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I am having problems uploading photos - so I will just email to you... therefore, I chose more pictures of elephants! Today Danielle and I planned not to do much, but we got a call from BP, the financial controller, and he had decided to take us out. While driving, there were random cows grazing on the median of the highway! We also saw some pigs hanging out on the side of the road.
We went to the Swaminarayan Akshardham, which is an Indian religious site and cultural learning center, which gives history on the art, history, and meaning of local beliefs. Since it was a weekend, there was quite a long line to get in. We were not allowed to take purses, cameras, cell phones, any of the above into the center for purposes of safety precautions. I was bummed because I wanted to take a lot of pictures, but at the same time, I would prefer to be safe.
Akshardham is a Hindu temple complex in Delhi, India. Per my research, "The complex shows 10,000 years of traditional Indian and Hindu culture, spirituality, and architecture. The monument features a large central monument crafted entirely of stone. Guinness World Records states this is the world's largest comprehensive Hindu temple. It measures 356 ft. long, 316 ft. wide and 141 ft. high, covering an area of 86,342 sq. ft. The grand, ancient-style, ornately hand-carved stone temple has been built without structural steel within five years by 11,000 artisans and volunteers."
While we were there, we went to a couple exhibitions showing the life of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, for whom this temple was built to honor. Per my souvenir shop book (I had to buy one for the pictures since I couldn't take any!), he lived from 1781-1830 and is hailed as the "torch-bearer of Indian culture". We went through the "Hall of Values", which was an animatronic exhibition hall to learn the history and values of Bhagwan Swaminarayan - ahisma, courage, endeavour, service, honesty, and faith. Next, we went on an indoor boat ride to show the history of India. After that we saw a musical fountain light show (it was dark by then) - definitely better than the Bellagio!! We went to the IMAX film, which talked about festivals, traditions, and values. Finally, we went into the Akshardham monument. The carvings inside were amazing, especially considering it was all done by hand. My favorite part was all the carved elephants that surrounded the temple.
Lastly was a visit to the souvenir shop where I bought postcards, a picture book, and the coolest elephant statue ever! :) It started as a block of wood and they carved an elephant out of it. In the back, they carved small holes in it to creat a smaller elephant inside of it. Hard to describe, but it made me very happy! :)
Love you all! Katie
PS - Mom, I am taking Malaria Pills, Wearing Bug Spray, Drinking Filtered Water, and Taking lots of Vitamin C
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