Karen and Blip go to India with Intrepid
Jan 6th, 2011, 02:20 PM
#82
Bob - no, I didn't, but it is in a good location. Not right in the center of things, but right on the river, and in an area where there are lots of ghats so you can walk quite a ways along the river. We saw an aarti ceremony right there practically in front of our hotel. And of course, it's easy to pick up a tuk-tuk to take you wherever you want to go.
Jan 8th, 2011, 03:53 PM
#83
I think I've gone on too long, so I'll wrap up.
Varanasi, part 2
The next day in Varanasi we started with a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges. Seeing the city come to life in the early morning was a special experience - a highlight of the trip. Bathing, laundry, cremations, and prayer unfolded before our eyes. When we returned, I walked along the river for little while with a couple other women, and I decided I wanted to at least rinse my hands in the holy water. We did so, and then returned to our rooms to shower (we needed it!), have breakfast, and get ready for our morning walk.
The rest of the day we walked around, did some shopping in the very hectic central city area - very different from our relatively quiet ghat area by the river - and visited a palm reader (who told me a big love affair is in my future and that I'll live a long life - until 92).
That evening we enjoyed another boat ride on the river. We joined another Intrepid tour group, so there were about 20 of us total. Tej surprised one of our group with a birthday cake (we sang to her on the boat, then shared the cake later at dinner, back on shore). Musicians played classical Indian music (sitar and drums), while we participated in lighting the candles arranged on the floor of the boat. When they were all lit (100 or more), we took turns leaning over the edge of the boat to put them on the water to float away (and made wishes). It was beautiful.
When we returned, a Hindu aarti ceremony was under way on shore. We joined the locals, 80 or so, in watching the holy men twirl the torches. When flowers were handed out at the end, they included us, and we joined the locals in walking down to the banks of the river and throwing them into the river. All in all, it was a most satisfying day.
After an inexpensive dinner at a hotel restaurant near our own hotel, we went to bed, and the next morning, after a short walk on my own and a visit to a henna artist (in her home, arranged by Tej) with the other women, we headed back to the airport for our flight back to Delhi.
Swami meeting...
Interestingly, another trip highlight, for me, occurred on the airplane. Sydney and I happened to be seated next to a Hindu holy man. About halfway through the flight, he caught my eye, and I saw a special face - unusually intelligent and kind, with very warm eyes. I asked if he spoke English, and he said yes. This may sound overly dramatic, but the next 45 minutes turned out to be one of those touching, awe-inspiring, life-changing experiences. We learned (later) that he's a renowned spiritual leader in India. It was clear we were in the presence of a man of faith. He'd heard our rather personal conversation, and offered words of wisdom and comfort. And before you know it, I was all teary-eyed. He reached over and took my chin in his hand and then gently wiped away a tear with his finger. Soon Sydney was also in tears. I can't even remember the details of what he said, but I know it was full of wisdom and "truth" and that it was just what I needed to hear (hope that doesn't sound too corny). He also told us a little about his personal story - about leaving home at the age of 8 to begin a life devoted to God.
He ended up giving us a magazine about his foundation (an NGO that he founded) - and when we opened it, we were surprised to see pictures of him with Bill Clinton, the Pope, the Dalai Lama, and other world leaders. He'd had copies of the magazine in his bag because he'd been in Varanasi for an ecology conference on cleaning up the Ganges. If you're curious, here's his foundation: http://www.ihrf.com/index.html and here's the section about him personally
http://www.ihrf.com/pujyaSwamiji.html (And if you check out my pictures when I get them finished - soon - you'll see my pictures of him.)
That evening, back in Delhi, we had dinner at the same place we'd eaten on our first evening together. We'd come full circle. Afterward, Tej invited us to meet in his hotel room for our good-byes. He had a little ceremony, telling us how much he enjoyed our group, and concluded by dabbing a red spot on each of our foreheads and tying a little friendship bracelet on each of our wrists. (Even Blip got a friendship bracelet.)
The tour ended the next morning, but four of us had booked an extra night in Delhi, so we spent the day together. We visited the Lotus Temple (met up with friends of one of the young women from Australia who had gotten married a couple of weeks before in India) and also a craft shopping area.
The next day - early, early, early - I flew home, via Heathrow, to Baltimore. I'm back to my "regular life" but India is still on my mind. I feel the way I did after my Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia trip. It got in my bones in a way that some of my other trips (including Egypt and Peru - as much fun as they were - did not). India is special. I know I want to go back.
I'll follow up with some final thoughts, tips, and lessons learned. Hope you've enjoyed following along with me.
(Will let you know when the rest of my photos are finished.)
Varanasi, part 2
The next day in Varanasi we started with a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges. Seeing the city come to life in the early morning was a special experience - a highlight of the trip. Bathing, laundry, cremations, and prayer unfolded before our eyes. When we returned, I walked along the river for little while with a couple other women, and I decided I wanted to at least rinse my hands in the holy water. We did so, and then returned to our rooms to shower (we needed it!), have breakfast, and get ready for our morning walk.
The rest of the day we walked around, did some shopping in the very hectic central city area - very different from our relatively quiet ghat area by the river - and visited a palm reader (who told me a big love affair is in my future and that I'll live a long life - until 92).
That evening we enjoyed another boat ride on the river. We joined another Intrepid tour group, so there were about 20 of us total. Tej surprised one of our group with a birthday cake (we sang to her on the boat, then shared the cake later at dinner, back on shore). Musicians played classical Indian music (sitar and drums), while we participated in lighting the candles arranged on the floor of the boat. When they were all lit (100 or more), we took turns leaning over the edge of the boat to put them on the water to float away (and made wishes). It was beautiful.
When we returned, a Hindu aarti ceremony was under way on shore. We joined the locals, 80 or so, in watching the holy men twirl the torches. When flowers were handed out at the end, they included us, and we joined the locals in walking down to the banks of the river and throwing them into the river. All in all, it was a most satisfying day.
After an inexpensive dinner at a hotel restaurant near our own hotel, we went to bed, and the next morning, after a short walk on my own and a visit to a henna artist (in her home, arranged by Tej) with the other women, we headed back to the airport for our flight back to Delhi.
Swami meeting...
Interestingly, another trip highlight, for me, occurred on the airplane. Sydney and I happened to be seated next to a Hindu holy man. About halfway through the flight, he caught my eye, and I saw a special face - unusually intelligent and kind, with very warm eyes. I asked if he spoke English, and he said yes. This may sound overly dramatic, but the next 45 minutes turned out to be one of those touching, awe-inspiring, life-changing experiences. We learned (later) that he's a renowned spiritual leader in India. It was clear we were in the presence of a man of faith. He'd heard our rather personal conversation, and offered words of wisdom and comfort. And before you know it, I was all teary-eyed. He reached over and took my chin in his hand and then gently wiped away a tear with his finger. Soon Sydney was also in tears. I can't even remember the details of what he said, but I know it was full of wisdom and "truth" and that it was just what I needed to hear (hope that doesn't sound too corny). He also told us a little about his personal story - about leaving home at the age of 8 to begin a life devoted to God.
He ended up giving us a magazine about his foundation (an NGO that he founded) - and when we opened it, we were surprised to see pictures of him with Bill Clinton, the Pope, the Dalai Lama, and other world leaders. He'd had copies of the magazine in his bag because he'd been in Varanasi for an ecology conference on cleaning up the Ganges. If you're curious, here's his foundation: http://www.ihrf.com/index.html and here's the section about him personally
http://www.ihrf.com/pujyaSwamiji.html (And if you check out my pictures when I get them finished - soon - you'll see my pictures of him.)
That evening, back in Delhi, we had dinner at the same place we'd eaten on our first evening together. We'd come full circle. Afterward, Tej invited us to meet in his hotel room for our good-byes. He had a little ceremony, telling us how much he enjoyed our group, and concluded by dabbing a red spot on each of our foreheads and tying a little friendship bracelet on each of our wrists. (Even Blip got a friendship bracelet.)
The tour ended the next morning, but four of us had booked an extra night in Delhi, so we spent the day together. We visited the Lotus Temple (met up with friends of one of the young women from Australia who had gotten married a couple of weeks before in India) and also a craft shopping area.
The next day - early, early, early - I flew home, via Heathrow, to Baltimore. I'm back to my "regular life" but India is still on my mind. I feel the way I did after my Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia trip. It got in my bones in a way that some of my other trips (including Egypt and Peru - as much fun as they were - did not). India is special. I know I want to go back.
I'll follow up with some final thoughts, tips, and lessons learned. Hope you've enjoyed following along with me.
(Will let you know when the rest of my photos are finished.)
Jan 8th, 2011, 05:29 PM
#85
I had difficulty showing restraint with this last batch because Varanasi was so memorable and so photogenic, so here they are:
http://kbutler1122.zenfolio.com/p467470524
http://kbutler1122.zenfolio.com/p467470524
Jan 8th, 2011, 11:20 PM
#86
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A wonderful trip report,althom1122. And what a great finish.
A trip to India brings meaning to one's life, doesn't it?
Your insight into the prism of old culture without being critical of the lack of modern conveniences is delightful.
I have been on many great trips to different parts of the world, but in the end the places I want to go back to again are all in India.
And the swami added a wonderful twist and flourish to your exciting visit to India.
Thank you for sharing your experiences with us.
When do you start planning your next trip? India again??
Great pictures too.
A trip to India brings meaning to one's life, doesn't it?
Your insight into the prism of old culture without being critical of the lack of modern conveniences is delightful.
I have been on many great trips to different parts of the world, but in the end the places I want to go back to again are all in India.
And the swami added a wonderful twist and flourish to your exciting visit to India.
Thank you for sharing your experiences with us.
When do you start planning your next trip? India again??
Great pictures too.
Jan 9th, 2011, 01:49 AM
#87
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In answer to your hope, Karen--i loved following along with you!! You've been to places I've yet to see and some with which i am already, happily , familiar. It is so wonderful to hear your fresh perspective. Sooo glad it turned out even better than you'd hoped for....and no in-your-face snake encounters!! Having a good group of people--some of whom will become long time friends-- to share your adventures adda to the joy. Bravo to you and Blip ,and thank you for sharing the story. Looking forward to your wrap-up thoughts and tips.
Jan 9th, 2011, 01:49 PM
#88
If anyone hasn't yet seen my Varanasi photos, I've split them into two albums (and have added another album of miscellaneous shots that I hadn't included before). Probably too much for the casual observer, but they're out there if you want to check them out.
(Slide show, by the way, can be a pain. It's easier to click on a thumbnail and then just page through manually.)
Here's the link to all the India albums.
http://kbutler1122.zenfolio.com/f278879105
(Slide show, by the way, can be a pain. It's easier to click on a thumbnail and then just page through manually.)
Here's the link to all the India albums.
http://kbutler1122.zenfolio.com/f278879105
Jan 9th, 2011, 02:31 PM
#89
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I'm sorry to see your adventures ending. It was wonderful following along with you and your descriptions were wonderful. Glad you enjoyed it so much and your information was definitely helpful for our upcoming trip. And I loved the slide show. Just adjust the speed level.
Jan 9th, 2011, 03:30 PM
#90
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Thanks again, Karen, for inviting me along on your fabulous trip! Your photos were just amazing - I didn't have any trouble viewing the slideshow and the speed can be adjusted. I doubt I will visit India but if I did I would certainly consider using Intrepid.
btw, I think you had your own room - did you need to pay a single supplement?
btw, I think you had your own room - did you need to pay a single supplement?
Jan 9th, 2011, 04:03 PM
#91
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Karen I must say again how amazing your pics are. You have a knack for capturing the essence of the place. Have you ever had your pics published and do you do this professionally? My wife and I just looked at the Varanasi and Agra pics and were delighted by all of them.
Jan 9th, 2011, 05:05 PM
#93
Thank you, everyone! I really appreciate your comments.
magical - yes, a trip to India does somehow bring meaning... which is so ironic given what a chaotic place it can be. I guess it's... magical!
India's not next, but it is in my future, I hope. Next up is a Caribbean cruise with my sister and two friends. Then in the fall, I'll be off to Turkey. And then... who knows. Maybe to Australia to visit my new friends there. Or maybe back to India!
Cali - thanks, it DID turn out even better than expected! And I'm soooo relieved that there were no surprise snake encounters.
dgunbug - glad you enjoyed the slide show (yes, adjusting the speed does help).
Mara- I did pay a single supplement, although they'll pair you with a roommate if you don't want to. I really like my own space at the end of the day, though, so I paid. It was an extra $320, which I didn't think was bad.
jacket - thank you so much, I really appreciate that. I've never had any pics published, but (if I may boast a little), I've been runner-up in two of Fodor's photo contests (Peru and Egypt). I'm about to upgrade my camera to a dSLR, so I'm hoping I'll be able to improve. It's a hobby that I'd like to get into more as I get closer to retirement.
and bob - thanks! i'll be looking forward to YOUR trip report and photos when you get back! and will be eagerly watching for the itinerary you decide on with castle.
I'll be back in a few days with tips/top 10s/final thoughts. Will probably create a new thread to call attention to it for people who might be interested but haven't lasted through this tome.
magical - yes, a trip to India does somehow bring meaning... which is so ironic given what a chaotic place it can be. I guess it's... magical!
India's not next, but it is in my future, I hope. Next up is a Caribbean cruise with my sister and two friends. Then in the fall, I'll be off to Turkey. And then... who knows. Maybe to Australia to visit my new friends there. Or maybe back to India!Cali - thanks, it DID turn out even better than expected! And I'm soooo relieved that there were no surprise snake encounters.
dgunbug - glad you enjoyed the slide show (yes, adjusting the speed does help).
Mara- I did pay a single supplement, although they'll pair you with a roommate if you don't want to. I really like my own space at the end of the day, though, so I paid. It was an extra $320, which I didn't think was bad.
jacket - thank you so much, I really appreciate that. I've never had any pics published, but (if I may boast a little), I've been runner-up in two of Fodor's photo contests (Peru and Egypt). I'm about to upgrade my camera to a dSLR, so I'm hoping I'll be able to improve. It's a hobby that I'd like to get into more as I get closer to retirement.
and bob - thanks! i'll be looking forward to YOUR trip report and photos when you get back! and will be eagerly watching for the itinerary you decide on with castle.
I'll be back in a few days with tips/top 10s/final thoughts. Will probably create a new thread to call attention to it for people who might be interested but haven't lasted through this tome.
Jan 10th, 2011, 02:04 PM
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Karen, just stumbled upon your report and so glad I did! Thanks so much for sharing your photos and your stories, thoroughly delightful and enchanting. Now I want to return to India - such a wonderfully vibrant country. So glad you had a good trip with Intrepid.
Jan 10th, 2011, 04:41 PM
#97
Thanks, bniemand. It was an incredible morning!
And julia1, I appreciate the feedback. And yes, I can understand wanting to go back. So do I!
I've just posted my final thoughts/trip highlights/tips in a separate thread if you're interested.
And julia1, I appreciate the feedback. And yes, I can understand wanting to go back. So do I!
I've just posted my final thoughts/trip highlights/tips in a separate thread if you're interested.
