We were in awe at palatial ruins in Orchha. We were overwhelmed at sunrise with the sight of the Taj Mahal. Pictures don't do it justice. Must be seen to truly appreciate one of the seven wonders of the world.
Since Varanasi we have been treated to really comfortable hotels with pools. The climate is @ 30 'C and we are enjoying the refreshing dips.
The temples at Kharjaho are intricately carved with very INTERESTING SCENES Alan has been very busy taking notes, but is having trouble standing on his head. A great introduction was the light and music show about the history and grandeur of a past age. The monuments they left behind are inspiring. The story of Kama Sutra is nothing that would make the pages of Playboy magazine but are indeed religious inspirations for a culture that had become excessively abstinant. Too many monks and the women were neglected.
Travel to Orchha was a 4 hour relaxing drive through the countryside and small villages.
Upon reaching Orchha we were amazed with the extent of the ruins of an ancient medieval society. One of the pictures has the guard dogs as the resort is very close to the jungle and they need them to protect the resort from the leopards and tigers at night.
Comfortable train ride from Jhansi just outsite of Orchha to Agra. Agra is much more quiet with cars etc. Only electric vehicle are allowed near the Taj Mahal due to pollution concerns.
Hope all is well. Regards, Alan and Susan
Sunday, October 28, 2007
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Kathmandu, Nepal. Temple Priestess and her Protectors.
Kathmandu, Nepal. Birdman of Kathmandu. Note shrine in top right.
Amritsar, India. Golden Temple. Grandfather and his grandson bathing in Holy water. So proud to have their picture taken.
Enjoying a cup of tea after out trek in the mountains. Dharmakot-up the mountain from Dharmasala.
Beautiful colours of the women wearing Sarees.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Varanasi
Arrived this am from our 14 hour over night train ride from West Bengal. Wonderful reception upon arrival. The hotel is the only heritage hotel here. It was the home of a Maharajai. ]
From Puri to Bhubaneshwar we drove again through the lovely country side, rice fields, sugar cane, and people very busy in the fields. Green and lush. The train to Calcutta departed an hour late. As a consequence we had a thrilling experience rushing through the congested streets of Calcutta to the other train station for the overnight trip to West Bengal. Just arrived in the nick of time. Crashing through all the hords of people at the station. Whew!!!!
Darjeeling with its fields of tea plantations is very beautiful. We relaxed in Darjeeling by having high tea at the sumptuous Windamere hotel. Felt like royalty dressed as tourists. The people continue to be friendly and very interested in where we come from. WE are often asked to have our pictures taken with their families.
Darjeeling is a hill station from the British time but now it is EXTREMELY congested with vehicle traffic. Too bad as it is such a beautiful location on the hill side. Had a fun time on the toy train to Ghum. See previous pics. Darjeeling to Gangtok again a scenic ride through the hill country. Gangtok again another hill station, is not con gested as they stop car traffic after 5pm. (except for armed escorted dignitaries out shopping) which we saw a few of. Our next stop was Kalimpong, again spectacular drive up hillside to a ridge where the city is located. The hotel was a converted heritage residence of a another RAJ.
For all you golfers there is a spectacular hillside golf course: 9 holes, 12 greens, par 64, figure that, but it is one of a kind. Destination for a golf retreat...........
We left the hills yesterday afternoon on the overnite train as mentioned.
We will be visiting the holy waters of the Ganges today and tomorrow.
Regards, Alan and Susan
From Puri to Bhubaneshwar we drove again through the lovely country side, rice fields, sugar cane, and people very busy in the fields. Green and lush. The train to Calcutta departed an hour late. As a consequence we had a thrilling experience rushing through the congested streets of Calcutta to the other train station for the overnight trip to West Bengal. Just arrived in the nick of time. Crashing through all the hords of people at the station. Whew!!!!
Darjeeling with its fields of tea plantations is very beautiful. We relaxed in Darjeeling by having high tea at the sumptuous Windamere hotel. Felt like royalty dressed as tourists. The people continue to be friendly and very interested in where we come from. WE are often asked to have our pictures taken with their families.
Darjeeling is a hill station from the British time but now it is EXTREMELY congested with vehicle traffic. Too bad as it is such a beautiful location on the hill side. Had a fun time on the toy train to Ghum. See previous pics. Darjeeling to Gangtok again a scenic ride through the hill country. Gangtok again another hill station, is not con gested as they stop car traffic after 5pm. (except for armed escorted dignitaries out shopping) which we saw a few of. Our next stop was Kalimpong, again spectacular drive up hillside to a ridge where the city is located. The hotel was a converted heritage residence of a another RAJ.
For all you golfers there is a spectacular hillside golf course: 9 holes, 12 greens, par 64, figure that, but it is one of a kind. Destination for a golf retreat...........
We left the hills yesterday afternoon on the overnite train as mentioned.
We will be visiting the holy waters of the Ganges today and tomorrow.
Regards, Alan and Susan
Thursday, October 18, 2007
October 18, 2007
This is the lounge immediately outsite our room at the Fairlawn Hotel in Calcutta. It was an 19th century British home renovated into a character hotel.
Hi ho Hi ho it's off to work he goes. A scene on the way from Lumbini to Chitwan in Nepal.
Hi ho Hi ho it's off to work he goes. A scene on the way from Lumbini to Chitwan in Nepal.Sunday, October 14, 2007
Very Inspiring
October 14, 2007 Puri
We are on the east coast of India on the Bay of Bengal. Waterfront view hotel room, we feel very spoiled. Hot and humid here. It is @ 35'C today. We drink and drip, drink and drip.
Calcutta, very intense congested city, blessed with amazing parks and historical buildings. We relaxed under the largest Banyan tree in the world. One tree covered about an @ acre.
Very moving visit to Mother Theresa's house. We joined in on a mass, very inspiring.
Pollution is overwhelming due to diesel fumes.
We took our first train ride in India from Calcutta to Bhubaneshwar, a city with over 7000 temples. We visited 3 of the most ancient and spectacular. Pleasant drive to Konark, the Sun Temple, a world heritage site. On route visited controversially the birth place of Buddah. Lumbini, (mentioned earlier) HAS THE same claim.
Arriving in Puri we visited a fishing village. The boats had just returned with bountiful amounts of fish. Waves were crashing on the shore. The boats are wooden and very shallow, they had to time their landings between waves. All you fisherpersons would have been impressed.
Tomorrow we will be relaxing, visiting the beach and the markets.
Bye for now.
We are on the east coast of India on the Bay of Bengal. Waterfront view hotel room, we feel very spoiled. Hot and humid here. It is @ 35'C today. We drink and drip, drink and drip.
Calcutta, very intense congested city, blessed with amazing parks and historical buildings. We relaxed under the largest Banyan tree in the world. One tree covered about an @ acre.
Very moving visit to Mother Theresa's house. We joined in on a mass, very inspiring.
Pollution is overwhelming due to diesel fumes.
We took our first train ride in India from Calcutta to Bhubaneshwar, a city with over 7000 temples. We visited 3 of the most ancient and spectacular. Pleasant drive to Konark, the Sun Temple, a world heritage site. On route visited controversially the birth place of Buddah. Lumbini, (mentioned earlier) HAS THE same claim.
Arriving in Puri we visited a fishing village. The boats had just returned with bountiful amounts of fish. Waves were crashing on the shore. The boats are wooden and very shallow, they had to time their landings between waves. All you fisherpersons would have been impressed.
Tomorrow we will be relaxing, visiting the beach and the markets.
Bye for now.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Finally some pics
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Susan at the Jain Temple, beautiful applique of mirrors and glass.
Hunting for crocs and aligators
Alan hugging his new girl... Diamond
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
The White Breasted Fantail Fly Catcher
October 10, 2007
Since Pokhara we travelled to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha. This is a sacred site much as Bethlehem is to Christians. Very ancient back to the 3rd century BC. There was a huge number of pilgrims from Sri Lanka. They were very interested in us and very friendly. Visited all the temples recently constructed by each country with Buddist followings. ie China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Germany, ....... We toured around on a bicycle rickshaw for @ 12 km. The buildings are sensational especially the Peace Pagoda built by Japan.
From there we motored to Chitwan National Park staying on an island in a Jungle Resort. Taken across the river in a dugout canoe. Spotting crocodiles and rhinos. Later in the day we took a bath with 4 elephants in the river. Took a picture of Alan climbing up an elephant's trunk. (Have some terrific pics at a later date). These animals are very gentle and responsive to people. Next a jungle safari on the back of one of the elephants (Diamond) we were the only tourist in over a month to see the elusive Bengal Tiger. Huge beautiful beast. He was lying in the bushes about 40 feet from our elephant but we felt very safe on the elephant's platform (saddle). Impressed by the heavy breathing of the tiger and his regal face.
The next day went on a walking tour of a local village. Again had to cross the river in the dugouts. Also had to wade through deep pools as there was a thunderstorm the previous evening. Hot and humid, ( drip drip drip). all day long.
AT the Jungle Resort we Connected with alot of people from different countries. WE instantly became the King and Queen from Canada as we saw the Bengal Tiger. It is a big deal here. We had to fill out forms for statics on sightings of the Bengal Tiger.
Prior to our departure this morning from the Jungle. Alan went on a bird watching tour and spotted A WHITE BREASTED FANTAIL FLY CATCHER.......... so there..
Motored back to Kathmandu, traffic here was a little bit trying. Took 2 and half hours to travel 25km. TRuck overturned with a load of bananas it just missed sliding into the river below.
Refreshed at the hotel. We will be flying tomorrow afternoon to Calcutta. Another stage of our trip. Bye for now.
Since Pokhara we travelled to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha. This is a sacred site much as Bethlehem is to Christians. Very ancient back to the 3rd century BC. There was a huge number of pilgrims from Sri Lanka. They were very interested in us and very friendly. Visited all the temples recently constructed by each country with Buddist followings. ie China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Germany, ....... We toured around on a bicycle rickshaw for @ 12 km. The buildings are sensational especially the Peace Pagoda built by Japan.
From there we motored to Chitwan National Park staying on an island in a Jungle Resort. Taken across the river in a dugout canoe. Spotting crocodiles and rhinos. Later in the day we took a bath with 4 elephants in the river. Took a picture of Alan climbing up an elephant's trunk. (Have some terrific pics at a later date). These animals are very gentle and responsive to people. Next a jungle safari on the back of one of the elephants (Diamond) we were the only tourist in over a month to see the elusive Bengal Tiger. Huge beautiful beast. He was lying in the bushes about 40 feet from our elephant but we felt very safe on the elephant's platform (saddle). Impressed by the heavy breathing of the tiger and his regal face.
The next day went on a walking tour of a local village. Again had to cross the river in the dugouts. Also had to wade through deep pools as there was a thunderstorm the previous evening. Hot and humid, ( drip drip drip). all day long.
AT the Jungle Resort we Connected with alot of people from different countries. WE instantly became the King and Queen from Canada as we saw the Bengal Tiger. It is a big deal here. We had to fill out forms for statics on sightings of the Bengal Tiger.
Prior to our departure this morning from the Jungle. Alan went on a bird watching tour and spotted A WHITE BREASTED FANTAIL FLY CATCHER.......... so there..
Motored back to Kathmandu, traffic here was a little bit trying. Took 2 and half hours to travel 25km. TRuck overturned with a load of bananas it just missed sliding into the river below.
Refreshed at the hotel. We will be flying tomorrow afternoon to Calcutta. Another stage of our trip. Bye for now.
Friday, October 5, 2007
No pics just bla bla bla
Pokhara Nepal, October 6, 2007
A bit of catching up for us. Email has been not plentiful.
Since Thimpu Bhutan we travelled into the central part of Bhutan. Wonderful scenery and some very taxing adventures. We trekked up to the Tiger's Nest (5hour return trip). Susan was exhausted but prevailed. We were offered horses for the first part but refused, ( next time will take horses).
Travels then went to Paro for 2 days, a very attractive small city. Beautiful temples and museum, in a larger valley that can accomodate an airport.
We flew from Paro back to Kathmandu, felt like home. The hotel staff recognized us and treated us to a first class room.
We left the next morning for Pokhara Nepal. 30 minute flight over spectacular scenery. Villages with rice terraces nestled amongst the mountains and foothills, of course with the Himalayans looming in the distance. Were treated to a relaxing rowboat ride on Fewa Lake. From the lake we enjoyed the sun setting on the rugged snowcapped moutains surrounding the city and lake.
Next morning a 20 minute flight through narrow mountain passages to Jomsom. The most quaint, beautiful and relaxing village we have experienced. Our hotel room looked out at Mount Nilgiri, one of the high peaks in the area. There is one main road and if you can imagine herds of goats bounding through the street stopping only to try and steal roadside vendors apples. This area is fertile with everything from apples to rice fields.
Yesterday we went on a trek but this time we took horses. (not exhausted but can't walk on our cowboy legs after 6 hours on horseback). OUr horseman was tremendous. He took us to high elevation villages and lakes. Because he was a local he treated us to a visit (with tea and apples )at his sisters home. The descent from the higher elevations was quite scary even though the horses managed well. We crossed streams, fields, and suspension bridges. Went to a village called Marpha that only our pictures will describe( in a later email.)
At 5:00am this morning the villagers were setting up their markets. The women, seemingly as a team, swept the streets spotless using their wisk brooms. Then the goats herded through and deposited what goats deposit.
Flew back to Pokhara this am, it is quite humid here compared to being in the mountains at Jomsom. We will be having lunch by Fewa lake.
Bye for now.
A bit of catching up for us. Email has been not plentiful.
Since Thimpu Bhutan we travelled into the central part of Bhutan. Wonderful scenery and some very taxing adventures. We trekked up to the Tiger's Nest (5hour return trip). Susan was exhausted but prevailed. We were offered horses for the first part but refused, ( next time will take horses).
Travels then went to Paro for 2 days, a very attractive small city. Beautiful temples and museum, in a larger valley that can accomodate an airport.
We flew from Paro back to Kathmandu, felt like home. The hotel staff recognized us and treated us to a first class room.
We left the next morning for Pokhara Nepal. 30 minute flight over spectacular scenery. Villages with rice terraces nestled amongst the mountains and foothills, of course with the Himalayans looming in the distance. Were treated to a relaxing rowboat ride on Fewa Lake. From the lake we enjoyed the sun setting on the rugged snowcapped moutains surrounding the city and lake.
Next morning a 20 minute flight through narrow mountain passages to Jomsom. The most quaint, beautiful and relaxing village we have experienced. Our hotel room looked out at Mount Nilgiri, one of the high peaks in the area. There is one main road and if you can imagine herds of goats bounding through the street stopping only to try and steal roadside vendors apples. This area is fertile with everything from apples to rice fields.
Yesterday we went on a trek but this time we took horses. (not exhausted but can't walk on our cowboy legs after 6 hours on horseback). OUr horseman was tremendous. He took us to high elevation villages and lakes. Because he was a local he treated us to a visit (with tea and apples )at his sisters home. The descent from the higher elevations was quite scary even though the horses managed well. We crossed streams, fields, and suspension bridges. Went to a village called Marpha that only our pictures will describe( in a later email.)
At 5:00am this morning the villagers were setting up their markets. The women, seemingly as a team, swept the streets spotless using their wisk brooms. Then the goats herded through and deposited what goats deposit.
Flew back to Pokhara this am, it is quite humid here compared to being in the mountains at Jomsom. We will be having lunch by Fewa lake.
Bye for now.
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