Namaste Readers!
It's the first post from India. Apologies for delay in getting this online; internet access isn't great here and our accommodation doesn't have any public access PC's. As a result, every blog post for the trip will be done every 2-4 days rather than every day, but I will try to post updates as often as possible.
After a full day of traveling yesterday we touched down in Delhi at 9:50pm local time (4:30 hrs ahead of the UK). The journey went very smoothly; I kept myself entertained on the 8 hour flight by getting to know the American family I was sat with (our group was scattered all over the plane) and watching the 2nd Twilight Film - New Moon. No men, I haven't lost my marbles... I just felt compelled to see the film after (dare I admit it...) rather enjoying the book last year. My verdict: Compared to the book... (to quote a Newman College Student..) "pants". As a light enjoyable flight-film... perfect!
My first impressions of India are, quite simply, hard to put into words. You can learn all about it and study numerous photos before coming but there's nothing that can really prepare you for experiencing it first hand. You may have heard rumours that it's rather overpopulated... I can safely say that such rumours are most definitely true. People are literally all over the place! Other striking features include the heat (of course), and the road system that can only be described as a sort of organised chaos . The only rule of the Indian roads is... use your horn if you're about to crash. And... the horns blow continuously. The sea of interweaving cars, buses, vans, trucks, motorcycles, bikes, rickshaws and camels is mind-boggling. How can this possibly be organised I hear you cry?! Well, mainly it's the serene calm attitude that every Indian adopts whilst driving... to them it's totally normal to disregard any lane markings or signs. Despite the endless close shaves, I have not yet witnessed even a minor scrape (and the vehicles, like the people, are vast in number).
Today (Day 2) has involved a full day sight seeing tour around Delhi. We were greeted after a brief spell of sleep at 7:45am by our luxury, air-conditioned minibus and tour guide Nittan; a delightful local man who speaks surprisingly good English. (Note: I'll write about our accommodation in a future blog). In fact, Nittan perfectly summed up the road situation with 3 great remarks:
- "It's survival of the fittest"
- "After 3 weeks of surviving the Indian roads, you will definitely believe in God"
- "The reason Indians are never seen in international Motorsports, is that they have it every day on their own roads anyway"
The tour was amazing! I could go on for sometime about the historical importance & gasp-inducing magnificence of each sight but for now I'll just give the brief run down of locations...
The Jama Masjid (the largest Mosque in India). Note: The outfits were thrust upon is in order to cover flesh - a sign of respect....
Humayun Tomb (The tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun. It was built in 1562). The architecture of this temple is what inspired the design of the Taj Mahal...
(Commenter's Challenge: What is the significance of the second photo?)
(Commenter's Challenge: What is the significance of the second photo?)
India Gate (memorial erected to commemorate the lives of Indians lost in World War 2)...
Qutab Minor (the site oldest Mosque in India - built approx 1000 AD. Also features an impressive tower)...
Other sights included the Raj Ghat (cremation and burial site of Mahatma Ghandi - I assume you all know who he is), Parliament house (self-explanatory), Lotus Temple (Wikipedia it for further info) and just generally taking in the vast variedness of the Indian lifestyle. We also stopped off for a 'Tali' at lunchtime; an Indian meal that involves sampling a bit of everything (despite the odd biz-ahji taste here and there, it was delicious!).
As you can probably imagine, it's been a very hectic day and we're all now looking forward to some serious kip.
Take Care.
John
x
Hi John - great to see that you've arrived safely and to see some photo's. Spare a thought for those in Scotland, Northern Ireland and England gripped by snow and wintry conditions! Bad news on the footi front - United lost 2-1 to Bayern this evening and Rooney has picked up an injury! Speak soon - take care, Dad.
ReplyDeleteJohn,
ReplyDeleteGreat to see you have started a blog. I can keep track of how the projects are going from my desk, looking out at the snow falling (yes, it's snowing in Preston).
Best wishes to you all.
Mike (Ward)
Hey John,
ReplyDeleteGreat to see the first blog from India up...just as the Daredevils are playing today in fact! Great that you're all out and seeing Delhi straight away, just, erm, take your time with crossing those roads.
Not too sure on the challenge...I can tell you we're looking through an eight-point star, known as the khatim or 'seal of the prophets' in Islamic art, as opposed the the six point star of David which is also found on the tomb but now is associated with Judaism. Oh, and if you want to make your own...overlap two squares! A bit stuck apart from that!
Just back from the full day of freestyle and ultimate with yr 11's at AH, went well considering we were 'one J down', they got quite into it anyway! I managed to stay injury free, tragic of course that Rooney got a bit hurt there..
Look forward to hearing more!
Joe
Hi John
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear the news so far, I like Joe have just done a full day with All Hallows year 7's talking about FOMO. Sorry about the challenge not sure what I am looking for at all. Take care on those delicious tastes, hope you have not needed the medical kit yet. lots love Mum xx
All sounds very exciting John! Loved the picture of the camel :)
ReplyDeleteAs for the challenge, my best guess is that the building is the entrance gateway to the tomb, but who knows...
Keep 'em coming! Beth x
Sounds ace!
ReplyDeleteEven by googling the Humayun Tomb I can't find anything on the challenge question!
Mark
Hi John
ReplyDeleteYour 'other mother' here! Wonderful that you have experienced so much already but never mind all the 'tourist' bit I want to know about the accommodation and have you had a wash yet? Is it all clean, en suite and running water etc?!
Cleanliness is next to Godliness remember!
Much Love
Rose