This journal will document my preparations for my upcoming trip to India, and then my trip. I am hoping to find lots of cyber cafes there, so I can update the journal on a regular basis during my travels. Please send me an email1317 if you would like to get notifications when I make updates. Thanks for stopping by.
Author: gardella
Intro
One question which I keep finding myself answering over and over is: Why India? The simple answer is “adventure”. The long answer will involve some rambling, but here it is:
Early Preparations
I first decided that I was going to India early in 2001. My original plan had me quitting my job in the Fall of 2002 and travelling for six months. In the end I put off my trip for 1 year. This has given me lots of time to prepare.
Bollywood Calling
I began watching Hindi movies the fall I started my Hindi class. My original intent was just to get more exposure to the language. What I discovered is that I actually enjoy the singing and dancing.
Suggestions?
Hi everybody,
I keep getting suggestions of places I should visit. In order to keep track of all the recommendations, I would like people to submit their suggetions. This will help me keep track of them, and allow people to see what others have suggested. If somebody else suggested I visit a city, I would love to know of other things in or around that city.
**NOTE: This is a non-commercial site. Commercial advertisements are not welcome. If you truly have a good recommendation for a commercial business, please send me an email1317.
Welcome to India
How can i possibly convey the experience of my arrival in India? I still need time to reflect on these things, and will write more about it later. So, here is the unedited version.
By the time I arrived, I had been travelling for close to 24 hours, and was already feeling light headed. I lucked out and found an honest pre-paid taxi service. Coming out of the terminal into the Indian night, the air hit me like a wall. It was hazy from the humidity and pollution, and smelled heavily of sulfer and coal.
Escape to the Hills
I have quite literally fled for the hills.
My third day in Delhi, I felt much more capable of dealing with the press of humanity, the noise, and smells that permeate Delhi. Still I was happy to get to my train. Once again I was saved by the advice of my friend Vish, who insisted I get a 2nd Class, AC ticket. The train was comfortable, clean and well maintained. I slept quite well, and woke early, which gave me a chance to watch the countryside as we neared Dehradun.
In Dehradun I caught my first Indian bus up to Mussoorie. Which required climbing a 1 1/2 lane road 6000 feet up the mountain. From the bus, I chose to walk up to the language school. I walked for about 10 minutes up the narrow, store lined Landour Bazaar. From a tailor shop and man called to me, and invited me in to have a seat, which I did happily. Within minutes Chai arrived, and they got extra glasses to share with me. Before I left, I was rested caffeinated, and had an invitation to dinner that evening. Then, to top it off, he gave me a ride up the hill to my hotel — which turned out to be very far.
More on Landour and Mussoorie soon…
Snapshots
Soon I will try to get some pictures uploaded, but in the meantime I want to give a few quick snapshots of things i have found interesting:
From the Minaar (tower) at the Masjid in Delhi, I noticed the colors of the buildings for the first time. Each was washed with a color: blue, green, yellow. I realized that I was working so hard not to be run over or accosted on the street, that I had not noticed. Also from the tower, watching an 8 year old swinging her little sibling around on a small roof without a wall or railing.
Two army men in camoflage, with machine guns slung over their shoulders, holding hands.
The “Caution Elephants” sign next to the train tracks outside Dehradun.
Swarms of dragonflies in all the parks in Delhi.
Mussoorie
Mussoorie is a Raj-era hill station (where the British and well-to-do vacationed in the hot summers), which sprawls along a ridge in the foothills of the Himalayas. Start at the Mussoorie Bazaar, which is full of craft, clothing and gift shops and restaurants which cater to the honeymooning Indians. The bazaar has almost a carnival atmosphere.
The Weather
Please let me vent a bit about the weather. The monsoon is stubbornly holding on — it came late and fully intends to get its due. Every day there are intermittant showers. I don’t mind the rain…it sounds beautiful on the metal roof of the hotel. But the humidity has me at my wit’s end. Everything is damp. My books are all swelling, the sheets on my bed are clammy. I did my laundry on Saturday, and on Monday evening it was still wet.
Please, somebody remind me of this when I’m trapped in the dry heat of the south.