Goodbye for now

I have decided that I will go into a remote part of India to help the villages cope with their problems, this of course means that there will be no internet. While this may seem like a daunting task to some I am sure that I am up to the task. I have always felt that I have needed a purpose in life and now I see that its to help people. Before I go I would like to say that India is a wonderful country and there are many great things in store for it and its people. Though tough times may be ahead I know that this is my purpose and I would regret it for the rest of my life if I didn't take the opportunity. Till next time.

 

Varanasi

Today I saw Varanasi one of the oldest cities on the face of the earth. It was built so long ago people believed that it was built by the God Shiva. Whatever built this city one thing is for certain: it hass seen much better days. The city is overflowing with poverty and I cant believe how people can live in such conditions. Child labour is rampant and the city feels like a shell of its former self. While India may be a country that is quickly finding itself in the world, domestic problems still exist, and I hope that one day they may be resolved. However the river Ganges flows though the city and people flock to it in droves. Being one of the most sacred things on the planet to their religion I cannot blame them. I believe that it may be some time before the situation changes here, but I am confidant that it will.

Ajanta Ellora

To my great surprise today I had arrived in Ajanta Ellora, the world famous cave system. A place of study for ancient Buddhist monks these caves could have been seen as an ancient collage or University for those wishing to take the teachings of Buddha to the next level.  I find this to be a very interesting point of history, that even back in the early days of civilization people still yearned to find a higher education for themselves. The caves themselves are beautiful beyond imagination with paintings that are as old as they are elaborate. Being in such a place gave me such a sense of wonder that I have not felt ever since I was little, my imagination ran wild with what happened here in its prime. This has to have been one of the most eye opening experiences in my life.

On the Move Again

An improvement from my last journey this time I was lucky enough to catch a ride on a tourism bus that has air conditioning and movies on it. Of course in an attempt to make an authentic experience for the tourists it is nothing but Bollywood musicals where all the sets look like they were either built in a rock quarry or somebody's basement  Whatever the case I had just jumped onto this bus on a whim and I have no idea where its going, but what I do know is that it will be staying in India, so I dont have to worry about bring lost in one of the neighbouring countries. Now its time to continue my journey lets see if I end up somewhere interesting. Hopefully this bus leads somewhere were I havent been, and that the air conditioning dosent fail.

The Taj Mahal

This past weekend I had visited the world famous Taj Mahal, and let me say that it was incredible. Building began in 1632 after the Emperor Shah Jahan built it in tribute of his wife Mumtaz Mahal who had died in childbirth, through his greif he had decided that the ultimate monument to the love of his wife would have to be built. The entire thing is a gigantic tomb but that does not detract from the fact that it has to be one of the most beautiful things that I have seen in my entire life. The gardens that surround the tomb are also a point note. I cannot imagine the work that has to be put into the gardens daily, in this day and age, but also back when the building was made so many years ago. However there is a sad point to it. From the magnificent palace you can see the surrounding slums from it. It gave me perspective more than anything,it helped remind me that no matter where you go poverty is always literally around the corner.

The Long Ride

Yesterday I was on a day long bus ride as part of my travels in the country.While I was initially optimistic about the experience nothing could have prepared me for the bordom, foul odours and heat that I had found on the bus. The constant screams of bored children had nearly caused me to blow a blood vessel. Luckily there were frequent stops on the countryside and they were usually next to local vendors, where I could stock up on food and drink. However roughly halfway through the trip the airconditioning on the bus failed and the bus had become a oven on wheels. The smells of spice and body odor had come together to form an almost unbelievable and putrid stench that permeated the air around the bus. Eventually the trip ended and now im ready to go see my next destination tomorrow  The Taj Mahal.

The Arrival

I have just arrived into Bangalore from my flight and I can already tell that im in another world. The sights and smells are overwhelming my senses. On one side I see businessmen going about their day just like any other westerner, but on the other I see people wearing robes: chanting and praying. I saw several statues around the area outside the airport early on dedicated to the Hindu Gods and other ones dedicated to importent men in Indian history. The food here is incredible, I can honestly say I have never tasted flavour in my entire life until I came here. Just going to a food stand and ordering some chicken has really opened my senses to the entire situation and I feel as though that through one simple bite of tandoori chicken I have realized all that I have missed out on back home. Walking to the hotel that I booked I couldn't help but see that the poverty here is overwhelming, it makes me sad to see that so many children go hungry here, maybe this is a part of my journey: reflection on how good I have it in my life. Whatever the case its time for some sleep its going to be quite an adventure and I just took my first step.