Since I last posted, we have been to Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. For some you may know this as The Golden Triangle in India. In Delhi we visited Ghandi's house and walked the path that he took his final day. We went to a Mosque, drove past India Gate, saw the Lotus Temple, and enjoyed cleaner streets and cooler temperatures. January 26th is Republic Day, so we were unable to see some of the usual tourist attractions.
After a day of seeing Delhi, we headed to Agra. Not really looking forward to the traffic and long drive, but we were pleasantly surprised. The road was not bad, and the traffic was not bad. Some of the streets were closed again due to Republic Day preparations, but we arrived in Agra in the afternoon. The only thing we had time to do was see the Taj Mahal. What a spectacular site! Our guide was truly in love with this masterpiece, so we got a great tour. He shared with us the story of why it was built and just how precise and intentional the builder was.
We got up early and headed to Jaipur the next day. A long drive, but the road was nice. I now believe that they do understand the concept of highways. Something we did encounter along the way, were these men standing in the middle of the highway with a large flag/banner. They wanted us to stop, and our driver told us it was because they wanted money. What people want to do for money!
We arrived in Jaipur and found out our hotel was still 10 kilometers outside of the city. We had to stop at each turn and get more directions. We traveled down a very bumpy dirt road before arriving at the hotel. I can best describe the hotel as a bed and breakfast. It had been a home that had been renovated into a hotel. Really?!? This is where we are staying. Now, if you have not lived in India or even visited, you may think, "What is the issue?". Well, I have lived in India long enough to know better!
The manager of the hotel asked me how many beds we needed? Really? We did have reservations (oh, by the way, we booked this through a travel agency). After not getting anywhere, I asked to see the rooms. We went up the staircase, and I noticed all the signs that said "Mind your Head". The manager showed me the rooms, and we settled on three. Our room had an old door that did not have a lock on it. They used a chain and padlock.
The manager told us that there would be a party tonight since we were staying with them. Oh no, I am not sure if I am ready for this. We also told us that we could do to the restaurant when we were ready. After we got our stuff into the rooms, we headed out to see what was on the menu. Now, the restaurant was closed, but they opened it up for us! The food was amazing, and we were excited to have a good meal. We were again assured that we needed to stay for the party.
At some point in the afternoon, we mentioned that it was my mom's birthday. In the evening we gathered where there was to be music and dancing. A dinner table was also set. Soon, there were 30 people all gathered listening to the Rajastan music. After a little while, the dancers joined them. It was truly amazing! We really enjoyed ourselves, and they even made a cake for my mom. They stopped the music and we all sang Happy Birthday. I am sure she will remember this birthday for a long time.
We spent the next traveling around Jaipur and shopping. We had a good time and rode elephants. Dad was unsure of this, but we told him you may as well. We went to some palaces and heard of some of the history of this country. There is still a King, but he has no power.
We made it back to Chennai safe and sound on the 26th. My parents were leaving on the 28th/29th, so we just had a couple of more days. One day was spent watching E play with her classmates in the annual field day. Dad also went to a marble and granite factory. My dad bought some uniques souvenirs from India. Some of you will never meet my dad, so I will share with you his souvenirs - a 300 pound marble slab and some wood! If you do know my dad, you can keep asking him what he plans to do with these souvenirs. Unfortunately, he cannot take them on the plane, so we will have to bring them back in the sea crate!
We celebrated M's 13th birthday at our one of our favorite places in Chennai - the Asiana Hotel. She wanted a Masquerade Ball. It was great. We managed to get the place decorated in time - a big thanks to my friend, Darlene, and her driver. Most of the kids showed up with masks. It was great. They ate, danced, and laughed. I think she will also remember this milestone birthday.
Since my parents left, we have been doing the usual. Baksetball practice at 6:30a for both M and N. E has ballet class on Wednesday mornings at 7:00a. E is also swimming three days a week. She has learned the butterfly stroke, and she is developing some good arm muscles!
I have been working in my craft room more. I did not think I would be so busy, but I have manged to keep busy and out of my craft room. I will need some weekend retreats to catch up!
We have not had as many exciting stories since moving into this new house. We do not see the bugs, and the power is a lot for consistent (spoke too soon - just lost power). There has been a few lizards, but we are no longer having them exterminated.
N made the boys basketball team and will be traveling to Sri Lanka. M made the 1st alternate, so we are not sure of her chances. If someone cannot travel, then she will be able to go. They both have decided to go out for track and field.
We are planning our next holiday - Australia! It will be great, and we will be visiting some friends that we met here in India. It will be a few short weeks after that when we will be making our final trip home!
I am not sure if our life back home will be too boring after all the "fun" we have had here in India.
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