Pilgrimage

So this is a Bloggg.  Shannon started this thing and me, being kinda private, I resisted.  But as usual, I now look forward to trying this my first ever bloggg (yes, the 3 ggg's are necessary)

India ---- India to me represents many things 
My ancestors, My roots, a deep inner connection which, although I have never lived there, I truly feel some connection.  My experiences of India are remote family trips where we, as a family, had remarkable experiences.  I remember very clearly my parents family members who are very loving and authentic.  

They immediately welcomed us into their homes and treated us as brothers and a sister who had grown up together all our lives.  Everyone in my Mothers family loves singing, dancing and enjoying life.  Dad's family is a very proud family focused on education, although I still remember Chetan bhaiya terrifying us while manically ripping through Delhi traffic.  

Memories that have shaped my vision of India are vast.  Briefly, my parents deep devotion and practice of the Hindu religion.  the Food,  Chai, the Dancing, the Songs, the Culture and BOLLYWOOD!!! 

Alok (my brother) and I are Amitabh Bachchan devotees (Amitabh-is an old skool indian movie actor who was the equivalent of God in India back in the 80s).




Bollywood movies, also known as Masala (spice) movies, are meant to be fun.  A successful Bollywood movie requires: 
"3 Songs, 3 Fights and 3 Dances."





The Music is fun as well.  I recommend checking out a CD called: 
Bombay the Hard Way -- "Guns, Cars and Sitars"   (the album label alone is fun).

To me India represents a country of Extremes.  India is Vibrant, Diverse, Rich in Culture, Rich in Food.  India will Challenge all of ones senses.

I look forward to Shannon (my amazing wife), Jaya, Savitri, (some readers) getting a taste of India and hopefully wanting MORE.

Lottsa Love Ajeet
After what seems like an eternity of thought and prepration the time has finally arrived.  This is a blog of our 2012 trip to India.


While Mom (Pushpa) and Dad (Sam) visit India almostly annually, Ajeet, Alok and Nina have not been since 1996.  As for the inlaws myself, Bianca and Gordon as well as the grandchildren, Jaya (5 years), Savitri (3years) and Jay (2 years) this will be our introduction.






We begin our adventure in Delhi.  The guide books describes it as “crowded, aggravating, polluted, and hetic” but hey nobody’s perfect.  To be honest I dont even know what to expect.  My excitment and anxiety is multiplying daily.






After a couple days in Delhi we take a quick flight to Udapiur, in southern Rajasthan where, yes James Bond fans we have a night at Lake Palace Hotel.






From there we head east to Jaipur.  The old pink city, yoga and an elephant sarfari are all on our to do list.   We continue east to Ramthambore National Park.  The park is 1334 sq km of wild jungle scrub hemmed in by rocky ridges.  It is the best place to spot wild tigers, and Savitri will not be leaving until she does!




There is great documentary about a tiger "Broken Tail" who was born in Ranthambhore National Park.  


http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/broken-tail-a-tigers-last-journey/full-episode/6384/


Now just when you think it cant get any better we head to Arga.  The Taj Mahal, possibly the most beautiful building in the world.




My mission here is twofold, enjoy and appreciate the moment yet avoid the breaking of any sacred statues, flaunt my ingorance in any number of ways nor misunderstand a major tradition. It will be a difficult day.


Finally we get to the purpose of our trip.  Meeting our family!  
Mom's hometown Varanasi, a city situated on the banks of the River Ganges.  It is regarded as a holy city by Hindus and Buddhists.  It is one of the oldest cities in the world.  Varanasi is described as one of the most blindingly colourful, unrelentingly chaotic and unapologetically indiscreet places on earth.  I’ll be ready for it!




We are eager to meet and reconnect with our family.


Our last stop is Dad’s hometown of Gorkaphur.  We will be visiting the University founded by Ajeet's Grandfather and an elementary school built in his honor.


We bring our time in India to a close with a couple of days in Delhi.


I can't even imagine what the next month holds for us, but I am sure I will never forget it.  Join in on our travels whenever you can!


Shannon