Namaste - greetings from India! We arrived here and met up with Rob's sister Liz and her husband Don after two very civilized days in Singapore. Our arrival went surprisingly smooth and our travels have gone well. When we left Singapore we knew life was about to get interesting we just didn't quite know how interesting. Each day is certainly a new adventure here! We spent our first week touring an area known as the Golden Triangle which takes in the cities of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra. The area is very rich in history so there are many historic and cultural sites to see. I have posted many photos of them to share with you. Though out history the main occupants have been Buddhists, Hindus, Muslim Mughals, British Christians and various combinations thereof leading up to India's independence in the 1940s. This certainly makes for interesting travels. We started in Delhi a city of 18 - 20 million people. Old Delhi is very congested but amazingly interesting. The spice market had us all coughing and sneezing as the aromas were so strong. From Delhi we headed to Jaipur - an area known for its carpets, gems and textiles. They were lovely and the sales people persistent so we have a couple of treasures to bring home (but not too many!). Jaipur also had a number of interesting historic sites - a favorite of mine being the Amber Fort where we rode an elephant to the entrance gate and were serenaded in. Following Jaipur we finished up the Golden Triangle with a visit to Agra. The travel is very slow as it takes about five hours to go 200 kilometers. Road conditions and traffic volume are both factors. Our driver noted that the trip used to take three hours. I guess thats what happens when a country starts to create a middle class and they start buying cars! Agra is home of the Taj Mahal - the famous icon of India. It was a cloudy morning so we didn't get the 'postcard' view but it is such a magnificent structure it was magical just the same. We also visited the Agra Fort - a hillside fortress build about 150 years before the Taj Mahal and it was very interesting as well.

Our present location is Varanasi - about an hours flight East of Delhi. Varanasi is an area of religious significance for Hindus and Buddhists. The Hindus perform many religious ceremonies on the banks of the Ganges River. We took in a cremation ceremony and the 'Aarti' celebration of life that takes place every evening on the banks of the river. It was an extremely insightful evening. We also visited the river in the morning when pilgrims visit to bath and pray on its banks. Quite frankly I wouldn't touch the water, but then I don't share their faith so who I am I do say. Also nearby is Sarneth - the place where Buddha is noted to have found enlightenment - hence the areas significance for them. This site was very impressive as it dates back to 300BC.

We are really enjoying ourselves but it is hard to find a word to describe it. 'Fascinating' may be one as according to Webster's dictionary it includes 'captivating' or 'extremely interesting'. India certainly is that! People have treated us well and the food is most enjoyable. This really is a land of contrasts. You see many opulent forts, mosques, palaces and tombs yet the poorest of the poor as well. Then there are the skilled craftsmen who make the most amazing textiles and carpets yet you see the most menial, basic labor on the street. One can also enjoy the serenity offered in the parks, palaces and religious areas yet outside them there seems to be a love of noise with horns blowing relentlessly. As I say - many contrasts to keep us intrigued. ' Anything goes' here. One guide noted they are a very tolerant people. One has to be to survive here. While we are truly enjoying the experience we thank our lucky stars that we were not born or live here. Yes, there are nice areas and boutique shops for the upper class but life is very hard for many. We'll continue to share our experience when we can but be forewarned that often we are told 'Internet not available sir/madam' with no reason - so we just tolerate like the locals and carry on. All is well.