This past weekend was the most adventurous and craziest weekend of my life. This weekend I went to go see the Golden Temple which is in a city called Amritsar, next to the Pakistan/India Border. Amritsar is a 8 hour train ride from Delhi. My train was supposed to leave at 7pm but did not leave until 9pm. So I ended up just crashing next to a poll waiting for my train to arrive. I played a Russian card game called "Durak" translation: "stupid" with my friends, and before I knew it a huge crowd started to form around us. Gawking at us. Finally the train gets there. The train station is pretty dirty. Big Fat rats roam the station. The bedding on the train was pretty legit though. At about 3AM, I wake up suddenly from my sleep, and hear a woman frantically, frighteningly screaming. I did not know what to expect at first, I thought maybe an animal got on the train, and then I look at this big guy across from me and he is scared shit less. Did not know what the hell was going on. She woke the whole train! Apparently a robber hopped on the train and tried to steal the woman's earrings and belongings. Her scream was probably more frightening than the event itself. So around 8am we are pulling up to the train station. And I look out the window and I see a dead body on the ground. There was a crowd around the dead body and a cop staring at it. There was blood everywhere and his arm was twisted in the complete wrong direction. I have never seen a dead body before. It was pretty crazy. This all happened before I even arrived at the place.
Fortunately the next phase on the trip went well. The Golden Temple is a sacred place for Sikhs to come and worship and cleanse themselves for whatever reason. Sikhs are the people who wear turbans. Everything was free. We stayed at the Golden Temple, I slept on a wooden bed, with a thin thin blanket. The food was free. Everyone was extremely generous and grateful. I even got a chance to help out by making Roti(a type of bread) and passed out food to people, and washed dishes. The Golden Temple was amazing too. The best part about it was when I actually got to bathe in the water. The water not gonna lie, is extremely dirty, coy fish swim in the water. Sikhs have been migrating from all parts of the world too bathe in that water for the past 400 years. I asked a Sikh what was the ritual, and so I had to dip myself completely under water ten times. It was an amazing experience. Just being in that water with other Indians over looking the lit up Golden Temple at about 2am was just surreal. That same day, I went to the Pakistan/India border where everyday the Soldiers of each country do this kinda ridiculous interesting ceremony. Huge Crowds form on each side, separately by a gate. Music was playing, people were dancing. Since we were foreigners I got the VIP pass and sat near the front. The Indian and Pakistani soldiers do this ceremony where it is pretty much a dance off, where they kick really high and yell extremely loud, as if to prove who is more macho. It was pretty interesting to see Pakistan, just 50 ft away from me, and look at the people separated by a gate and a Pakistani flag. But that whole experience was really awesome.
This is the final phase of the trip. The road home. So we took the train home, and it should be an 8 hour train ride. It ended up being 12 hours. I woke up that morning feeling kinda sick but not too bad. I ate breakfast and got on the train. I ate no food after that. Throughout the day I felt worse and worse. My muscles were aching. I couldn't open my eyes all the way. I was extremely dizzy. I had diarrhea. My stomach was a complete pain. I was counting the minutes, and couldn't wait to come home. Suddenly the train stops. And in India you never know whats going on, all you know is that it stopped you never know why or when its going to start running again. The constant response I get when I ask people what happened, people respond "It's India". The train for some reason I do not know why stopped for 3 hours. Two hours later I had an extreme fever, I felt dizzy and was shivering throughout my whole body. Then the Policeman on the train told me we still had 3 hours to go. I still had no food to eat, and I was in the middle of nowhere. Finally we arrived in Delhi, I was finally home. I asked to be taken to the hospital, where they hooked me up to an IV and gave me a couple of shots. Luckily within a couple of hours of laying there, I felt alot better. They gave me a shit load of pills and smiles and told me I can go home. For an IV, medicine, orange juice, emergency room fee, two water bottles, two random shots I have no idea what they put in me, was a total of 5 dollars. But luckily aside from that everything is great. Not as sick as I was yesterday, went to school, talked to my friends. Ill post up pictures on facebook. It was a great time!
Monday, September 1, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Random Elephants, Pouring Rain, Indian Independence
I have finally arrived in Delhi, moved into my apartment and finished the long process of getting a cellphone and internet access at my place. On the 20th it'll be two months since I have been here, and it seems like I still know nothing about this place. I still experience things that I have never seen or done before. The other day I was going to a friend's house in the pouring rain at night. Out of nowhere I see an elephant crossing the street. This is not some random street or some small side street. This is a main street like Sunset or Ventura Blvd, full of people crossing the street, cars and trucks stuck in traffic and an elephant is crossing the street. I have no idea where that elephant came from, I have no idea where it was going. But it was there. If that wasn't random enough, the streets of Delhi do not have a good system for water drainage. So when it rains here, especially right now since it is the end of the monsoon season, the streets just get swamped with water, mud and dirt. At one point the sidewalks were so flooded I literally walked about 2 blocks in water that was up to my knees. I was convinced that I was going to get malaria. And this occurred this one random night when I decided to go to a friends house.
This week is the week of August 15. Indian Independence Day. This whole city has been gearing up for this day and theres supposed to be some amazing parade near the Parliamentary Building and city. As of today there are police everywhere with guns patrolling the streets. I have almost explored this whole city and hopefully I'll see all of it by the end of this weekend.
This week is the week of August 15. Indian Independence Day. This whole city has been gearing up for this day and theres supposed to be some amazing parade near the Parliamentary Building and city. As of today there are police everywhere with guns patrolling the streets. I have almost explored this whole city and hopefully I'll see all of it by the end of this weekend.
India Part 2- Theres a Party in My Stomach
July 17, 2008
Im reaching the one month mark on this trip and it feels more like I have been here for about 2-3 months. Currently I am in a town called Mussoorrie. I am learning Hindi and attending the Landour Language School. The classes are five days a week for 4 hours a day and tests everyday Wednesday and Friday. I have been here for about 3 weeks and we already are on chapter 13. I have never been pushed this far academically and the teachers here are one of the most patient, intelligent and stern teachers I have ever met. Living in India has definitely given me a huge appreciation on the little things in life. I have taken about 4 showers here and the last shower was a hot shower, sooo great. The power goes out here and there, and you really gotta be flexible with your time in order to get things done.
And in India when you need to go to the bathroom YOU GOTTA GO...life stops and you cant think about anything else. You gotta find the nearest toilet and/or least embarrassing spot. When you gotta go.. life is on hold and its all about the bathroom. My stomach in Mussoorie has been going crazy. Within minutes of eating I have to use the bathroom. There really no stopping it. I have finished a whole bottle of Pepto Bismol, and have taken Imodium. I have finally resorte to taking Sipro which has bassically stopped my stomach from hurting, but I also have not gone to the bathroom in a while...I think. Its IBS times 10 here. haha...
But through all this I love it here. Everyday is something new, and suprising, exciting, frustrating and amazing. Its more like a challange if anything, and everyday Im just like what the fuck just bring it.
Last weekend, I travelled further into the foothills of the Himalayas. I went to about 13,000 feet and slept 2 nights in this village right next to the Yamanotri River. This place has no internet, no cell phone service, and approximately 2 phones for the whole town. The next morning we hiked about 6km up a hill, and it was by far one of the amazing views of India I have seen. The trees looked like Dr. Seus Trees, and about hundreds of small and big waterfalls flowing everywhere. Then the next day we walked about 7 miles back to the nearest town, and had to climb over a landslide. Imagine climbing over a landslide with people going through you in every direction, with small rocks tumbling down, and one slip can mean falling off the edge and into the river. The beauty of that place and the various interesting people that live within the village were extraordinary. The people are curious, and are more than willing to help with anything regardless of the language barrier.
This weekend I will be going to Rishikesh and Hardiwar...two cities near the Ganges river, and one the holiest cities for Hindus. I hope everyone is doing well. And would love to hear from all of you on how you are doing. Ill write again as soon as I get the chance. Take Care.
Im reaching the one month mark on this trip and it feels more like I have been here for about 2-3 months. Currently I am in a town called Mussoorrie. I am learning Hindi and attending the Landour Language School. The classes are five days a week for 4 hours a day and tests everyday Wednesday and Friday. I have been here for about 3 weeks and we already are on chapter 13. I have never been pushed this far academically and the teachers here are one of the most patient, intelligent and stern teachers I have ever met. Living in India has definitely given me a huge appreciation on the little things in life. I have taken about 4 showers here and the last shower was a hot shower, sooo great. The power goes out here and there, and you really gotta be flexible with your time in order to get things done.
And in India when you need to go to the bathroom YOU GOTTA GO...life stops and you cant think about anything else. You gotta find the nearest toilet and/or least embarrassing spot. When you gotta go.. life is on hold and its all about the bathroom. My stomach in Mussoorie has been going crazy. Within minutes of eating I have to use the bathroom. There really no stopping it. I have finished a whole bottle of Pepto Bismol, and have taken Imodium. I have finally resorte to taking Sipro which has bassically stopped my stomach from hurting, but I also have not gone to the bathroom in a while...I think. Its IBS times 10 here. haha...
But through all this I love it here. Everyday is something new, and suprising, exciting, frustrating and amazing. Its more like a challange if anything, and everyday Im just like what the fuck just bring it.
Last weekend, I travelled further into the foothills of the Himalayas. I went to about 13,000 feet and slept 2 nights in this village right next to the Yamanotri River. This place has no internet, no cell phone service, and approximately 2 phones for the whole town. The next morning we hiked about 6km up a hill, and it was by far one of the amazing views of India I have seen. The trees looked like Dr. Seus Trees, and about hundreds of small and big waterfalls flowing everywhere. Then the next day we walked about 7 miles back to the nearest town, and had to climb over a landslide. Imagine climbing over a landslide with people going through you in every direction, with small rocks tumbling down, and one slip can mean falling off the edge and into the river. The beauty of that place and the various interesting people that live within the village were extraordinary. The people are curious, and are more than willing to help with anything regardless of the language barrier.
This weekend I will be going to Rishikesh and Hardiwar...two cities near the Ganges river, and one the holiest cities for Hindus. I hope everyone is doing well. And would love to hear from all of you on how you are doing. Ill write again as soon as I get the chance. Take Care.
First Email - Scarce Water, Rambunctious Monkeys, and Beautiful Mussoorie
Even though this is my first blog entry I am starting with emails that I wrote to people in July. My cell phone number is 995-399-1044. My Address is
UC Study Center
8-17 Sri-Ram Road
Civil Lines, Delhi, 10054
This is the first email sent out.
July 8, 2008
Namaste from India! I'm in Mussoorie right now, which is about 200km north of Delhi on the foothills of the Himalayas. India is amazing, interesting and frustrating at the same time. Everyday I have no idea what can happen, everyday is a ridiculous adventure. I have been here for about 10 days, but it feels like 10 weeks. In Mussoorie, to flush the toilet I have to go downstairs to get a bucket of water and come back up. I put the water in the toilet to flush it like so. Water comes twice a day. Basically a shower in Mussoorie consists of cold water from a faucet, if Im lucky it will come from a shower head and maybe warm. The bucket picks up the excess water that does not fall on me, and then I take the bucket and pour it on my head.
We have monkeys and black faced monkeys (langurs) walking around. Along with stray dogs. I live in the forest. I have seen the most craziest bugs, birds, and the largest spiders I have ever since in my life. Yesterday there was a mouse in someones house and the girls were yelling, so that reminded me of that one day when there was a mouse in Northrop.
Through all this Mussoorie and India is amazing. The view is gorgeous over looking the Himalayas, and the city below it. I live above the clouds. It rains quite often and it is literally like standing underneath a shower head. It can go from sunny nice outside to a Monsoon. The sunsets are even more epic. Shades of pink, orange, yellow bouncing off the mountains and the green hills. Beautiful! The food is great! Although Curry, Chicken, rice and noodles, and all these different weird sauces get old after a while. I go to this famous Hindi Language school where British soldier used to go to learn Hindi. Its 4 hours a day for 4 weeks and its super intense.
Story:
One day when it rained in Delhi, a swarm of monkeys flooded the street. Not like 5-6 monkeys. About 80-100 monkeys swarmed the street. And only in India do you hear someone say "GET INSIDE THE MONKEYS ARE COMING!" There were monkeys outside our building and we had to stay in the kitchen for about 30 minutes before all 100 of them left. SO many stories like this. Internet access is scarce here, I have to go the internet cafe in town, to use the internet. Everything is pretty cheap here, I bought a "Gucci" belt for 50 cents. A gallon of bottle water for about 30 cents. But I paid about 5 dollars for a small can of Heineken at a bar in Delhi.
UC Study Center
8-17 Sri-Ram Road
Civil Lines, Delhi, 10054
This is the first email sent out.
July 8, 2008
Namaste from India! I'm in Mussoorie right now, which is about 200km north of Delhi on the foothills of the Himalayas. India is amazing, interesting and frustrating at the same time. Everyday I have no idea what can happen, everyday is a ridiculous adventure. I have been here for about 10 days, but it feels like 10 weeks. In Mussoorie, to flush the toilet I have to go downstairs to get a bucket of water and come back up. I put the water in the toilet to flush it like so. Water comes twice a day. Basically a shower in Mussoorie consists of cold water from a faucet, if Im lucky it will come from a shower head and maybe warm. The bucket picks up the excess water that does not fall on me, and then I take the bucket and pour it on my head.
We have monkeys and black faced monkeys (langurs) walking around. Along with stray dogs. I live in the forest. I have seen the most craziest bugs, birds, and the largest spiders I have ever since in my life. Yesterday there was a mouse in someones house and the girls were yelling, so that reminded me of that one day when there was a mouse in Northrop.
Through all this Mussoorie and India is amazing. The view is gorgeous over looking the Himalayas, and the city below it. I live above the clouds. It rains quite often and it is literally like standing underneath a shower head. It can go from sunny nice outside to a Monsoon. The sunsets are even more epic. Shades of pink, orange, yellow bouncing off the mountains and the green hills. Beautiful! The food is great! Although Curry, Chicken, rice and noodles, and all these different weird sauces get old after a while. I go to this famous Hindi Language school where British soldier used to go to learn Hindi. Its 4 hours a day for 4 weeks and its super intense.
Story:
One day when it rained in Delhi, a swarm of monkeys flooded the street. Not like 5-6 monkeys. About 80-100 monkeys swarmed the street. And only in India do you hear someone say "GET INSIDE THE MONKEYS ARE COMING!" There were monkeys outside our building and we had to stay in the kitchen for about 30 minutes before all 100 of them left. SO many stories like this. Internet access is scarce here, I have to go the internet cafe in town, to use the internet. Everything is pretty cheap here, I bought a "Gucci" belt for 50 cents. A gallon of bottle water for about 30 cents. But I paid about 5 dollars for a small can of Heineken at a bar in Delhi.
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