Hello friends,
sorry for not posting for a while. Wireless internet is a much rarer commodity in the Himalayas than in the United States, and we've been unable to find suitable hotels either, so unfortunately our pages of notes and breathtaking pictures of the mountains will have to wait until we can fully update.
We thought it would be appropriate to at least say hello to everyone, and jot down some brief comments.
The mountains are truly amazing. We have been blown away repeatedly by the beauty of our surroundings. Our travels to Gangotri, one of the holiest sights in India was an amazing journey, and we were both inspired by the scenery and our dip in the freezing river. We've been blessed to participate in some Hindu worship rituals, and have been reflecting on the similarities and differences we see between people around the world.
Just three stories on that front: we got lost in Delhi, late at night looking for a missing hotel with nothing but an address. We found ourselves in a filthy rickshaw with a man who spoke no English, getting further and further away from our target in the deepening dark, as he sought to find someone who could find our location. Eventually, we passed a recognizable landmark and leapt out of his vehicle, finally finding a place to rest our heads thanks to a very helpful official security officer. We felt both very far from home, but also impressed to find help in a time of need.
In Haridwar, gateway to the Himalayas, we found ourselves in the midst of a festival honoring Shiva, lord of destruction and intercourse, and not coincidentally there were hordes of young men surrounding us everywhere we went, asking for pictures, and touching Rachel in very inappropriate ways.
After these events, we were very ready for a break. So our kind English speaking guide, our competent driver, the simple lives of the mountain villagers, the ancient rituals of Hinduism, and most of all the stunning majesty and peace of the Himalayas restored our souls.
From this point we travel to Agra- via sleeper bus!!!, to see the Taj Mahal, before returning to the chaos of Delhi to close our adventure, returning home less than a week from today.
We hope to be able to comment again, but if not, we will see you all soon.
sorry for not posting for a while. Wireless internet is a much rarer commodity in the Himalayas than in the United States, and we've been unable to find suitable hotels either, so unfortunately our pages of notes and breathtaking pictures of the mountains will have to wait until we can fully update.
We thought it would be appropriate to at least say hello to everyone, and jot down some brief comments.
The mountains are truly amazing. We have been blown away repeatedly by the beauty of our surroundings. Our travels to Gangotri, one of the holiest sights in India was an amazing journey, and we were both inspired by the scenery and our dip in the freezing river. We've been blessed to participate in some Hindu worship rituals, and have been reflecting on the similarities and differences we see between people around the world.
Just three stories on that front: we got lost in Delhi, late at night looking for a missing hotel with nothing but an address. We found ourselves in a filthy rickshaw with a man who spoke no English, getting further and further away from our target in the deepening dark, as he sought to find someone who could find our location. Eventually, we passed a recognizable landmark and leapt out of his vehicle, finally finding a place to rest our heads thanks to a very helpful official security officer. We felt both very far from home, but also impressed to find help in a time of need.
In Haridwar, gateway to the Himalayas, we found ourselves in the midst of a festival honoring Shiva, lord of destruction and intercourse, and not coincidentally there were hordes of young men surrounding us everywhere we went, asking for pictures, and touching Rachel in very inappropriate ways.
After these events, we were very ready for a break. So our kind English speaking guide, our competent driver, the simple lives of the mountain villagers, the ancient rituals of Hinduism, and most of all the stunning majesty and peace of the Himalayas restored our souls.
From this point we travel to Agra- via sleeper bus!!!, to see the Taj Mahal, before returning to the chaos of Delhi to close our adventure, returning home less than a week from today.
We hope to be able to comment again, but if not, we will see you all soon.
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