Thursday, August 27, 2009

Our 2nd Indian trip


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Our second Indian trip begins on Saturday August 29, 2009. We start by flying to New Delhi (C)and then Driving to Rishikesh (B) staying overnight and then to Auli (A).

Auli, Uttaranchal A on the Map

Auli in the Indian state of Uttarakhand is renowned for the fascinating ski resorts and stunning natural vistas. Bounded by the snowy peaks of the mighty Himalayas, this hilly terrain offers the enchanting sceneries of oak fringed slopes and coniferous forests. At an average height of 2800 meters, this might be the single spot where the visitors would get the unusual opportunity of a nice promenade.

Walking through the misty slope provides one with the imposing spectacles of some of the lofty mountain ranges like Nanda devi, Mana Paravat and Kamat Kamet. Besides this snowy miracles, the boulevards through the slopes offers marvelous views of gorgeous apple orchards and fine deodar trees, which makes one’s morning stride a precious experience.

Auli proffers a credible past that dates back to the 8th century. It is believed that this pretty locale is blessed with the sacred visit of Sankaracharya. As a toddler in the tourism arena, Auli proffers an unspoiled ambiance. The harsh frosty storms, the sylvan peaks and the long stretch of snowy valleys would make idyllic surroundings for a skier. Aptly called as the haven for skiing activities, this hilly resort is turned to be the only tourist destination where skiing is the most sought after past time.

The erstwhile training ground of the Indo-Tibetan Police Force, Auli has gained the status of a popular hill resort with in a short span of time. The sheer inclines of Auli are a hot spot of courageous men who dare to explore the demanding environs. The snowcapped mountain ranges, the screech of the winds and the entertaining skiing, Auli is bestowed with all that is enough to thrill the onlookers. The nature at its full bloom gives a feeling of an awe inspiring time, which cannot be wiped out from our wildest dreams.

After 4 days we head back to Rishikesh and spend another day there.

Rishikesh - B on the map
A sacred town at the convergence of rivers Ganges and Chandrabh aga, Rishik esh is a naturally attractive place at the foothills of the lower Himalayas in the state of Uttaranchal in India. The importance of this holy city lies in the fact that it serves as a gateway to other religiously important centers like Kedarnath, Gangotri, Badrinath and Yamunotri.


Rishikesh, literally means Lord of the Senses, stands for Lord Vishnu and the city is blessed with the flowing of Holy Ganges. The city is a hub of many ancient and new temples, attracting thousands of pilgrims through out the year. The popular belief of Hindu devotees is that performing austerities in this holy town and offering prayers in the holy temples brings the much needed attainment of ‘Mukthi’, the salvation.

The main attractions in this exciting touri st and religious spot include Gita Bhavan, Nilkanth Mahadev, Lakshman Jhula, Swarga Ashram and Triveni Ghat, all the places having great religious importance. Rishikesh and other nearby places like Dehradun and Mussoorie makes a good interesting and amazing excursion plan.

Rishkesh is renowned for numerous Yoga centers, and perfectly termed as the World Capital of Yoga, which offers training of Yoga and other spiritual activities. This is a place to attain peace and tranquility. Many water sports activities like white water rafting and adventurous activities like wild forest trekking can be undertaken in Rishikesh.

The tourists who look for spiritual holidays as well as seclusion ar e welcomed at the lap of Rishikesh, with all its natural beauty and God’s gifts. It offers its visitors with experiences which nobody can forget for a lifetime. The sacred pilgrimage to four holy shrines starts from Rishikesh.

Agra - D on the map
Famed with one of the Seven Wonders of the World - Taj Mahal, Agra is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Agra is a virtual fort of history and architecture located in the state of Uttar Pardesh in India. Historical monuments, architectural grandeur ventures and the beauty of marbles, Agra thrives as the best picnic spot in India.

Agra, a medieval city, was assumed to be built in 1475 had been found its place even in the epic Mahabharatha as Agraban (means paradise). The renowned second century geographer Ptolemy spotted this place as Agra in his world map. Agra was the capital of many dynasties including Lodhi and Mughals.

Located at the banks of River Yamuna, Agra offers the tourists the richest of the man made beauties including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Agra forts, Fatehpur Sikri and Taj Mahal. It is the haven of Mughal art, culture and architecture.

Agra is the foremost tourist spot all over India and has been equipped with all kinds of infrastructure facilities for tourists. The city with multi colored illuminations providing a marvelous view at night offer hearty welcome to its tourists. Many high standard hotels and resorts add the enjoyment of the vacation and picnic to its pinnacle in Agra.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Tuesday March 17th 2009 - just a typical day

I apologize to all of you who are anxiously awaiting an update. I'll start with today and work my way back to the beginning of the year.

Today I needed to go to the fruit market and supermarket.


The fruit market is interesting . . . they put their bad fruits in a crate and then the goat herder will come along and his goats will eat the fruit. Shopping in India is NOT like anything in America.


They have: watermelons, apples, oranges, grapes (both green and black), coconut, cantelope, bananas and chickoo - and Indian fruit that makes the most wonderful ice cream. The chickoo is next to the scale and looks like a potato. If you look closely - near the top to the right of the watermelon - you will see a picture of their god.


Here is the chicken shop. The man in the yellowish shirt is standing in front of it. The green stacks are eggs with green dividers. I didn't stop today - but I'll get more pictures later.


This is the supermarket I go to. It seems like every time I go I found something that I wouldn't think they could possibly have.



They carry my purchases to my car. While you are at the market you can take a moment to worship your favorite god. Ganesh is featured here - the elephant god.

Watch out for the stray dog sunning himself in the middle of the road.

Then my driver carries them to my elevator. Thankfully I only have a few feet to my front door. I come home and power is out. At least we have fans and the TV's (to do school) - but even though it's only 75 right now - it's sticky today. The high's have been creeping up to the high 90's now.

Today we are doing school for the rest of the day. Here is Joanna.


Sam is currently napping. He's figured out how to stand up in his pack'n'play and so now it's harder to get him down.

Next (or before this) a Sunday picnic BBQ with KBC.

Sunday March 15th - A KBC BBQ

On Sunday the 15th we had a picnic with our church (KBC) to say farewell to the Smith's (going to the states for furlough) and Silas.






Silas is graduating Monday from the Pastor Training Institute and is going back to Myanmar (Burma) to plant a church. Silas was Sam's buddy and he would tease the girls that he was going to take Sam home with him for the night. Madeline was NOT happy with this idea and she let him know



.

Madeline hung out with Hannah - her best bud.



The girls will miss Abby as she is going back to the states with her family for 3 months.


Madeline and Hannah with an impromptu "tea party" Caleb - Hannah's brother tried to help.


Not all the pictures are mine. Thanks Caroline.

KBC Camp in Panchgani, India. 2/27-3/1 2009




I'm posting a slideshow - the pictures speak for themselves.

January Pictures