Enlightened in Agra

5:30.  Awoke to cloudy skies to wait in line for tickets and entrance. As we waited the skies poured down unexpectedly. It had been such great weather for the past several weeks, the last thing on my mind was rain. Upon entering the grounds, the drops began to cease and the clouds parted.  Before us was the Taj Mahal gleaming majestically.  The white marble seemed to glow. The recent precipitation had an added effect as the droplets sparkled with the beams of the sun. Spectacular.

 

Khajuraho...for adult eyes only

Ranked among the top 3 of Lonely Planet's must sees of India are the Western Group of Temples (Hindu with an emphasis on Kama Sutra) in Khajuraho.  The East and West views (following the path of the sun) were typical, but the North and South sides were very explicit. The temples were definitely an interesting sight to see, and so was the merchandise being sold, but that's another story.

What's for dinner??? I wish...

What I really enjoyed about Khajuraho was the bike ride through the streets of the smaller villages that led us to the South, East, and West Temples.  Nice bit fresh air and sun, and for a moment some calm from the relentless sales pitches of rickshaw drivers, hotels offering rooms, and the masses of merchandise.  I could finally hear my own thoughts without getting interrupted.  It was really really nice. But I guess the pestering comes with the territory for going to such a tourist city.

Varanasi: two sides of India

I've had very different experiences so far in India in terms of people. At the train station Deepak Singh was one of the nicest people I've ever met: sincere and genuine with a contagious smile. He helped us book our tickets, took us to a local eatery, as well as helped us find seats on our train in the unreserved section, asking nothing in return. Doing all this because he had an awesome experience in Korea.

The opposite end of the spectrum was our rickshaw driver from the train station. We had agreed on a set price and location to be dropped off, but he ended up doubling the price and dropping us off at a different location. There was greed in his eyes and a commotion was made. I saw in him a people trying to get by, trying to make a living by whatever means necessary. It made me think, if I was put in his position with the world seemingly against me, would I act the same? Would my true self be a different me or would I be as I think I am? I hope I would be honest and trustworthy even in the most dire circumstances. And I hope that other people would see me in that same light through my actions.

As I am writing this entry I am on a rooftop overlooking the city just before the sun is setting. And as I look around I see the beauty of this city. The streets and rooftops are lined with children screaming in satisfaction as their kites soar with the birds high above the skies. It feels as if the pages of the 'Kite Runner' have come to life. And I'm not the only one enjoying the entertainment. Parents, siblings, friends, and even several baboons are scanning the skies as the children of this city battle with precision, and their mates run after the spoils of the fallen kites. What a change from an hour ago and the rickshaw driver fiasco. The tension is gone and now I'm at peace.

Ganga River. Was thinking of taking a bath with the locals, but I decided I was already dirty.

The sky was filled with kites. The picture doesn't do the moment justice. 

Banana Lassi. So refreshing.

Curries! Not sure which kinds, just know they were amazing!

Photo Op with the local kids. Sooo friendly.

From Nepal to India

When the bus driver pulled the music remote from the medical kit I was a little perplexed. Then when I found out the only other items the kit contained were a couple of plastic bags (barf bags?) and a few napkins I knew this was going to be an interesting ride.

It started off with a sour tinge in the air from the lady spewing brown liquid into the clear plastic bag. Then the elbows from the elderly gentleman sitting in the aisle. Followed by the rest stop break of 9 guys plus me relieving ourselves behind the gas station...on the gas station (do as the locals do). And to top it off I got sick for the first time on this trip, a common cold (thanks travel buddy). Can you say unforgettable.

So many fans in the Indian trains. Can't imagine how hot it gets.

7 day Himalayan Trek to Annapurna Base Camp

I only have two travel tips for trekking in the Himalayas.

1) If you don't want to get lost, follow the trail of donkey droppings. It may smell but they'll lead you back to civilization. Donkeys are used as the main source for transporting goods between villages.

2) If you want to follow the easiest route of a trail, follow the donkey droppings. Donkeys are surprisingly efficient animals.

Ridiculous number of stairs! From now on when I'm given the choice between taking the stairs or elevator I only have one answer...elevator!

Not only were my legs sore but my neck as well. Count can't how many times I've bowed and said namaste (hi).

And so it begins...

Enjoying the view with the guides.

Taking a break

Base Camp...finally

So much snow. Made the trek more memorable.

What a contrast between the top and the bottom.

Photo Journal: Roughing it once again, but in Kathmandu

Midnight taxi ride. The picture doesn't do the car justice. Might have been the shadiest car I've ever been in. Toss up with Mozambique. Claire you know what I'm talking about...

$2/night room. Can't beat that price or the memories I'll be laughing about later.

Stuffed, great view, and finally some sun to warm these bones.

Boudha Temple. Artsy or just trying too hard...

Amazing woodwork. Reminds me of my tables from furniture making class back at the U...but much much better.

Oops...too funny!!!

Durbar Square in Patan. Massive conglomeration of temples.

Really like the quote.