The Taj...take two

Not content with seeing the Taj Mahal once in a lifetime, today I managed a second visit.  With The Italian arriving very late last night, first stop this morning...Agra. The second visit was far less hectic, in fact surprisingly so. From the taxi ride to the queue or lack thereof to seeing the Taj itself, it was calm and very pleasant.  Most helpful as my cold had started to take hold and I was feeling a little under the weather. 

The Taj second time around was just as amazing and spectacular.  The stories about it changing colour throughout the day due to the sun, haze etc are true as today it was a different colour to last week. Honestly, put it on your bucket list because it's so worth the effort getting to Agra to see it. 

Agra is an interesting part of the world.  Home to one of the world's most recognisable and visited pieces of architecture and yet it's so not touristy but touristy. It's hard to explain but the way of life goes on very normally on despite the number of tourists visiting this city on a daily basis. It's pleasing because it does seem to have maintained its sense of authenticity.

We made the trip back to Delhi in good time - approx 3.5hours leaving us enough time to visit Hauz Khas Village one last time for dinner.  I took The Italian to Amour which is where I had dined with Abby, Kimber and TP earlier in the week.  After a delicious dinner, we braved the Delhi traffic back to the hotel for some much needed rest before tomorrow's big day out.  

Namaste x 

I'm sick but not out

I've been a little quiet on my blog mostly because I'm fighting a rotten Indian cold.  I started feeling the onset Thursday evening but pushed through with some Aspro however come Friday evening I was one big ball of fever and sore throat.  The snotty nose et al joined the party Saturday...today is now Tuesday and it's hanging in there - boohoo!!  At least I'm able to rest and recover in a former palace here in Jaipur.  As I always say, it could be worse. 

I'm hoping I'm well enough to venture out sightseeing tomorrow. 

Namaste x 

The silence is deafening yet in someways golden

Prior to a western inspired dinner with those of us left, it was a mad scrambled to pack and sort one's self after living in a place for two weeks.  However not before some sad goodbyes to my roomies Anne and Kimber, Anisha and Lewis and Christena and Tina.  

And suddenly there were five. Anisha and Lewis flew back home to the US this evening while the girls - Anne, Kimber, Christena and Tina undertook the trek out to a Bollywood inspired show.  I'm sure it's the sequins and dancing equivalent of the Gold Coast's the Outback Spectacular, sans horses. I'm looking forward to stories and pics. 

The boys, Roy, Jae Moo, TP, Alex and myself tuk tuked over to Haus Khas Village for some Zo Cafe delights.  It was such a delicious, memorable pizza. After tuk tuking back to "home base", it was more sad goodbyes to the boys before I left "home base" for my Indian adventure, part 2. 

The Italian flew in tonight and we're making Delhi our base until Monday then it's off to Jaipur for four nights and then home via Singapore Friday evening. 

My roomies and I had been discussing the things we'd missed being able to do while living at "home base".  For me it was cleaning my teeth with running water out of a tap and not wearing thongs in the shower.  Well still no cleaning of teeth with running water out of a tap but definitely no thongs in the hotel shower.    

 It was strange sitting here in the hotel room by myself this evening...no Anne, no Kimber also in the room.  It was so quiet. I was actually really emotional, sitting there reflecting on what a seriously huge two weeks it had been.  On top of the emotions I think I've caught a cold. 

Namaste x 

The final afternoon of the Connecting Hearts Aboard program

It's with a tinge of sadness, a mixture of happiness and excitement and feelings of "I'm not quite ready to leave yet" I write this post. I'm really pleased I have a week's leave to savour this experience which is fast coming to an end, cherishing the thoughts, friendships gained, growth and subsequent emotions of this incredible adventure.  Normally I'd be straight back into the "everyday" coming and going. Thankfully not this time. 

The final hours of the Lilly Connecting Hearts Aboard program were spent together as a group enjoying our last "home-base" lunch and an insightful and at times emotional final feedback session.  Each of us was asked to provide one high light and one low light of our time here and what we will be taking back to our respective "home bases".  The common theme expressed by all was through giving, each of us had gained far more than our expectations prior to commencement the program.  Further, visit India.  There's no place like it on earth; the contradictions and the diversity are sights and sounds to behold. 

I will be forever grateful to Eli Lilly for this truly memorable, amazing experience.  It's provided each and everyone of us with the opportunity to give back to society but in return receive gifts upon gifts, and I don't mean the ones which fit in the suitcase.  The "gifts upon gifts" are all coming back with us to make our own "worlds" and the world in which we all live a better place.  

I don't think it matters where in the world you go for the CHA program however I believe India is one country where the gift of giving is returned 100 fold.  Through a person's smile and their welcoming "namaste", a person's willingness to assist ie why not?!, the generosity, the enthusiasm for learning, the lust for life irrespective of your socio-economic status, the genuine warmth of their hospitality.  As Bela Singh (CCS Director, New Delhi) said, irrespective of the poverty and dirtiness, the people of India are happy.  I'm returning to Australia feeling even more grateful, positive and happy having once again been reminded it's the intangible items which provide enduring, lasting happiness and fulfilment.   

Thank you Lilly, thank you to my new friends at CCS New Delhi and lastly thank you my wonderful new friends from Lilly USA, Italia, Ireland and South Korea for sharing this adventure.  Without each of you this experience wouldn't have been the incredible, memorable, positive experience it was.  It's been a tuk tuk ride an a half..beep, beep. 

Safe travels home y'all.  Can't wait for the reunion...well why not?! 

Namaste x

Lanterns and leaving

Mixed emotions on the drive to my placement this morning.  A few of the group had shared their feelings of sadness about today being the last day of the program.  For me it's a combination of disbelief that this time has come and some sadness.  The boys were their usual enthusiastic selves upon my arrival, their warm smiles and eyes beaming back at me.  Today we made paper lanterns in preparation for Diwali - the Festival of Lights, one of India's most prominent festivals...a bit like Christmas for us. The children told me it's all about the food, in particular sweets and deep-fried items of yumminess and of course firecrackers.  However the Indian government is restricting the use of firecrackers this year as a sign of being more environmental friendly, trying to reduce the well-known levels of smog/pollution/noise...good luck with that.

The boys were so precise and diligent in making the lanterns, taking such pride in their work and constantly showing both myself and Renu their efforts.  They even used rulers and pencil to accurately space our the lantern gaps...it put my "example" to shame but then from good, excellence is created (haha).  Once completed, the lanterns were hung on some string across the classroom and some pics were taken. They looked fabulous, moving gently with the fan generated breeze.  And how cool is this...I have one coming back to Brisbane with each of their names written along the lantern.  Post lantern creating, the boys settled down to write a piece on Diwali.  

Saying goodbye to the boys, Renu and the other Vidya staff was sad and in some ways so final.  I know it's highly unlikely I will see the boys again but there is an opportunity to keep in touch with the Vidya program.  I would do another placement here in India in a heartbeat.  I have loved every minute. 

Post final goodbyes, Anisha and I walked out to car but not without saying goodbye to my little friend who had consistently come and said hi everyday. Saying goodbye to her did force one to hold back the tears because there is definitely no way of keeping in touch with her.  As we drove off I waved goodbye and my little friend blew me kisses and kept waving...a needle and thread required to mend a broken heart and some sunnies to hide the tears.

Back to home base we passed the scenes that had become part of our lives over the past fortnight.  The women attending to the household chores of their homes despite it being a tent at best, the children laughing and playing together in the dusty side streets, the same hawkers at the same set of  lights selling the endless stash of red sun visors and me thinks a lady of the night working day shift.  The now almost invisible holy cows meandering on the roadside eating rubbish, the lines upon lines of cars, scooters, buses, tricycles, bicycles, tuk tuks  weaving in and out and the repetitive yet musical tones of the horns.  Lastly the colours, the never ending rainbow of colours displayed by the beautiful, impeccably dresses women of India regardless of religion, caste, marital status, socio economic status.  India thank you for sharing your heart and soul thus far. 

Why not?!

A number of places in the world seem to have a saying or terms of phrase all the locals use and the tourists love.  From 

"same, same but different"

"you like a genuine copy"

"see y'all all later now"

"that's like soooo"

"G'day mate"

"top of the morning to you"

"ciao ciao"

"sweet as bro"

"sorted"

"bosh" 

In India, it's "Why not" said as a statement/question combined, "Done" and "As you like".... 

Question - Please may I have a cup of chai?

Answer - Why not?!  Done

Question - Shall we leave now?
Answer - As you like...

Traffic in Delhi

The white painted traffic lines are completely redundant in Delhi. There is no such thing as staying within the lines. The lines are there purely for show and to give one the impression that safety is a priority.   Even when there is minimal traffic (which is hardly ever) drivers don't stay within the lines. 

This was highlighted further on our drive to Jaipur.  It's approx 240kms Delhi - Jaipur yet it took 6 hours with only one 20 minute pit stop. Chaos, I tell you, sheer consistent, utter chaos....and this was driving on a "tollroad". 

And the use of your car/tuk tuk/bus/scooter/truck horn is fully encouraged every single time you accelerate or brake. It's used to say "hello, I'm here", "get out of my way". "i'm overtaking", "you're going too slow", "move over", "let me in", "I'm horny"...no just joking, I made that one up...that's only in Australia (hehe).  Or as the back of the trucks state "Horn Please". 

You can also ride your bicycle on the major roads...eek!! 

Second last day of my Connecting Hearts Aboard program

Where has the time gone?

Almost a full class today with 14 boys in attendance. Today we learnt present simple and prepositions.  There was more opportunity to work in smaller groups allowing you to see who understands what and the individual levels of English.  I still can't get over how enthusiastic the boys are for learning and they are so polite.  

The yoga teacher turned up today so the boys spent part of class undertaking yoga postures...hilarious to say the least as I've learnt some new postures and taken some very cute pics.  Indian children love having their photo taken. I think even more than Australian children. 

Once class had finished, Anisha and I were walking out when yet again we were met by my little friend. She honestly is the cutest little girl, made more so by the kisses she blew us as we got into the car to drive home.  Today we were also approached by a young boy, approximately 15 years old wanting us to teach him English.   The sense of willingness and enthusiasm to learn never ceases to amaze me. 

After lunch we had our last lecture as part of our volunteer program. It was given by one of our colleagues from Lilly India. The lecture was about The Lilly MDR-TB Partnership in place here in India. Tuberculosis is a major issue. It was great to hear the work being done and learn about the Lilly India way of life.

This afternoon post our lecture was quiet...one of the few since we all arrived.  And guess what was on TV?!....Slumdog Millionaire! I haven't watched an ounce of TV since arriving so rather appropriate to watch this film while in India. What made it even more cool were the number of firecrackers being let off around the apartment complex....how very Indian. 

Tonight is our last official group dinner as tomorrow evening a few of us start the trek back home.  Guess what, it's Tandoori Chicken and Naan bread, everybody's favourite meal. 

Namaste x 

  

Yogi Em

Back to normal today post fast, except for my heavily henna tattooed left palm.  The teacher at school was back, the road was reopen and the little girl and I said hello as always. 

Ten boys were present at class this morning.  Half stayed for English class while the other half spent the morning in a computer class. Naturally education in IT is highly valued in this part of the world in terms of careers.  Today we studied Adjectives and Adverbs. It's hard to know just how much is sinking in at times but then again this is remedial school vs actual school.  Wednesday's is yoga day however the yoga teacher didn't show so I took the boys through a 40min yoga class.  It was too cute and reinforces my thoughts around undertaking my yoga teaching training.  It's so hard to believe there is only tomorrow and Friday to go. The time here is zooming past. 

After lunch TP and his Angels - the three little bears Anne, Kimber and myself caught a tuk tuk to Haus Kraz Village to experience the sights and sounds during daylight.  It is such a delightful place during the day despite the burn out taxi cab still parked as it was last night.  Haus Kraz Village by day is a cross between the alleyways of Melbourne combined with an element of funk and hip not dissimilar to that of the Big Apple or even parts of Western Europe.  We're definitely heading back before our time in New Delhi comes to an end. 

This early evening we had a lecture on India's economy.  Yet another interesting presentation and topic of discussion which has a direct impact on the work each of us is doing while here.  It's always good to gain local perspective around the key social issues. 

Namaste X

Fork Me...Delhi's nightlife

Narrow alley ways, boutique shops, old mixed with the new, trendy bars and restaurants... Haus Kraz Village, home to south Delhi's western, uber cool nightlife. 

Our tour guide, Abby, who is here volunteering with CCS on her own accord was the best host.  Abby is 18 years of age and is travelling before commencing college.  She has New Delhi and basically the whole of north of India completely sorted. From the shopping, the tuk tuks, the public transport, the restaurants, the sights Abby is all over it. 

The contradiction which is India presented itself in a number of forms last night from the western clothing or lack thereof,  the entrances into restaurants (rough and tumble morphing into an beautiful oasis), the beautiful food and the western music.

Fork You is a trendy restaurant come bar above one of the ground floor restaurants.  It was packed last night and I'd forgotten what it's like to go out and hang in a place where you can smoke inside...hello mid 90's. And the music wasn't too far behind. 

Upon leaving Fork You to ensure we were home within the curfew, we were held up down the main Haus Kraz Village road due to something quite random. A taxi cab had caught on fire and had just been attended to by the fire brigade.  What was surreal was that we were able to walk straight past right after it had happened like it was a completely normal, everyday occurrence.  This is India, don't have expectations and be ready for surprises, diversity and contradictions a plenty. 

Namaste x  

10 kids, one Em and a melting heart

Today is Day 11 of my experience and "Karwa Chauth", the day in which wives fast from dusk till moon rise to ensure a long life for their husbands...hmm now there's some food for thought, especially why isn't there a day of fast for husbands? The women wear their most decorative saris, complemented by henna on both the hands and feet and numerous glass bangles.  There was speculation another National holiday would be called for today resulting in the closure of my school however thankfully that wasn't so.  

Today's visit to the school was significant for a few reasons. Firstly the teacher couldn't make it today so it was just little ol' me teaching English to children whose first language is Hindi. Secondly part of the road into the shanti township has been sealed overnight - no more dust, pot holes and broken bricks. Thirdly the little girl who rushes up to Anisha and I every day did so again today.  She was most excited as I too had henna on my hand today.  She is the sweetest little girl, probably no older than 5 years of age. Each time we visit, she stops whatever it is she is doing and runs over to us to say hello. My heart melts everytime.

This afternoon we had a lecture on Women's Rights/Empowerment in India. It was interesting and made me think of all the cultures throughout the world where women suffer significant discrimination and domestic violence. Papua New Guinea (PNG) definitely rates right up there. I'm starting to think it's worse in a country such as PNG where there is such limited awareness on such issues vs say that of India where there is an increased awareness not just locally but internationally.  The question the lecturer left me with was Why? - Why do we do the things we do? Is it because we truly believe in the tradition or because the tradition is so deeply ingrained in society?

Namaste x 

School bells in the morning, wedding bells in the evening

I was so excited about going to my placement this morning.  I was really  looking forward to seeing the boys again after the weekend.  At 10am they all promptly ran up the stairs into the room, saying "Good morning Maam" and starting setting up the room - pulling the tables out and lining them up for the start of class. 

We started this morning's class discussing what everyone had done over the weekend.  I showed them a picture of me at the Taj Mahal which was met with excitement and questions.  There was a brief discussion about Australia winning the cricket. We then started with revision from Friday's class - "A and AN" and sentence composition.  Next we included "SOME" into the mix. The boys are so willing to learn, attentive and enthusiastic.  At 11am there music teacher took the class for their music class.  This was great to watch and brought a smile to my face. 

Post lunch all the girls in the Lilly group gathered in our apartment for "Ladies Evening". An afternoon of henna application and traditional Indian wedding dress ups. Anne, my roomie, was our gorgeous bride to be. Throughout the afternoon Anne was transformed from gorgeous Westerner to gorgeous Westerner Indian bride to be complete with wedding hair, makeup, dress, jewellery and henna. The bridal sari is such a stunning look.  Im thrilled with my henna hand tattoo.

So good to skype with loved ones this afternoon. Missing you all. 

Namaste x  

FORT ME...it's the Taj Mahal

Up before the very first sparrow's fart bound for Agra. I have no idea how to get there as I basically slept the entire 4 hour trip, only to wake when we came to a sudden stop at a rail crossing.  And no there were no passengers ridding on top of the carriages.  As bad as this is, I was slightly disappointed. 

It was touch and go about making the Taj in time for sunrise.  And hard to determine when exactly it would be given the smog and lack of "dawn" we're used to in Australia. 

We pulled up at the tourist entry at whatever time after 6am and it was already bustling with people from around the world, making the trek to see one of the world's most recognisable buildings.  There are hawkers awaiting the unsuspecting tourist upon entry to the Taj though it wasn't as bad first light as it was on our return walk post Taj. 

Words really can not describe how I felt upon seeing the Taj Mahal for the very first time.  I remember thinking I'm about to see the Taj Mahal and boom there it was.  The number of tourists and pictures being taken at that precise moment it amazing.  Kodak must be still reeling from the introduction of digital photography and "bumping" on the iPhone.

Having not eaten since dinner, next stop breakfast. Hmm amazing what you settle for when you're hungry and tired - plain toast and a bottle of pepsi - delicious. Next stop the Agra Fort. This Fort is a stunning terracotta colour and has a lot more greenery vs the Amer Fort in Jaipur. There's a building which has a very decorative ceiling, much like the top of a lemon meringue pie - very pretty. Yes my tummy and mind were still thinking food.  It's just near here you look back towards the Taj Mahal in all its glory. 

The hawkers at Agra Fort are some of the most persistent I've experienced on my travels to date.  Awareness and firm responses required at all times. 

Post Fort we commenced our return journey to Delhi. More holy cows hanging out, this time in and on the banks of the local river. 

The new motorway between Agra and Delhi is incredible...it's an engineering fest and a half vs the Delhi to Jaipur road. This tollroad even had "facilities stops" - AMAZING!! Plus a 600ml bottle of coke and a bag of chips costs 50 rupees, not even AUS$1.00 - AMAZING!! 

 

Back to home base and early to bed. What an unforgettable, amazing weekend. 

Namaste x   

  

Pretty in Pink

Friday's trotting elephant on the main road is nothing compared to the cows, camels, donkeys, monkeys, dogs, goats, trucks, bikes, cars, you name it, we saw it on our Delhi to Jaipur road trip. 

I can honestly say I'm so grateful to be flying to Jaipur next Monday.  Not sure I could do the trek again so soon.  A bit like child birth me thinks....need to forget, remember the amazing outcome despite going through such pain and discomfort...only then could I give it some consideration. 

Upon arrival at the Jai Mahal Palace hotel I can honestly say I thought I was dreaming...or had died on the trip here and was now in heaven...which who am I kidding was a high probability given the chaotic, crazy drive to get here. 

I shared a room with my roomies Anne and Kimber aka the three little bears and the three of us were so mesmerised by our new surroundings...such a change to our home base back in Delhi.  After a more "western" dinner of soups, pastas, even fish n chips (yay TP) we rolled into bed close to 130am, eagerly awaiting what our day in Jaipur would unveil. 

I was up early for the 7am yoga class. Insightful to say the least and well worth the lack of sleep.  Loved our buffet breakfast before the very full day ahead.  First stop the Pink City - very pretty, unique and you can play spot the monkey. Kimber paid homage to the Pink City by wearing her forbidden pink kameez to dinner last night. Second stop Amer Fort.  This is an exceptionally impressive building located on the outskirts of Jaipur.  For those of you into elephants and riding them....make sure you're at the Fort by 1030am. Third stop textile shopping.  Fourth stop jewellery shopping. Fifth stop lunch. Sixth stop hotel. Seventh stop more shopping. Eighth stop hotel for some much needed RnR.   

We dined outside under the most beautiful full moon while watching a traditional Indian wedding take place in front of our very eyes.  It was the most magical evening complete with live indian music and dancing.  Yes I tried out my new dance moves complete with tapping sticks. Ooh yeah there's even photos...unfortunately. 

Bedtime soon followed given our 130 start for adventure 2...the Taj Mahal

Namaste x

                      

Holy Cow

India is home to the holy cow and I can now vouch for this personally.  I have been wanting to see the "holy cow" in action since I read Sarah McDonald's very funny novel - Holy Cow.  There are thousands of cows just hanging out on the side of the road, doing what Indian cows do I guess...eat rubbish, sleep and walk here and there.  It cracks me up every time.  I'm sure I will get to a point when I don't even notice them.  

Always overtake elephants on the right hand side

I've previously mentioned the length of the drive to my placement.  This drive is shared for the first wee bit with Anne and Kimber (my roomies), TP, Jay, Alex who all work at the Vidya creche school.  The majority of the drive is shared with Anisha who works with me at Vidya. Anisha is working with the women who are keen to improve their english skills, learn new skills such as sewing and home first aid.  Given the length of our drive, Anisha and I witness a lot more of South Delhi (for those of you who know Delhi it's near the National Law University).  This morning we saw an elephant being ridden down the main road.  He had quite a bit of speed up, trotting along with his master onboard.   

Today is another festival day so only four boys present this morning.  They are such lovely kids. We started with "A or AN" exercises complete with with sentence composition, using what we'd learnt. This was followed by their dancing class.  Never one to be a wallflower while the beats are on, I joined in and learnt their current routine...oooh yeah, have I got some moves now peeps!  

No elephants on the drive home, just lots and lots of traffic.  Once back at home based we had group lunch and finished a speedy pack...why you ask? The group is venturing off for the weekend to experie nce the famous "Golden Triangle"....Delhi, Jaipur, Agra. 

Namaste x 

New Delhi meets Old Delhi...the reality behind the postcard pictures

Weaving in and out of the traffic for a good 40mins of so brought us to the most significant of the Muslin mosques in India.  The Jama Masjid is located across from the famous landmark, the Red Fort.   We were dropped off at the bottom of the mosque, home of the  goat market and Muslim bazzar. With the Festival of Eid only yesterday, the place was humming and let's face it, an eye opener to say the least. This was more chaotic and dirtier compared with any of the bazzars visited in Istanbul earlier this year.  The begging, the numerous food stalls, the colourful clothing, the poverty, the spectacular sights, the tranquility of the mosque, the bare feet, the sheer number of people. More contradictions, more unforgettable, vivid memories. 

From Islam to Hinduism, we traversed to across town to the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, one of the major attractions here in Delhi. Here we encountered our first sightings of pigs on the outside of the temple, far fewer people and very peaceful.  Shoes off and an education from our CCS guides about the Hindi gods and godesses.  Given my love for yoga I found this time particularly educational and enjoyable, especially given the peace and quiet despite the madness beyond the temple walls.  Huge crowds will visit this temple over the next week or so with the impending celebration of Diwali (Festival of Lights). 

Next stop Sikhism. We learnt more about this religion right as the moon was rising up over the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib temple dome.  All very impressive to say the least.  Covered heads and shoes off for all visitors plus a "walk thru" the pool of water before entering the temple...this took me right back to my "flood toe" experience in 2010. So if I lose a toe nail over the coming months we will all know why.  The one thing I really enjoyed about this particular temple visit was the pond situated within the temple grounds - called the "Sarovar", whose water is considered holy by Sikhs and is known as "Amrit" (holy water). 

Yet another very educational, enjoyable cultural experience.  Home for dinner but not without a fierce battle in the peak-hour Delhi traffic.  I will endeavour to never complain about Brisbane's peak hour traffic again. 

Namaste x

To pee or not to pee

Today marks day 4 of being consistently dehydrated...and not by choice I might add. Like most parts of Asian and even Europe, it's hard to find any form of toilet facility - good and bad, for women in and around the city.  Not to mention on the drive to Jaipur and Agra.  Given the lack of facilities, it's been surprising to see the number of men who take full advantage of the various walls around town to relieve themselves. It's such a frequent occurrence.  I only wish they would at least be a little creative during their moment of peace, ie write their name or at least have a sword fight with themselves....

Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to school we go

Up bright and early bound for my Vidya placement.  Wearing my salwar kameez and feeling numerous feelings of anticipation, I spent my first morning with the remedial class I will be working with while here in Delhi.  

It's a lengthy drive to the school, approx 45 to 50 minutes.  The school is located in a shanti town in South Delhi, about 20 minutes south of the Delhi International airport...depending on the traffic of course.  Despite being called a "school" it's nothing like the schools we're familiar with in everyday Western society, ie there is no play ground, no school buildings as such. It's like an apartment building; ground floor a resource room which is used for dance classes and computer lessons, first floor are the couple of rooms used for the remedial classes. It's basic yet clean -rugs on the floor, a small blackboard, low bench desks and 2 squat "toilets". The room looks out over a dustbowl play area which is frequently used for cricket and games of various descriptions.  The entry to the shanti town is cleanish by shanti town standards.  It's still a little confronting seeing children wandering around without parents and looking after the younger children, the lack of basic hygiene, the large amounts of rubbish, the numerous dogs lying about, the goats and general way of life.  

The children I'm working with are all boys aged between 6 and 13 years of age. They come to the remedial class in the morning and attend school in the afternoon.  The girls do the reverse. There are 15 in the class and they are taught by a lovely lady who speaks good English. They were most excited by my arrival and have fond memories of Andrew, a Lilly colleague who volunteered here last month.  They had numerous questions for me. Though upon knowing I was Australian they wanted to talk cricket and their favourite players...Shane Warne still rates a mention as does Shane Watson. Thank you Dad, Andrew and the 12th man tapes/CDs for all those years of cricket education.  The goals while I'm here are teaching English related with some maths. 

With day one over in what seemed like 5 minutes, it was back home for lunch to hear about everyone else's morning before heading out on another spiritual adventure.   

Based on our lunchtime conversations, I soon realised just how "5 star" my placement is vs that of the Vidya creche school.  Once again we discussed the contradiction which is India. 

It's a small world...except for the temple

No walk around the park this morning, instead a relaxed 40min yoga session.   Why? Because despite saying I was off to bed for an early night, Kimber, TP and myself went exploring the nightlife along the main strip.  And we are so pleased we did.  Such a completely different outlook, yet again. The stunning array of fresh fruit and vegetables on display yet unavailable for us to eat, a bit like the forbidden fruit. The numerous street food vendors cooking up such sweet smelling cuisine all of which is also out of bounds. The baking of the various local breads - roti, naan and kabous. The locals out and about having dinner, picking up dinner, socialising with friends and family. Lastly the ever present sound of tooting horns.  What the tooting horn is to Delhi is the squealing pitch of ambulances to Paris and Rome.  

Given the Festival of Eid is a public holiday, those of us placed at the Vidya school were free to continue our exploration of New Delhi in the morning.  We (Anne, Kimber (my roomies), TP and myself) caught a taxi to the Lotus Temple.  This was the crazy busy place we tried to visit on the weekend. Today's atmosphere  was much more serene, relaxed, organised....much like the Lotus flower. We walked through the stunning gardens, sat inside the temple and took in the peace, quietness and coolness. 

Yet another delicious lunch, closely followed by our second Hindi lesson and directly after an adventure....

Twas a mad scurry post Hindi lesson aka minimal time to change into traditional Indian dress and return all personal items to our apartments, we ventured out of home base (with just ourselves and in my case a 500 rupee note and tissue down each bra cup) and down the main road to the local metro stop.  Green Park station to underground organised chaos. One stop and change of train to our destination....the Swaminarayan Akshardham.

The local metro is an excellent service - clean, efficient, user friendly and women only carriages, sad but very necessary. 

It's somewhat difficult to describe this sacred place Swaminarayan Akshardham.  Set on 100acres, it's a bit like the Vegas equivalent of a Hindi temple or maybe even Hindi World, all while being so very spiritual and majestic. Our first stop once we passed the very strict entry guidelines was a short movie about Bhagwan Swaminarayan.  Cool English speaking headphone provided.  It was most enjoyable.

Next stop the "it's a small world" boat ride re the history of India.  This too was really enjoyable and Walt Disney would have been very proud of this carbon copy.  Lastly the Vegas- esq fountain show. This was very pretty and represented the numerous stages of life.  We as a group think there were approximately 10,000 people sitting there engrossed in the spectacular and about a million bugs also enjoying the entertainment.  What was memorable for us all was the potential stampede which occurred at the end of the light show spectacular. Honestly none of us had experienced anything like it...the sheer number of people and the tight walkways through to the exit. It was slightly scary, complete with nervous giggles as we clung to each other. 

The inside of the temple is jaw-dropping. The intricate marble work that's been painstaking undertaking across every inch of wall and ceiling space, right down to engraved toenails on each of the miniature gods.  This holy site of worship is a must see for anyone making the trek to Delhi. Don't forget shoes off...nothing like the feeling of grimy feet inside what were the cleanish insides of ones shoes. 

By this time it was well after 7pm and we had been on the go since the early afternoon. Not going to lie, the dehydration and low blood sugar levels had kicked. Shoes back on, out the gates to battle for space aboard the metro.  Dinner time on the Delhi Metro is a cross between the London Tube and gaining a place on a Venetian water taxi...snooze you lose. 

Dragging one's dirty, tired feet and body home at approx 930pm was met by "hamburgers", chips and soft drink for dinner. Sheer bliss! 

Shower, teeth, bed. 

Namaste