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GOING
GOING...
BACK BACK...
TO
DELHI DELHI
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It
took 15 straight hours but you finally made it.
The plane ride felt effortless, as you did your
best to recreate the movie 'Soul Plane'. Throwing
back all those bevies may not have been the most
productive thing you've done in awhile. But hey,
why not? How often do you get to vacation for
six-weeks. Your head is pounding and you're so
dehydrated that you're daydreaming of water. Then
reality hits…
Wow! You're in 'India'. The country your folks
left back in the day to come to Canada and make
a fresh start. You've seen all the pictures of
when you last visited back in grade 4. It's pretty
amazing to think how, at one time, you weren't
afraid of cows. And now, fifteen years later,
you're terrified of everything in sight. Sit back,
relax and enjoy this rustic journey. Let's explore
the land…where it all started.
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| Take
it all in. |
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| After
the initial culture shock wears off…take it
all in. You paid a ton to get here, so why not enjoy
every minute. Stay open-minded, and as the old saying
goes, 'When in Rome, do as the Romans’, or
as the Ramans do anyway. Just picture what you would
have been like if you were born here. Brush up on
the language and stop to talk to the peeps. Everyone
is a character and has their own story to tell,
so don't miss out on the free show. Who knows? You
may actually learn something in the process.
Two Words - It's Hot! Don't listen
to what anyone says about the weather. You'll
find out first hand when you smell something funny
and later realize that something is you. There's
no avoiding it so get used to and don't complain.
Make sure you always have water with you. Don't
forget to bring a hat and chill out because the
fun is just starting. And remember your sunglasses
'cause it's brighter than a hot pink neon shirt
out here!
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| Places
to Visit |
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| India,
with all its variety, feels more like a series of
countries strung together than a unified whole.
As you move from region to region, you'll be exposed
to dramatic changes in cuisine, dress, language,
religion, custom and tradition. |
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| North |
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| Delhi
is the ideal place to start your exploration of
northern India. The capital of India is a city of
fascinating contrasts. Delhi's monuments and structures
take you through the centuries past seven older
cities that existed here. Delhi is a marvelous place
for shopping, so visit its hustling bazaars and
be ready to negotiate. And don't forget to have
a taste of the best of Indian cuisine at its fine
restaurants.
The major city in Punjab is Amritsar,
the holy city of the Sikhs. Chandigarh, a younger
city was envisioned and constructed in the 1950s
to serve as the capital of new Punjab. No trip
is complete without a cleansing experience at
The Golden Temple. So make to sure to educate
yourself and get connected. It's an experience
you'll never forget.
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| South
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Mysore
is a charming city with its beautiful palaces and
royal traditions. Up on a hill overlooking the city
is the temple to Chamundeswari, its patron goddess.
Interesting trips around Mysore include the Brindavan
Gardens, Srirangapatna, the Ranganathittoo Bird
Sanctuary, the ornate Hoysala temple at Somnathpur
and the Nagarhole National Park - all within easy
reach of the city.
The wonderful cities of Bangalore and Mysore reflect
the royal heritage of Karnataka. Bangalore, the
state capital, is a lively cosmopolitan city noted
for its fine climate and extensive gardens. Visit
the exquisite Hoysala temples at Halebid and Belur
not far from Bangalore. |
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| East |
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| Calcutta
is a good starting point for your travels to eastern
India. The capital of the state West Bengal, Calcutta
has a charm all its own. Imperial edifices, teeming
bazaars, clubs and golf courses, museums, elegant
hotels and the River Hooghly winding through the
city are all part of its fascination. A good time
to visit Calcutta is during the Durga Puja in October/
November when Calcutta is decked and decorated and
is alive with good cheer and celebration. Calcutta
has a lively cultural life and fine clubs. So see
an art exhibition or two or take in a show at the
theatre. |
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| West |
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| Goa
is a fabulous getaway with beautiful beaches. Picturesque
villages along the coast with white washed churches
and red tiled houses set amidst groves of coconut
add charm to the landscape.
In Western India, you will find
uncommon destinations & experiences that delight.
Mumbai, a major metropolis and the financial capital
of India, is a logical start to your expeditions.
Mumbai is dynamic and exciting. There are marvelous
shopping arcades, fine restaurants and art galleries.
Who knows you may even run into an actor or actress.
The Gateway of India, built in 1911 to commemorate
the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to the
Delhi Durbar, is a major landmark as the imposing
Taj Mahal Hotel is close by.
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| 0How
India Changed My Life: |
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Culture
Shock
Open up your mind and enjoy the experience. Don't
sit there and complain about it.
Enjoy
the View
Soak it all in. This is what life would have been
like if our parents decided to stick around.
Try
Something New
Diversify your skill set. Drive a tractor, learn
how to sew or make chai the old school way. You'll
be impressed with your self.
Perspective
Put things in to it and find your self. Understand
your role and appreciate life.
Take
Nothing for Granted
We have all the opportunities and advantages in
life. Respect that and do something about it.
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