Temples, Trains and Mausoleums

I have had a great few days, and now I am in Agra, the biggest tourist spot in India thanks to the Taj Mahal. It is great to see some other travelers as I was the only one in Vrindavan. My hotel has a great rooftop restaurant where I met a few other lone travelers from various places, Belgium, Germany, USA, and France. It has been fun hanging out with everyone on the rooftop over looking the Taj the last two evenings and hearing everyone's stories. All really interesting people. I checked out the Taj this morning around 6 am with my new German friend Christian. We beat the tourist traffic and walked right in without waiting. Tickets were expensive though, but I could not travel through India without stopping at this famous site. It did not disappoint. Really amazing to see it close up. It is really a mesmerizing structure. After lunch we got a driver to take us around to some otherAgra sites including Agra Fort, the Baby Taj, which is pretty amazing in it's own right, and another tomb of a Persian prime minister I believe. I am really impressed with the Moghals and their building skills. All of the sites still hold up today and are incredible feats. We also traveled across the Yamuna river to see the Taj from another viewpoint which was great. Good day of site seeing and we traversed a lot of ground. I am really fortunate to have met a few people from around the globe, and had a lot of great conversations throughout the day. We are all going our separate ways tomorrow but exchanged info and will hopefully be in touch. Agra was a nice town and I am really glad I made the trip. But there is still a lot more to cover. 

Before arriving in Agra I spent a day in Vrindavan, a holy town on the banks of the Yamuna River believed to be the boyhood home of Lord Krishna. So glad I made the trip. At first I felt a little out of place as I arrived. I told the rickshaw driver to take me to Radha Raman Temple, where I had heard good things, but he ended up taken me to the more famous, Iskon Temple, which is run be the society for Krishna consciousness, or the Hare Krishnas. After arguing with the driver for a few, I decided I might as well check it out before moving on, so I went inside. It was quite beautiful, and very lively. Drums and music and dancing were going on inside and lots of people where there. A lot of westerners living there who have moved to India to join the Hare Krishnas, so quite an interesting scene. When I arrived someone in orange robes welcomed me and said that I had come to the holiest place in India. As I moved on to Radha Raman, I soon found out that this was indeed true for many of the people living there. The temple was closed when I got there. It closes from 12 to 5 or so, as the gods are resting during that time. So I wondered around trying to find the guesthouse that I heard about. Streets were pretty deserted and only a few people out and about, doing chores it looked like. No one payed very much attention to me at first. I asked a few people who did not speak English wher the guesthouse was and they all pointed in different directions. I was getting a little frustrated but knew I would find something eventually. The town is quite old, how knows just how old some of these temples are, and it was a really interesting place to show up in. Finally I found a guesthouse, and after finding teh owner of the place, he showed me to a room without really saying anything. I was just thankful to have found shelter for the night and place to unload my stuff. It was rather nice and had a big bed and even AC. I was really happy to find such a place. I rested for a bit and another guy spoke top me awkwardly in English making sure I liked the room and was very kind. After I caught my breath I went out exploring and starting walking towards the old river. The temples on the river are largely abandoned but there are still many people about them and by the banks. One really beautiful temple with colorful artwork caught my eye and I sat by it. Then a few teenagers on bikes rolled by and said hello. Before I knew it they were taking me around on the back of one of their bikes showing me all the temples. I never would have had a chance to see some of those places if not for them. It was a little uncomfortable on the back of the bike though and they spoke minimal English. So after I while I was ready to be on my own again. Later that evening I headed to Radha Raman. Where I had heard there was music in the evenings. I got there around 530 and there were only a few people sitting around the temple, which was pretty small. A yellow curtain had been pulled to cover the display of Krishna at the forefront of the temple. It seemed like people did not really mind me being there. Pretty soon, more and more people came in and then incense was lit and the curtain was drawn, everyone stood up and hurried over to Krishna. Some placed themselves on the ground with their entire body to pay tribute. Others put their hands in the air. I just stood silently gazing. Then an amazing thing happened. Everyone stared singing in unison. I have no idea what they were singing, but this was the evening darshan and was beautiful. The sound of these voices in chorus was so amazing to me, I felt this incredible rush. I could not help it and felt tears welling up in my eyes. I can't explain it it was just so powerful and beautiful. The same thing happened a few hours later when more singing occurred. I am not ashamed to say it, I was really moved. Everything in Hindu worship has to do with energy. Nothing is important without energy, and that night there was an amazing energy in that place, and maybe this is why it is still considered a holy holy place. The murti itself (display of the God) was small but very beautiful. Krishna was black and his legs were crossed has he held the flute. Amazing to see, so different than anything in the west. I kept thinking wow this is authentic as it gets. I was sitting in this Hindu Temple watching this incredible display of devotion. Women of all ages dressed in their colorful saris and men of all walks of life, some in rags, some holy men with shaved heads, and some dressed a little more modern. All there for the same purpose. As the night progressed things just got more interesting. A man pulled out a harmonium and started playing and singing. Soon the master musician arrived and played harmonium and sang. He was obviously well versed in Indian musical tradition and totally blew my mind. I was sitting right next to the musicians. A tabla player joined in and was a great player as well. There were 7 or 8 people gathered around in this section of the temple and the musicians would play one raga and then drift right onto another, The music never lagged, it was just continuous movement. I had never heard harmonium or a vocalist in a live setting before and this was quite a first time experience. I could not have asked for more. The playing was superb. A few hours went by and I was rooted to the spot, every melody was just searing my insides as I listened. Finally the music ended and everyone got up to leave. I made eye contact with the vocalist and gave a gesture of appreciation with my hands. It seemed like a lifetime had went by but it really was only 3 hours or so. As we walked out the singer came over to me and we talked a bit. I said I loved Indian music and was so happy to have heard him play.  He took me by the hand and we walked a bit and he said if I was every back in Vrindavan we would sit together. I was so thankful for his warmth and kindness. 

gate to Radha Raman

I decided to wake up early the next morning and check out the early morning rituals. Around 530 I headed down to the river again and felt like I was transported into a far off time in the past. Many holy men in rags chanting and sitting with their bowls to receive offerings. On the ghats by the river, there were boats that were taking people over to the other side to bathe. I saw a man dunking his whole body in to the river a number of times and a boy gave me a little bowl shaped leaf filled with flowers and lit with incense. I sent it into the river and watched it float downstream. A woman stopped me and put red paint on my forehead in a straight line with her hands. Then yellow paint on my neck. She expected rupees of course which I forked up. Then I sat on a huge platform overlooking the Yamuna for a bit. Really incredible place at that time of day. Some kids came over and kept asking for rupees and would not leave me alone which was a buzz kill, it got really annoying after a while. After this I went in one of the temples around the river for a small time, then went back and took a nap in my room. By the way, I could not find any reliable sources of food in the area I was staying in so I thought it better not to eat. I just had some snacks that I had brought from home and water. I figured since I was in  holy place, I would fast a bit and avoid getting sick. There were a lot of really dirty looking places selling all kinds of things, water bottles that were filled with unclean water, and so on. Did not trust it. I went back to Iskon the next day after paying the guesthouse and thanking them. Finally found a meal at a big upscalish hotel in that area which was great. Then headed to Agra by train. The trains are really cool, the windows are opened and you get a great breeze and view of the Indian country. people live everywhere along the tracks, some in some really interestingly made shelters. I started feeling pity and sadness for the first time here at the train station, seeing how poor some of the people are. One person could not walk and just hobbled around on the ground using his hands. It was so sad, I gave him two bananas, and watched as another man carried him across the tracks to the other side. There are also lots of street children who are dirty as hell and beg for money. My heart felt heavy for them. It is really difficult and it is everywhere. India is right in your face. I saw a little girl with deep eyes like I have never seen before. She looked like she had seen too much, and was far older than her age. I couldn't stop looking at her eyes. Something was beautiful about her though. 

view from hotel

Vrindavan was an awesome stop, and a real look into Indian religious life. People would look at me as I passed and say hare Krishna, their devotion was amazing, even though they have so little. Tomorow I go to Orccha to stay with an Indian family. Have no idea what it will be like but am very excited. Another unforgettable experience awaits. Traveling is eye opening and such a thrill. I doubt I will have internet in this little town but will get back as soon as I can. 

The Fortune Teller

Wow, crazy day today. I woke up and had breakfast then decided to try and go to Rikhi Ram music store and then sight seeing. Well, plans didn't exactly go as I thought they would, but I had loads of adventures. Wanted to hit and ATM before I hit Rikhi Ram so I started going in the direction where I found one the first night I was there, could not see it anywhere, but soon enough I was stopped by two nice guys who were intrigued and asked where I came from. They asked if I would like to have some chai with them and talk... Ok, I figured this would be promising. They led me down a few alleys, which were just as crammed with shops as the main road, and into a small room with 2 beds on the floor and a few seats. I talked to the one man for a while about Indian music and he told me he plays sitar and told me about his guru who is now deceased. The other guy played tablas himself and we chatted for a bit, then he left to get chai. Somehow the subject of ipods came up and I told him I had one and let him listen to a few songs. He said he loved Bob Marley so I put some on for him. He was grooving and trying to talk over the music very loudly. Kinda funny. After a long time, the second guy, Raj, returned with a pitcher of chai and some cups. Really delicious tea, me first taste since I have been in India. Then another man came in and we started to talk about religion, and I told him that I was learning a lot from Hinduism. He took the time to answer some of my questions and spoke of invisible energy in the human body, chakras, elements, auras, and some other things. All interesting stuff. We agreed that the only real important truth is love. He expounded on this saying that in India there are three types of love, mind to mind, body to body, and soul to soul, and that in a wife, you want all three. He told me he had studied in Rishikesh for years and his guru taught him how to read auras and that mine was blue. He also told me some other things about my life that were actually very close to the truth, and I was fascinated. He wanted to perform a ceremony and give me a sapphire pendant to wear around my neck which would help open up my throat chakra. ok... unfortunately I would have to pay for this sapphire which he could not afford to give to me at no cost. No dice, but the idea was intriguing. I did not doubt his sincerity and he did not push, he led me out and back down a road that would lead to where I was going and told be to enjoy India. All in all, great fun.

This is where it gets interesting. I ate lunch on a rooftop restaurant overlooking the streets, and soon enough, I heard lots of drumming and soon saw what looked like a parade precession with cows pulling them along coming down the road, which did not stop traffic at all. Apparently it is festival season. A whole marching band came through next, and it was entertaining to say the least, as the whole road was covered in flower pedals by the end of it.

So when I was walking down the steps out to the street from the restaurant, a woman puts her hands on me and says to follow her, I say I am just leaving, then next thing I know she lays a kiss on me. That's when I knew to get the hell out of there. After being solicited by a this woman, prostitute or whatever she was, I needed to get back to my room and digest what had just happened. A little freaked out by the whole thing. Then suddenly a man in a turban came out of no where and said that I have a good heart but my mind is cluttered. He was some sort of fortune teller and did a few weird tricks, asking me to put a crumbled paper in my hand then asking me to pick a color. Orange I said, sure enough, orange is written on the paper... Then he said that my father's name has 6 letters in it, counting in my head I realized that he was right. Ummm, ok. He took me aside into this little sitting area and presided to tell me all kinds of things that were just blowing my mind. I came to India to see and to learn he said, and I am searching for freedom. I am a great teacher but am not using this gift. All this was pretty heavy for me. He told me I was very holy in a past life and that I am influenced by the planet Saturn in a negative way. Funny, the other guy with the sapphires had just told me this. He then said I have three problems and that if I paid him he would tell me. Knowledge comes at a price. I gave him around hundred rupees but could not give more. I am still wondering what these problems are. Who knows how reliable this all was but was kind of uncanny, especially with the name thing. Ok, so now I had to get back and digest everything, My mind was blown. What just happened? I was just trying to find an ATM to begin with, which never happened.

Took a few minutes to collect myself than took a rickshaw to Akshardim Temple. It is actually quite new, not really old as I said earlier. My fault. But amazing place. Had to wait in line a bit, which reminds me. I have realized that there is no such thing as a single file line in India. It is more of a mob, and people get in front of you left and right if you are not aggressive. Funny.  Temple had beautiful intricate carvings on the walls everywhere. Pools, and fountains, and green lawns and gardens. Awesome. Unfortunately no pictures were allowed. Met two girls there, one American, Erin, and one German, Marie, who I walked around with for a bit. Then we took the metro back to Pahar Ganj. Had dinner down the street at a really nice place, and a little more expensive. It was recommended in the guidebook for good reason. Now I have returned to my safe haven for one more night and am really excited and glad to get out of Delhi and head to Vrindavan. Hope the train ride goes smoothly and I am sure there will be much to tell about it. Might be a few days.

A Three Hour Tour

Day two in Delhi was quite an adventure. Hmmm where to begin... my hotel set up a bus tour for me today for 300 rupees which I happily accepted, though I did not know what I was really getting into. The guy from the hotel walked me to the street corner and 5 minutes later, a bus pulls up and he tells me to jump in... ok why not. So there I am in the bus and quickly realize I am the only non-indian on the bus, and that most if not all of the fellow bus riders spoke very little english. Thankfully the tour guide spoke English well and would help me out a lot, showing immense kindness to me. At first I did not realize but apparently I was very intriguing to a lot of the people on the bus, and got a lot of stares throughout the day. I did not mind. First stop was Laxmi Naryan Mandir, a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva and Krishna. I left my shoes at the door along with everyone else and perused the temple for a half hour. Really amazing to see, it was such an inviting place, and I felt a very calm energy inside it. There were paintings depicted scenes from the Bhagavad Gita on the walls with script written in English. Just beautiful. I was handed a pamphlet upon leaving which spoke of the unity of one God in Hinduism. That all the many gods are really representational of only One and that the way to God is through showing kindness to others. We went to the Indira Ghandi Museum next which was cool but not mind blowing. This is where she lived in the later years of her life and also where she was killed. There is a path covered in crystal marking her last steps. India Gate was next and a guy asked me if he could take a picture with me. I said sure, then asked his friend to take one of us. Shortly after, two kids said hello and wanted a picture as well. I told them my name, and they pointed out some things nearby. They were from Mumbai but seemed to have a knowledge of things. They were in another bus but we would meet a few more times throughout the day, always recognizing them by hearing, "Patrick Patrick!"

After this I started to wonder if we would get a meal soon, and pretty soon the guide announce something in Hindi which I didn't understand at all, but I did catch the word "lunch." We got out of the bus and shuffled into a crowded cafeteria style place in which I was the only westerner yet again. Sitting across from an India couple in their 60's, wondering what they were going to serve me and if I was about to get food poisoning, the guide came over and said something of which I did not understand but said yes. Out camne a metal tray with three different portions. dhal, some kind of chutney, and who knows what else, and some chapati bread and rice. There was not even a silverware option here, unlike at the hotel, so I had to use my hands and try not too look out of place I think I am getting the hang of it now. I dove in and loved it. I kept thinking wow this is really really good, wish I knew what it was. A little spicy but I did not mind. A guy came over and gave me a little more of who knows what. I was full fast and paid 60 rupees. Pretty good meal for under 2 dollars US. I am loving the exchange rate.

We then went to Delhi Haat which is a mall specializing in textiles and cloths. But they have other cool things as well. Lots of little icons of Hindu gods. Keep in mind that I had no idea where I was going on this ride, but did not feel lost. I felt like I was in good hands and was enjoying every stop. We went to the Qutub Minar complex, which was built by Moghal rulers some time in the past. Not sure exactly, wanna say 13th century or so. Could be way off. This was really cool, the architecture was amazing. And there was a huge tower that was the center of the whole complex. Lots of intricate carvings on the temple walls, and tombs of late Muslim greats. I met two american girls here and they offered to take a picture. Always great running into americans. Forget if I am missing something in between, but the Lotus Temple was shortly after and this was just great. This is a Bahai Temple, which allows all faiths to worship there. The temple itself is in the form of a huge Lotus flower, and is surrounded by beautiful lawns and pools. Inside was really cool. One woman got up to the front and sang a few verses of the Koran, which just melted me heart it was so pretty. Than the Our Father was recited, and then some chanting. Really interesting to see all of the faiths intermingled, and it felt very welcoming inside. I thought if it was not for having to get back to the tour, I could spend some time here. Very peaceful.

Last we hit the Mahatma Ghandi memorial, where his body lies. Really beautiful place with a simple square and flame burning constantly. The sun was just setting and it was really calming, and great to pay tribute to one of the greatest souls to walk the earth in the last century. One of the plaques read, "live simply so that others can live simply" Ghandi's words which really ring true. We were finally heading back in the direction we came and I was wondering if I'd ever get off this bus, as it had now been many hours and I had had my fill. Finally we got to Pahar Gang where I was staying, but I had to walk a bit, not wanted to get lost I took an auto rickshaws offer to take me to my destination. Looking back I think I could have found it if I had kept walking, but the rickshaw was a hell of an experience. In bumper to bumper traffic for a bit, but that did not stop my driver from  gunning it when he had a few feet to spare. Zooming in and out of cars, and people, and bikes, not to mention dogs, the ride was entertaining to say the least. Still can't get over how these people can manage not crashing into each other more often, but I have yet to see it happen. So I got back to the confines of my hotel and sat down to eat a good meal to end the day. I am loving India more and more, and I have much much more to do and see. I was really happy I got the chance to do the tour, I saw a lot of places and the whole thing was just a crazy strange awesome experience. I am thankful for finding my way so far. I am adjusting well I think. The dirt and grime and trash is very different from the US but the shock level is wearing off. Still, everything is new and interesting. Nothing is dull that is for sure. I have one more day and night at Anoop Hotel, and then off to Vrindavan. I am hoping to see Chandi Chowk tomorrow, a huge crazy bazaar, then Akshardim Temple ( note sure if spelling is correct) which I believe is the oldest around, then hopefully Lodi Gardens for some relax time. So excited to be here, I thank everyone who is reading this, I would love feedback, my email is patlambdin@yahoo.com if anyone would like to say hello or tell me what you think of the blog. Please don't hesitate. I will leave you with more pictures.

Qutub Minar

Lotus Temple

Ghandi Memorial

Delhi

My first day in Delhi was awesome, and I am already loving India, although adjusting slowly. I will start by telling you about my long journey here from Europe, which seemed like it lasted forever. I said goodbye to gelatos and pizza with a sigh and headed off to Rome by train which took about 4 hours. Then took a train right to the airport which I paid way too much for and then had about 7 hours to kill before my flight. I hung out in a cafe that was opened all night and took a nap for a few hours on a leather sofa. After finally getting on the plane, I got into Amsterdam that morning and had a short layover before boarding the plane to New Delhi, which was packed. I met a guy from Wales in line who was doing the same thing as me, except he had no plan whatsoever. More power to him, but I am very happy I have some things taken care of so far. So boarding the plane was a lot more intense then I had thought it would be, with x ray scanners and security check. Finally got on the plane and sat next to a guy from Calcutta, who told me to try the sweets when I got there. Very nice guy who was happy to hear of my travel plans. The plane took forever (about 7 hours which was long enough) and we were served two Indian meals. Then we arrived and I got through customs easily before picking up my bags and to my relief, I saw a sign with my name. This was my driver. I told him I needed an ATM so he took me to one inside the airport, only to find that it was temporarily out of service.Found another one, same thing. The third one seemed promising...nope out of service. I had to laugh. We got on the road and I experienced my first taste of India traffic, which is totally absurd. If you think they use their horns a lot in New York, think again. Seemed like they were having a conversation back and forth . I knew what to expect so I was not terrified after almost rear ended about 4 cars. I had my trust in my driver, although the whole experience was comedic if anything. Lanes are not really paid attention to really, as we drove in the middle of the line for a good while. Bikes, cars, rickshaws, people and dogs all tangled together on the road and somehow not killing each other. It is a wonder. My driver started to talk to me after a long silence, his English was not great but I understood a few things. He was very friendly and I was appreciative of the ride. We got to the hotel's street in Pahar Ganj on Main Bazaar road, which I have to admit was a little scary as we pulled up at night. It was not Florence, lets put it that way. We went to another ATM which did not work, and finally found one that did. Thank god. So I checked into my room and found it kinda run down, but hey, I am not in Kansas anymore, and now I find it quite nice. My standards are already dropping I suppose. There is a bed, AC, a bathroom and shower, which will work just fine. Anoop Hotel it is called and they also have a rooftop restaurant which is cool. So I got comfortable and took a shower. washing away the grime that had been building up over my long journey from Europe. Not the cleanliest of showers, and water was on the cold side, but I decided to just embrace it. Tried to charge my phone but as soon as I plugged in my adapter, the power cut off in my room. (chuckle) Had to go get reception to help me. I decided to wait until morning to try again. (the same thing happened today, but after a little fooling around, I got it to work without killing the power).Then I settled down to sleep. So ended my first night in India.

I slept until 1 today, as I was still really tired from lack of sleep, and wanted to take it easy for a bit and not try to do too much. Baby steps. I got some lunch on the roof, vegetable briyani and chapati bread, which was very good and met a Russian guy who had been in India for a year and was just leaving for Moscow. I remember he said everyday in India is a happy day. Then decided to head out into the streets.A lot different scene during the day and a lot more inviting. The road I am on is full of shops, selling just about everything. I saw little music shop and a kid about 12 years old waved me in and told me to sit down. I picked up a guitar on the wall which sounded awful and played a bit, but the kid wanted me to buy his little drum. Which was cool, but I was not interested. He did show me a drumming technique that I still don't understand, but involved dragging your finger across the drum. I wandered out of there and a women carrying a baby walked next to me asking me for something I could not understand. I said " no I cannot help you." but she kept persisting for a bit, until finally I said leave me alone, which did the trick. Met a few people that were very nice and were not trying to sell me anything, but most were. They welcomed me to India and said India is a great country. I went in a few clothing shops and got a two pairs of pants and two shirts. Now I fit right in. They are really comfortable and really cool looking I might add although I probably paid too much. You all would laugh a bit if you saw what I was wearing now. One guy tried to sell me sunglasses for 700 rupees, more than I paid for any of the cloths that I got. I said no, 100 rupees. We finally settled on 150 but after I gave him 200 and asked for change, he said no 200 thank you. I decided to let it slide, just a dollar to me anyway. I will get the hang of this haggling thing.Bought some bananas at what looked like a big outdoor market and then headed back the other way. I wanted to get to Conought Place and go to Rikhi Ram music store but I could not find it. A cycle rickshaw driver offered to take me into Conought Place, so not wanting to get lost, I obliged. Into the chaos that is Indian traffic I went, sitting on the back of this bicycle in this metal platform, which at first was very uncomfortable but I quickly got used to it. He let me get out and walk around Conought Place a bit which is a huge circle of shops, and it was interesting. He then took me to a four story store which had musical instruments on the top floor. I went up and met the owner who was very nice and told me to sit down and relax. someone brought us both bottles of water and I looked at the sitars and tablas. He told me I did not have to buy, and that if  my money was meant to come to him then it would, if not then that would be ok. He said please come back after a brief chat and told me to enjoy India. Then my rickshaw driver who was still waiting asked if I wanted to see the monkey temple. I thought why the hell not and we headed there on some busy streets. I almost collided with other cars about 10 times, but we made it safely and it was an experience in itself just on the road. The temple was a huge structure in the form of the monley god Hanuman, and was really cool from the outside alone. A little boy outside the temple told me to take off my shows and left them on a little rack and went in barefoot. This was cool. I was now in my first Indian temple, there were many displays involving statues of several gods adorned in beautiful colors and necklaces. They were like alters, and pople would stand or kneel in front and pray. There was one man with a huge book written in sanskrit who was chanting something softly. As I walked over to one of the alters, a man who worked there adorned my forehead with orange paint and put a red string around my wrist. Then I opened my hand and he poured water into it and told me to drink, so I acted if I did, since I was scared to drink the water, and put the rest on my head as the others did. Then he gave me something that I have no idea what it was and told me to eat one. I put it in my mouth but then took it out when no was was looking. I have all the respect in the world for the rituals but I was not gonna chance getting sick. I went over to another alter which had Kali (the destroyer goddess if I remember correctly), and Saraswati, who I recognized because she always plays the Veena. I was adorned with ash on my head and more string around my wrist.So that was cool.

Gave the boy who watched my shoes 10 rupees and he said thank you with a smile. Then my cycle driver took me back to the hotel as it was just getting dark. He told me to give him 1000 rupees, which was totally ridiculous, but after arguing a bit I decided to just cave in and forget it. He was really helpful and even though he charged me way too much, it is still very cheap compared to where I come from. Besides, it is hard work pulling me all around on a bicycle. But this kind of spending will not continue, I will be sure to work out a price before I go anywhere and stick to it. I had vegetable curry at the hotel which was really good, and met some Belgians who were just leaving but told me a few places where I should go and commended me on my Indian eating style. Now I am here and will get to bed early again tonight. So far, I have made out well, and I am loving India. Tomorrow I worked out a tour around Delhi that will last most of the day starting at 10 AM with a guy at the hotel. I am excited to see some more of Delhi and it is nice to have a guide since I am not confident on my own yet. Until next time, Namaste.

Il Gatto e la Volpe

Another day in the life. I like Florence more and more the longer I am here. Had a wonderful day highlighted by a dinner to end all dinners. Il Gatto e la Vople was the restaurant, ehich featured a family style special for tables of 5 and over. Luckily Justin and his friends as well as myself totaled ten. I was excited all day to attend this dinner after hearing about it last night, and I was njot dissapointed. For 15 euro a person, we were treated like royalty. All the wine we could drink, and lots and lots of food. Strarting off with bread and olive oil, the waitor proceeded to bring out antipasti dishes which consisted of fresh mozzerela and cherry tomatoes with basil, marinated eggplant, zucchini, and peppers, a meat plate featuring turkey, prosciutto and salami, and bruscetta and mushroom crustini. I was already out of my mind as I started to eat, and couldnt stop laughing. Second course was pasta. Gnocci and meatballs with a ragu sauce, penne vodka, and mushrooms ravioli with truffle sauce. All out of this world, even though I was already stuffed. No room for dessert after this. Definitley one of the food highlights of the trip to Italy. It was really nice hanging out with good people and eating good food, and I am really fortunate to have had a friend here who had some connections.

J Rock Caruso

Gnocci

Cant remember his name but he knew everything about Florence

Before food heaven I did some more exploring and climbed the Doumo, which has about 463 steps I think. It was certainly a work out but worth it, the view from the top was amazing. You can see all of Florence and the sorrounding Tuscan hills. Unfortunatley I forgot my camera, but you will have to take my word for it. I felt bad for some of the older folks who did not know what they were getting into, and after climbing halfway they were already asking eachother why they were doing this again. Lots of americans, I met a guy from Charlotte standing in line. After this I headed to Ponche Vechhio which is a bridge over the Arno river. Crossed teh river and ate lunch, which was pretty amazing in its own right. Bruscetta followed by spinach and ricotta ravioli topped with butter sauce and herbs. I have really really enjoyed having leisurly lunches here, eating the best food on the globe. Nothing compares. After not being able to move for a bit, I kept wandering, and came across a classical guitar player in a piazza by a church, whos playing was excellent. I am gald I stumbled across him. Then after hanging by the Arno in the sun for a while, I went back to the hostel for a nap before meeting Justin and going to Piazza de Michaelangelo, which overlooks the Arno and gives a great view of Florence as well. Then we had that excellent dinner, and now I am at the hostel doing laundry and getting ready for bed. I am going to take Justins student pass and get into the Ufizi Museaum  for free tommorow and then head back to Rome in the evening, then a flight early thursday morning. My adventures in Italy are coming to a rapid close. India is calling.

The fake David

 I am really glad that I decided to stop over here before India, it has been a really nice week, and I am going to miss it. Lots of memories from a short time, that is for sure. Cannot believe India is so close. I am expecting to be blown away even more upon arrival in India. It will be like night and day compared to Europe, and I am really excited to see what I find next. Or what finds me. May be a bit before I check in again, but hopefully not too long.

Firenze

I am presently at Justin's apartment hanging out with his roommates cooking a pasta dish and drinking some red wine.  I spent the day walking around Florence after a wonderful lunch split between two different spots. The highlight was the crustini featuring tomatoes and capers. Delicioso. I decided to just wander without really knowing where I was going. Ended up seeing some amazing sights, including several really beautiful churches which I explored. There were very few people in them and I often had the places to myself which was cool. 

Courtyard inside church

Blue sky before storm hit, luckily I made it back to my hostel just in time

Check out the storm clouds over the train station

Not really sure what all of the sights I saw are called but I really enjoyed them and I love Florence already. It is easy to get around and difficult to get lost. A lot smaller than Rome. There are even more Gelatarias it seems. I ended up getting a tiramasu flavored gelato on the way back to the hostel which was superb. It is kinda cool to not really have much of an idea about what all of the sights are in the city, and just stumbling across these really amazing structures. I still have much to see tomorrow, I will try and go across the river and check out the Ufizi and Ponte Vechio. I'll leave you with a few more pics from Florence today. Enjoy.