Last Friday, we left Delhi for the majestic state of Rajasthan. We visited the former king's palace and many architecturally phenomenal forts. Went to a simulated Rajasthani village and ate an authentic Rajasthani meal which was served on plates and bowls made of leaves. Kids had a chance to ride on Chimeli, our rented elephant but they refused to ride on the camel. We did plenty of shopping in the bargain filled markets and kids enjoyed swimming in the hotel pool- finally! On our way out, we ran into Mahatma Gandhi's daughter who was also staying in our hotel coincidently. We took photos with her and the kids were fascinated. We are now headed to the South tomorrow, unfortunately, I don't speak their dialect and am not familiar with their food. Let another adventure begin..............
Can't get the cardreader to work on this laptop.. will try to include pics soon.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
On our way to Almora!
Wow! can't believe we are here. After an awesome ride (Continental was fabulous), we finally arrived in New Delhi exhausted, yet excited,to an outside temperature of a balmy 104 degrees.
After the initial shock of wild traffic, heat, and cousins they have never met, the kids and I left the airport and left for our Delhi home. Everyone was so welcoming!
The second day we left for a northern city called Agra (about 5 hours away)where the kids experienced many "firsts"Unfortunately, the temps were about 120 degrees so we were only able to stay outside for about an hour. The kids got an amazing tour of the Taj Mahal! Some firsts included a camel ride- no one is allowed to take a vehicle (unless it is battery operated) within 5 km of the Taj so we chose to take a camel there. On our way back, we took a horse drawn carriage. During the way, the kids met many "hagglers" who tried to sell them souvenirs and other items. They were overwhelmed, I think.
Unfortunately, the internet cafe we discovered is not the best (archaic computers and broken keyboard) and the connections are down so I'm not sure how many blog updates I will be able to make. My converter and adapter blew the first night when I tried to charge up my laptop. Tonight we are leaving at 10 p.m. to depart via an overnight train (followed by a 3 hour taxi ride) to a hill station called Almora. It is in the Himilayas and this is where my grandmother lives. The kids will be meeting their great grandmother and many relatives who also reside there. There will be no internet there, I'm sure. Kids have enjoyed taking rickshaws to places and eating Indian food everyday! They are also enjoying being waited on day and night. This will change when they return to the States.
After the initial shock of wild traffic, heat, and cousins they have never met, the kids and I left the airport and left for our Delhi home. Everyone was so welcoming!
The second day we left for a northern city called Agra (about 5 hours away)where the kids experienced many "firsts"Unfortunately, the temps were about 120 degrees so we were only able to stay outside for about an hour. The kids got an amazing tour of the Taj Mahal! Some firsts included a camel ride- no one is allowed to take a vehicle (unless it is battery operated) within 5 km of the Taj so we chose to take a camel there. On our way back, we took a horse drawn carriage. During the way, the kids met many "hagglers" who tried to sell them souvenirs and other items. They were overwhelmed, I think.
Unfortunately, the internet cafe we discovered is not the best (archaic computers and broken keyboard) and the connections are down so I'm not sure how many blog updates I will be able to make. My converter and adapter blew the first night when I tried to charge up my laptop. Tonight we are leaving at 10 p.m. to depart via an overnight train (followed by a 3 hour taxi ride) to a hill station called Almora. It is in the Himilayas and this is where my grandmother lives. The kids will be meeting their great grandmother and many relatives who also reside there. There will be no internet there, I'm sure. Kids have enjoyed taking rickshaws to places and eating Indian food everyday! They are also enjoying being waited on day and night. This will change when they return to the States.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
India Bound!
Planning...... 2 years
Three, round-trip tickets..........$4,000
Gifts for family......$2,000... all the missed birthdays, holidays, baptisms, weddings, showers, etc.
Pieces of Luggage..........9
Cans of mosquito repellent packed ........ 7
Lifetime of memories........PRICELESS!
8 days to go............. Can't wait!
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