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AdventuresForSingles.com Incredible India Journal
We arrive to the land of 1000 languages and 1000 gods. At the
Intercontinental, the women in my group are welcomed with
marigolds and branded with the typical red dot on our foreheads.
This hotel is an oasis of luxury in a polluted city of 14
million people. Two days are spent touring Delhi. The obligatory
sites include Gandhi's Tomb and many UNESCO World Heritage
Sites. No where else have ancient traditions blended with the
modern on a scale so evident as in Delhi. Fat sacred Brahma
bulls block traffic creating delays. In this Hindu land, cows
rule. Dogs, monkeys and children cross at their own risk. I
love spiced food and begin each day with a 3 alarm-curry
breakfast. We head by coach for Rajasthan, the beautiful desert
state where cows are replaced by camels. The air is sweeter and
everything more colorful. Here is a microcosm of all that India
is. The people are genteel with a humility if spirit and still
light up at the sight of foreigners. We continually wave through
our windows to those who stare with curiosity and seem to say,
"why have you come here?" As a fan of the third world, this
place has been on my dream list for years. I now vividly enter
that element of travel that provides me astonishment.
We've come to attend the annual Camel Fair in Pushkar that has
taken place for a thousand years. As the world's largest, it has
at its peak attracted 50,000 camels with 200,000 traders. We
unpack at our camp called Exotic Adventures. Our spartan tents
did have ensuite toilets but toilet paper was at a premium.
There was a 24 hour guard outside who stingily rationed our
quota. In the desert, nights are frigid and afternoons
sweltering. I confided to a guest there from the American
Embassy that I felt like I was in an episode of "Survivor." She
laughed assuring me that it was all worth it. Soon my shock
turns to awe as I enter the fairgrounds. Set on miles of
shifting sand dunes with festooned camels and a flood of
pilgrims, the scene looks totally surreal. Its like a State Fair
on steroids. There is a flurry of horse, bullock and camel
races, contests for milking, animal decorating, turban tying,
tattooing as well as snake charmers, free carnival rides,
mystics, astrologers and dazzling stalls of handicrafts at
giveaway prices. The ground reverberates with activities.
Thousands of Rajasthani woman have arrived dressed in their
finest clothes in near neon colors. I watch trained monkeys,
painted cows and cobra's dance. No words can adequately describe
how this helter skelter overwhelms my 5 senses. Others can have
Europe with its cathedrals and museums. For me, this exotic
exposure and cultural immersion is the ultimate travel!
Covered in dust, we return to camp. Each night there is
entertainment under the stars with musicians, folk dancers,
puppet show or fire eaters. No alcohol is allowed here and all
meals are vegetarian buffets. An Ayurveda Center offers us
treatments to cleanse body toxins. We decline them: induced
vomiting, enemas, nasal drainage and blood letting. We tour the
holy city of Pushkar with its sacred lake created by Lord
Brahma. Pilgrims come from afar to bathe in the ghats and
worship round the clock. We learn about religions here:
Zorastrism, Sihkism, the mystic Sufi's, Jainists who won't kill
a mosquito, Hinduism that claims no absolute truth and the caste
system. We tour temples at the lake; some are "blessed" by
priests. Later, a highlight for me was a one hour Camel Cart
Safari behind the scenes of the fair. Children line our route
shouting to us "hi, hello, one pen please!"
We see a camel slaughtered and half naked people washing. Back
inside the grounds, we visit an orphanage and scatter
individually to get lost in the feverish revelry. We ride huge
spitting camels that provide us a heightened perspective
of it
all. I purchase a dozen garnet necklaces and silver ankle
bracelets. Teenage boys approach Terry to photograph him. He's
6'5''. One politely as him, "Sir, what do you eat?" There are
endless food courts however we must pass all enticements to
prevent "Delhi Belly." I find the cacophony of chaos
delightful. Pushkar is truly a party affair for the locals and
we are just observant guests. I'm so grateful to experience such
but time to proceed on with our busy itinerary. Our group was
wonderful!
We arrive to the famed "Pink City" of Jaipur, now more deep
maroon from pollution. In touring its palaces, fort and
architectural marvels, we learn of the great Amber rulers and
maharajahs of the Moghul empire. History comes alive and I find
myself so interested in that which I never cared about. And here
is a shopper's paradise for silk sarees, gems, jewelry and
marble crafts. I visited an animal sanctuary called "Help In
Suffering." The worst cases of various species are treated here
by volunteer veterinarians. Forty five stray dogs are sterilized
daily and I witness a surgery. (See www.HIS-INDIA.com ) You can
simply mail them a check to help.
On to see the grand Fatehpur Sikri, "Ghost City of Akbar" that
was abandoned due to scarcity of water. We finally reach Agra, a
broken city of 2.5 million. Hawkers harass us. Chained bears
dance for rupees in the street. Hungry children beg. We are
thankful to lodge at the deluxe Sheraton here with its western
cuisine and affordable massages at $20. It was like a galaxy
change from the downtown. After witnessing an eyeful of wonders
along the way, we have saved the best for last at the world's
greatest tribute to love. Goosebumps rise as I enter the
majestic gate to the Taj Mahal. Morning sunlight illuminates it
like a flawless pearl...22 years to build by 200,000 men with 2
million pieces of inlaid semi-precious stones. After a lecture
on why this perfect symmetry was created for Queen Mumtaz, we
disperse to photograph what looks to be a mirage. It is poetry
in architecture and as magnificent as can be imagined. Back in
Delhi, we all enjoy a free day of leisure to explore as we
choose! Most go shopping as prices are extravagantly low but how
many Pashmina shawls does one need? For our final evening we
enjoy a show called "Dances of India" followed by a farewell
feast of our Last (Indian) Supper.
I remises another journey well done with excellent guides,
drivers, assistance and accommodations. I recall my favorite
moment which took place at the fair when I hired two "body
guides" to assist me through the crowds, Jamal and Ranshi. These
two 11 year old boys bonded to me like barnacles and their
beaming smiling faces will forever remain etched in my memory of
India. This trip has renewed my curiosity of the world reminding
me again that my love of travel proliferates itself. The more I
see, the more I want to see.
Suzy assists in moving our luggage Suzy joining in an after
dinner dance This country is for the seasoned traveler. I am
extremely impressed with the fortitude and patience of my group
of 60 people in a land of erratic infrastructure. For some it
was their first visit to the third world but they all persevered
like pros. To witness suffering first hand is the fullest way to
appreciate home. We saw things both appalling and joyful. The
word "fascinating" however would sum up the entire trip. I must
return again.
About the author:
Suzy Davis has traveled the world for nearly 30 years as a
flight attendant and now with her company Adventures For
Singles. She has extensive travel experience having visited over
150 countries. The goal of AFS is to provide you with an
affordable, well planned vacation experience to awesome
destinations exceeding your expectations.
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