! My camel was Mr. Magoo...a sneaky little youngster, the trouble maker of the group! We got along really well :) haha. By the end of day 1 I could barely sit! Riding a camel isn't the most comfortable thing! But nothing a good nights rest under the stars and some delicious fire brewed chai can't fix. (By fix I mean form temporary amnesia) By the next morning that sore bum was hard to forget! Especially after hours of GALLOPING through the desert. (Yes, that's right...I am such a professional that I had Mr. Magoo running!) But that sore bum was completely worth it! This safari completely exceeded my expectations! (Not that I really had expectations since I've learnt that's how you get disappointed!)
My departure of Jaisalmer was quite the memorable one! 5 minutes to the trains departure I was running after the already moving train with all my bags, trying to pay my host for my stay!
18 hours later I arrived in Delhi...here is where the craziness begins...
Agra: the Taj Mahal
So since my last two destinations happen to be the most popular tourist spots train tickets are all booked! So eventually I found (yet another) sketchy rickety broken down bus to get me to Agra! Struggling to keep my eyes open (since it's next to impossible to get ANY sleep on the overnight trains/buses), I arrived in Agra in the middle of the night. Threw my bags down and slept...for 4 hours! Then it was time to get up, shower...which conveniently my room ran out of water mid shower, so I had to sneak into another room to rinse the shampoo out of my hair...and get to the TAJ MAHAL for sunrise!
My whole trip I had been debating whether or not to see the Taj Mahal. So I definitely didn't expect the Taj Mahal to be that spectacular AND it gave me goose bumps! It was breath taking! Such a beautiful love story and a remarkable building! Definitely worth the lack of sleep and craziness it took for me to get to! (Not sure it was exactly worth the 750 Rupee price! -indians only pay 20 Rupees, but still very glad I went)
Now, still suffering from lack of sleep, I booked a train ticket to Varanassi (my last stop) for that night. Only to realize later that I am wait listed (#128!). I knew it was too good to be true! Getting a ticket so easily!? Well, I couldn't wait! I have only a few days left in India and I MUST get to Varanassi! So I packed up my bags and jumped on the train without a seat and crossed my fingers that a smile and batt of the eyes would get me to Varanassi...even if it meant sleeping on the floor! (AND it worked...even was given a bed!)
Varanassi: the Holy City
I didn't think it was possible but it just keeps getting hotter and hotter...and after a 13 hour trip to Varanassi, now incredibly sleep deprived, I was starting to feel a little crazy! Watching body after body being burned, seeing mistreated, suffering animals everywhere, walking down tiny mazes of streets, crowded with thousands of people my first unfortunate experience with being sick! HEAT STROKE! In Varanassi of all places! With temperature reaching record highs here, NO a/c, the shower water hot, the drinking water is warm, unless you're lucky enough to find a cold one- which only lasts a few minutes- the fans are temperamental, and NOW to add to this a fever! I thought I was going to DIE! There's no escape!
Thankfully after 12 hours of sleep, 4 liters of warm water forced in me and cooling myself with wet clothes constantly I have managed to recover...as best I can...
Only 4 days left in India! Crazy! Couple more days in Varanassi and then back to Delhi! Oh how I dread Delhi...I've been avoiding it as long as possible! But after this place...I think I could handle anywhere! Varanassi is quite something!
Friday, May 18, 2012
Thursday, May 10, 2012
A Whole New World!
Not 5 minutes outside of Jaipur and I was in the desert! Hot, dry, dusty sandy desert. (Camels included) Instantly all my negativity evaporated (probably due to the extreme heat being blown on me!) I was headed for a small town, Pushkar, just west of Jaipur.
My arrival in Pushkar was a true Indian experience. The bus packed full to capacity (probably more then capacity...) Swerved off the road hit an electrical pole and hung just over the edge of a small cliff. If it weren't for the pole I think we'd all still be in the river! "WELCOME TO PUSHKAR" the bus driver said to me once everyone was out safely. (Huge smile on his face) Haha What a welcome indeed!
Pushkar is a little slice of heaven. With not much to do except see a few temples, the holy ghats (where people bath) and SHOP (my main interest!) Its pretty much all you can handle anyways since its 40 something degrees ALL the time with NO escape. The closest thing to an air conditioner would be to stick your head a fridge! And with power not the most reliable thing here, neither fans or fridges can cool you down! Like I said...there's NO escape!
It's so refreshing to come to a town where everyone you pass greets you with "Namaste" and whether you are shopping, just walking by, sight seeing, eating you are always offered free chai! PSH! Who wouldn't love a town that constantly offers you free CHAI! Brilliant! Even if it's a billion degrees outside "Yes! I'd love some CHAI!!!" I think all places in the world should take note and start doing this! (Side note: it has recently been brought to my attention that CHAI actually means TEA in Hindu, and is not a TYPE of tea! Oops...no wonder I get weird looks when I order chai tea! What I mean to say is chai MASALA! Lesson learned!).
I can't help but smile from ear to ear when I walk down the streets (Whilst listening to the Aladin soundtrack of course!) and pass a camel! I LOVE camels! For me to see them everywhere like this is so surreal! And they are everywhere! Kids are riding them, they are used to pull wagons, sometimes they just hang around the streets, I swear some are even pets!? I WANT A PET CAMEL! Cows are also EVERYWHERE here...but I don't want a pet Cow...just the camel will do :)
After what has been a really enjoyable and relaxing few days I am heading further into the Great Thar Desert where I hope to see more camels and to sweat even more then I already am! (Not sure if it's possible but from what I hear...Jaisalmer is HOT) Leave it to me to head to the desert in the hottest month of the year! :p
My arrival in Pushkar was a true Indian experience. The bus packed full to capacity (probably more then capacity...) Swerved off the road hit an electrical pole and hung just over the edge of a small cliff. If it weren't for the pole I think we'd all still be in the river! "WELCOME TO PUSHKAR" the bus driver said to me once everyone was out safely. (Huge smile on his face) Haha What a welcome indeed!
Pushkar is a little slice of heaven. With not much to do except see a few temples, the holy ghats (where people bath) and SHOP (my main interest!) Its pretty much all you can handle anyways since its 40 something degrees ALL the time with NO escape. The closest thing to an air conditioner would be to stick your head a fridge! And with power not the most reliable thing here, neither fans or fridges can cool you down! Like I said...there's NO escape!
It's so refreshing to come to a town where everyone you pass greets you with "Namaste" and whether you are shopping, just walking by, sight seeing, eating you are always offered free chai! PSH! Who wouldn't love a town that constantly offers you free CHAI! Brilliant! Even if it's a billion degrees outside "Yes! I'd love some CHAI!!!" I think all places in the world should take note and start doing this! (Side note: it has recently been brought to my attention that CHAI actually means TEA in Hindu, and is not a TYPE of tea! Oops...no wonder I get weird looks when I order chai tea! What I mean to say is chai MASALA! Lesson learned!).
I can't help but smile from ear to ear when I walk down the streets (Whilst listening to the Aladin soundtrack of course!) and pass a camel! I LOVE camels! For me to see them everywhere like this is so surreal! And they are everywhere! Kids are riding them, they are used to pull wagons, sometimes they just hang around the streets, I swear some are even pets!? I WANT A PET CAMEL! Cows are also EVERYWHERE here...but I don't want a pet Cow...just the camel will do :)
After what has been a really enjoyable and relaxing few days I am heading further into the Great Thar Desert where I hope to see more camels and to sweat even more then I already am! (Not sure if it's possible but from what I hear...Jaisalmer is HOT) Leave it to me to head to the desert in the hottest month of the year! :p
Monday, May 7, 2012
The Pink City
Jaipur gave me my first real taste of the North. The men are WAY more aggressive, the air is thick and dusty, and there are so many more flies!!! The Amber fort was incredible but that would be the only positive thing I have to say about this Pink City! Why I thought I would ever enjoy a city that is pink is beyond me!
I met a couple girls in my dorm who are also traveling alone (unfortunately none of them heading my way) It was nice to exchance stories and realize I'm not the only one struggling with this country! As a girl here we have to put up with so much and it can get quite exhausting! But the good news is I am still here, still pushing through...as much as I am desperate to get out of this place sometimes...I refuse to give up!
I met a couple girls in my dorm who are also traveling alone (unfortunately none of them heading my way) It was nice to exchance stories and realize I'm not the only one struggling with this country! As a girl here we have to put up with so much and it can get quite exhausting! But the good news is I am still here, still pushing through...as much as I am desperate to get out of this place sometimes...I refuse to give up!
Friday, May 4, 2012
Amritsar
India is FULL of little games! One can very easily keep themselves entertained while walking from point A to point B. Try to guess how many times you'll get asked if you want a rickshaw, or how many times you'll get someone saying "hello" and try to start a conversation with you, or how many tourists you'll spot along the way, how many times someone will try and sell you something, and if you're feeling VERY daring, try and count how many honks you'll hear, etc...(the list could go on forever!) So long as you're in a good mood these little annoyances can make for quite some fun! That being said it IS still an annoyance! One which can't ALWAYS be fun and entertaining, no matter how hard you try!
Now as for Amritsar...I LOVE this strange little city. There's not much to do here other then visit the Golden temple! But it is so breathtakingly beautiful and so peaceful you can easily spend hours there. And its not the kind of place you just visit once! I spent a few days there and never felt bored :) I love how welcoming this temple is. ANYONE can enter, eat or even sleep (if you so wish) for free! All they ask is you be respectful, wash your feet and cover your head. Simple as that!:)
On my second evening here I witnessed one of the strangest events I have ever seen. The closing of the border ceremony between India and Pakistan! Everyday at sunset crowds of hundreds gather to sing and dance and watch the guards marching performance as they close the gates and take down the flags. I couldn't believe the amount of people that come to this! This isn't a one sided event either! Both Pakistan and India chant and march and witness this strange event. It felt as if I had attended a sporting event by accident? I'm not really sure what the purpose of such a performance is, or why it is such an event EVERYday but it was definitely worth it!
Now I'm making my way into the desert! Next stop...Jaipur.
Now as for Amritsar...I LOVE this strange little city. There's not much to do here other then visit the Golden temple! But it is so breathtakingly beautiful and so peaceful you can easily spend hours there. And its not the kind of place you just visit once! I spent a few days there and never felt bored :) I love how welcoming this temple is. ANYONE can enter, eat or even sleep (if you so wish) for free! All they ask is you be respectful, wash your feet and cover your head. Simple as that!:)
On my second evening here I witnessed one of the strangest events I have ever seen. The closing of the border ceremony between India and Pakistan! Everyday at sunset crowds of hundreds gather to sing and dance and watch the guards marching performance as they close the gates and take down the flags. I couldn't believe the amount of people that come to this! This isn't a one sided event either! Both Pakistan and India chant and march and witness this strange event. It felt as if I had attended a sporting event by accident? I'm not really sure what the purpose of such a performance is, or why it is such an event EVERYday but it was definitely worth it!
Now I'm making my way into the desert! Next stop...Jaipur.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Sum up the South
Hard to believe but my time in the South of India is up! From here on out I will be traveling the land of Forts and desert! I look forward to seeing the differences between the North and the South but at the same time I am sad to leave the comfort of the south! I know, shocking! I said comfort when referring to India! As much as India has been a struggle at times, I keep pushing through and am constantly rewarded with the unique beauty that is India! My last couple days in Kerela have been so amazing. I spent a couple nights up in the hills of Munnar where I FINALLY got a break from the heat! It was so nice to get all cozy under blankets and drink tea while I'm NOT sweating buckets! :) Mind you when I say it was cold it was actually only 15-25 degrees Celsius, but when you're coming from 40 degree weather (not including humidity) it FEELS like it could snow! The scenery in the hills was unlike any other I'd seen so far and was absolutely breathtaking! Tea plantations amongst jungle!! On my second night I met up with 2 Swiss girls that I had met previously in Hampi and we stayed in the jungle, about 20 km away from the city! It was incredible! We were even lucky enough to have a thunderstorm at night! I love thunder storms! And probably the best part about that night were the millions of fire flies in the garden!!! I've never seen fire flies before so when I saw them I felt like a little girl running after fairies!:) Such fascinating insects! Their bums GLOW! Haha
Returning to Fort Cochin for my last night in Kerela was also nice. Its always nice to return to a place you've already explored and mastered! You don't have the stress of finding things!:) So it was a stress free, quiet (as quiet as India can be) last couple days! A good (much needed) break before I now tackle the hectic buzz of the North! I've been told numerous times that the south is conservative and quiet when compared to the North! - Quiet? I don't know what they mean by that because I thought it was quite loud (with the exception of my ONE night in the jungle)...but we'll find out soon enough!
I'm cheating a bit and "Flashpacking" my way to the North in style! (Flying). Taking a train would take 3 days and while it would be a lot cheaper I think I would go insane! So from Cochin my next stop is Amritsar! Home of the Golden Temple! :)
Returning to Fort Cochin for my last night in Kerela was also nice. Its always nice to return to a place you've already explored and mastered! You don't have the stress of finding things!:) So it was a stress free, quiet (as quiet as India can be) last couple days! A good (much needed) break before I now tackle the hectic buzz of the North! I've been told numerous times that the south is conservative and quiet when compared to the North! - Quiet? I don't know what they mean by that because I thought it was quite loud (with the exception of my ONE night in the jungle)...but we'll find out soon enough!
I'm cheating a bit and "Flashpacking" my way to the North in style! (Flying). Taking a train would take 3 days and while it would be a lot cheaper I think I would go insane! So from Cochin my next stop is Amritsar! Home of the Golden Temple! :)
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