The Taj Mahal and all that jazz

Fatehpur Sikri - capital of the Mughal Empire for a brief period. Later abandoned due to lack of water source, nice planning Akbar...

View from Fort in Jaipur, breath taking, don't ya think?

L at Jagarth Fort

Dobi Ghats (washers) on the Yamuna River, Agra

The Taj Mahal, see my buddy hanging out?

My trip to see the north of India was far too short to do it any justice. But L had limited vacation days and traveling India alone is exhausting and mildly unsettling, so we made do with what we had. We had a full itinerary for our 6 day trip: Delhi – Agra – Jaipur. After a hassle free meet up on Valentines Day (or night rather) we headed to Agra the next day. Our tuk tuk man took us around and we got to see a lot of cool sights in Agra, the dobi ghats (washing wallah) along the Yamuna River with the colourful garments all laid out was my personal favourite. We spent sunset at the Agra Fort and the following sunrise at the Taj Mahal. During our brief visit to Fatehpur Sikri (a brief capital of the mughal empire abandoned due to poor planning and lack of water source) was spent mostly fighting off very aggressive hawkers. We managed to get out of that place unscathed.
In Jaipur we stayed in a really cute hotel. Again, more Forts and Palaces, The Amber fort and Jaigarth Fort provided amazing views of the entire Pink City. Plenty of Rajasthani handicraft and textile bazaars, we managed to pick up a few souvenirs while there.
Back to Delhi, we stayed at a guest house which L thought was creepy. People in Delhi seemed sneaky in general, or maybe I’ve just heard one too many bad stories about this place. The Gandhi Museum was, um, interesting. The life of Gandhi was presented through some really innovative multimedia tech-savvy gadgets, but completely misses the point of his work and message. How Indian.
I stayed another 2 days after my sister left. Met up with my ex-colleage Peter and explored the city by the metro. The metro was the most impressive part of the city, its brand new and efficient, which is so un-indian. Met some other travelers, including this American backpacking business guy who resembled George Clooney and had lunch with him and his friend. I caught the overnight train back to Bombay, sitting/sleeping next to a Scottish woman doctor for old people (what are they called again) from Vancouver. It was all in all a thoroughly enjoyable trip but I’m happy to be back in Bombay. My fabulous friend sorted out our flights to Kochin, so it looks like I’m heading off to Kerala in a few days to drift around in a houseboat. Stay tuned.

True or False?

As my time in India slowly comes to an end, here’s a small game to see how India has (or has not) changed me.

1. I can now do a kick ass Indian accent
2. I am beginning to see the attraction of men with moustaches
3. I would sooner be a lesbian than a vegetarian
4. After using the loo, I can do it the Indian water way without TP
5. I can differentiate between the 5 pronunciations of the letter T
6. I feel comfortable pushing people out of my way on the train without feeling the need to apologize
7. I find the smell of sulfur while crossing the bridge between bandra and mahim rather endearing
8. I pick my nose in public
9. I feel no shame bargaining for 10 rupees on a purchase, which is equivalent to about 30 cents
10. I shout at dirty street children beggar when they touch me

The winner gets a prize!

Panic Attack

The list speaks for itself:

Submit U of T financial aid forms by 08/02 – (note only 4 days)
Painfully wait for Columbia’s response
Refund stupid double-booked train ticket at Indian rail
Wrap up things at work (a mile long to do list on its own) by 13/02
Pack for Delhi
Plan farewell party on 11/02
Develop photos for people at work by 12/02
Book flight to HK
Delhi/Agra/Jaipur 14/02 – 19/02
Find a way to get back to Mumbai
Submit Columbia financial aid forms by 01/03
Plan Trip to Kerala / West Bengal / Chennai
Fill out U of T housing application by 17/03
Bring mangoes to Uncle 3 and 4 in HK, ultimately to be arrested by customs
Hsbc final assessment in Hong Kong 29/03-30/03
Accept / reject offer from U of T by 03/04
Sort out flight back to Toronto
Kill Self (should be placed on top of list so to avoid all other items on list)