Boon's India Trip (14th - 31st Dec 2007 - 18days)

India Trip (14th - 31st Dec 2007)

2008-01-02T05:44:00.004-08:00

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Calcutta - Darjeeling - Bodhgaya - Varanasi - Agra - Jaipur - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Delhi

The total distance is approximately 1923miles (3076km) - based on absolute distance calculated by google map.

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Statistics:

Overland expenses (excluding insurance, flight, visa, donations & shopping): Approximately - S$560.00 for 18days.

Total of 17 nights:

3 nights - Train

3 nights - Bus

2 nights - Desert

9 nights - Guesthouse

Further breakdown: 4 out of 9 nights: we woke up from 3.30 - 5am.

Hence, effective good night sleep: 5 nights. =(

17days of vegetarian food

Physical discomfort:

150++ itchy bed-bites; Sore Throat; Coughs with thick green phlegm; diarrhea

Fortunately, no fever

Weight loss: 2.5 - 3 kgs (Boon)
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Satisfaction: PRICELESS!!! =)

Calcutta, West Bengal

2008-01-02T05:44:00.003-08:00

Whenever Calcutta (aka Kolkata) is mentioned, the images of filthy and messy streets will surface, and people will think of thousands of homeless people and destitutes living on the street, and not forgetting the selfless Mother Teresa and her missionaries of charities.

Despite my short stay in India, Calcutta was not as messy and filthy as I anticipated. Compared to some of the places I saw in Bihar (the poorest and highest crime-rate State), Calcutta seems to be in a better shape.

This was our room in Calcutta, and this was the place where I got biten by bed-bugs, and where my misery began. =(

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bedbug

"The effect of these bites on humans varies from person to person, but often cause welts and swelling that are more itchy and longer-lasting than mosquito bites. Some people, however, have little or no reaction to bedbug bites."

Among the three of us, only Hanyang was unaffected. I had greatest reaction with 150-200 bites all over my body at one point (with 50 bites alone just on my right hand). It was damn itchy and frustrating!!!

Street of Calcutta

Boy scavenging in the rubbish heap.

Initially, when I saw people scavenging in the heaps of waste and rubbish I was feeling abit sad. But after a few days of traveling, I got more used to the sight. Sometimes, I am wondering if getting used to these sights was okay? But what can I do? What am I willing to do?

I compared it to watching news. Previously, when there was a terrorist attack, it was a big news. But now, I would be surprise if I do not hear a terrorist attack.

My conclusion is that people are so adaptable that they would get numb or used to sensational news or sights.

I like the aloofness in this picture.
Just sleep, and don't give a damn to your surrounding.

The Laughing Club.

Woke up early at 5am in search of the laughing club in their huge park.
We only managed to join in the the last 15mins of the exercise, and I think that if I practice it regularly, this laughing therapy would benefit my health. But I can imagine that if I practice in the park near my home, people will think that I am SIAO (-crazy!!!).

When I saw the first group of guys practicing it, it was kinda hilarious to see a group of grown up men gathering in a circle to laugh.

Well, as the saying goes - Laughter is the best medicine.
Woo...Hahaha...

One of the slumps in Calcutta...

Victoria Memorial

Before the capital was moved to New Delhi, Calcutta is an old capital of British Administration and has quite alot of colonial architecture.

Colourful Market place

Missonaries of Charity & Mother Teresa

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother_Teresa

http://www.mmjp.or.jp/amlang.atc/di&legends/mother/aboutmother.htm

"In 1952, she opened Nirmal Hriday (or Pure hearts), a home for the dying. On the very first day, Mother Teresa picked up a woman literally half-eaten by rats and ants and carried her to the home and cleaned her. This Home for Dying became more and more popular where the dying who had no place to go were brought and were given proper medical treatment."

Photographs were not allowed in this hospice, but I had seen the interior of this hospice in a documentary before. This hospice is very clean with alot of volunteers from all over the world. I saw a volunteer tending to a big open wound on a patient's head. It is very heart-warming to know that during the last few moments of their lives, they could leave this world peacefully and dignified in a proper place where they are cared and loved.

I also visited the Mother Teresa Museum, which is the place she lived and her resting place now. She iss an INSPIRATION, caring for the poorest of the poor. A woman with a BIG heart and EXTRAORDINARY strength. When Mother Teresa set up her missionaries of charity, she was alone on the street of Calcutta without any support, and the first sister/nun joined Mother Teresa only 3 years later. It's her faith in GOD that pulled her through those difficult times. Amazing.

One of the destitutes said something like that

"I was living like an animal on the street, however, Mother Teresa made me know that there is heaven on earth, and I could die and go to heaven now."

Living like an animal, what is that kinda experience?

I hope i'd never get to experience it

One of tiles on the wall along the way to Kali's temple.

It was a not-so-pleasant experience, as we were kinda conned by a priest to donate money. More importantly, we witnessed of the sacrificed of a small lamb. This little cute lamb was pulled to the sacrificing site, and when its legs were twisted to position its head on a v-shaped holder for chopping. This lamb was screaming at the top of its voice, then after a swing of the chopper, we saw a headless lamb body shaking on the floor with fresh blood oozing out of its neck.

it was quite gruesome, hence, 3 of us were even more determined to become a vegetarian for the rest of the trip.

Kids. =)

Locals playing cricket on the street.

Darjeeling, West Bengal

2008-01-02T05:43:00.001-08:00

Darjeeling was a foothill station for the British. At an elevation of 2134m, it is a good place to get away from the heat of India during summer.

This is a good place with excellent view of the Himalayas, and an interesting place with alot of Nepalis and Tibetans. It is quite different from the rest of the India.

The train ride to Darjeeling

View from the rooftop of our guesthouse

The first Ray of light on the Khanchendzonga (8598m - the third highest mountain in the world).
In fact, this is the only place in the world to see the Everest and the Khanchenzonga, which means you can see 2 of 3 highest peaks in the world.
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The second highest peak (K2) is at the other end of the Himalayas, so you won't be able see it with the Everest.

Pink Peak

On the lower left hand corner is the town of Darjeeling

It was definitely worth it to wake up at 4.30am and face the freezing cold to see the sunrise.
Sunrise is a daily phenomenon that we took for granted, yet, something so ordinary is so spectacular.

Paranomic View of Darjeeling

Tibetan Prayer Flags

Another view...

Tibetan Monastery - Yiga Choling Gompa

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May be thanks to the Communist invasion of Tibet, Tibetan Buddhism is currently flourishing outside of Tibet.

We met a nice 18-year old Tibetan Lama (left-most) who speaks good english. He brought us around the main hall and explained to us. He became a monk on his own accord at the tender age of 4 year old, and he told us that he wanted to be a lama for the rest of his life.

For a young man with access to internet (as he has a yahoo email) and able to read & speak english, and meeting tourists like us, this would mean that he has considerable exposure to the outside world. Yet, he chooses the disciplined monastic life as his destiny.

It's quite incredible.

Toy train Station

Himalayan Zoological Park

(Clockwise from top right: one of the endangered peasants, Snow le0pard, Siberian Tiger, Tibetan Wolfs)

It is the zoo at the highest altitude in the world (Elevation of 2150m - 7000 feet), and specializes in keeping endangered animal species of the Himalaya. Well, the nice thing is that this zoo hilly terrain is quite a natural habitat for the animals.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

(Photography is not allowed in the museum)

Surprisingly, it is a good museum. It houses the equipments of the first successful Mt Everest expedition and the different national flags placed at the summit. As for me, it was the story of the previous expeditions that educated me that the achievement of reaching the summit should be credited to the previous failed expeditions and death of the pioneer mountaineers.

The first expedition was in 1921, and the pioneer mountaineers died because of lack of oxygen. Back then, who would know that there is no oxygen in the mountain. Subsequently, in the future expeditions, people started to bring oxygen tanks.

Respect!

The first successful summit was in 1953, which was 32 year after the first expedition.

Can you imagine how many people have died trying to reach the summit?

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found this clip on youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9dHML7oadU

View from the summit of Everest

Where is PanChen Lama?

(Click to view the details)

Tibetan Refugee Self-help Centre

Isn't sad that you have to leave your homeland and become a refugee in other people's land?

I could sense the activist spirit of the Tibetan people fighting for Tibet's freedom.

While I was Tibet 2 years ago, I know that the Tibetans still revere the Dalai Lama as their religious and political leader, but since they are under the Chinese Communist rule, I did not see any public display of Dalai Lama photos. This time, while I was traveling in India, I could see the display of Dalai Lama's pictures in restaurants, monasteries and shops.
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To a certain extent, I am happy that these Tibetan people have found a good place like Darjeeling to settle in, yet, I am sad for them as they might not have the opportunity to go back to Tibet, and more importantly, looking at the current situation, it is almost impossible for Tibet to be free again.

We had a lunch at a Tibetan restaurant, where we met a Tibetan lady who told us that almost 10 years ago, she WALKED 25days from Tibet to Nepal. From Nepal, she traveled overland by bus to settle in Darjeeling. Currently, her status in India is refugee. I could sense her determination to get out of Tibet, and walking in Tibet for freaking 25days is no easy feat. The conditions is extremely harsh at such a high altitude, the land is barren and dry, so the day would be extremely hot and night would be extremely cold.

Respect!

Bodhgaya, Bihar

2008-01-02T05:42:00.006-08:00

Bodhgaya.

It was here, 2600year ago, that Prince Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment beneath a bodhi tree and so became the Buddha.

Bihar being the birth place of Buddhism, with the Lord Buddha spent much of his time here, is one of the poorest state and most troubled region in India.

A few years ago, I asked myself if I am going to die soon, which are the places that I really want to visit?

Bodhgaya was one of the places.

I am very happy that I came here and meditated near the Bodhi Tree.

The journey from Darjeeling to Bodhgaya was the worst in trip - long hours, uncomfortable, cold, and biten by bed-bugs (yes, the bugs were stuck in my clothes now).

11.30am - Jeep from Darjeeling to Siliguri

5pm - Bus from Siliguri to Patna

8am - Bus from Patna to Gaya

12noon- Motor from Patna to Bodhgaya

2pm - Arrived in Hotel

The most "memorable" was the overnight bus from Siliguri to Patna.

The bus was overloaded with Goods on top, people would be anywhere you could find space - on the aisle, the top, and my hand-rest. The bus would stop and pick up anybody on the street, and they would squeeze themselves into the bus after a nasty arguement and shouting. Very Chaotic and messy, plus Cold Cold night.

At least, I know that my tolerance level had increased quite a lot.

After this bus ride, other transports else seemed to be so much better, comparatively.

One of the great things along the trip - meeting nice helpful people. =)
Wangdi and his family.
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We arrived in Patna (Capital of Bihar State) bus station quite lost - all the buses did not have english wording, the locals did not speak much english. Knowing that Bihar was one of the most dangerous place in India, we were extra wary, careful and skeptical of the people.
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Anyway, long story short. We met Wangdi and his family (Nepali origin from Darjeeling) who were on pilgrimage to Bodhgaya for 17th Karmapa Lama Sermon Preaching. Speaking good english, they took the initiative to invite us to join them to go to Bodhgaya together.
It was all these simple gesture of kindness that made the trip pleasant and enjoyable.
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Clockwise from Top right: Japanese ZEN temple; Bhutanese temple; Stalls selling buddhist beads & monks' bags.
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In the small place of Bodhgaya, you could see a variety of different Buddhist temples - Japanese, Bhutanese, Thai, Chinese, Tibetan, Burmese, Nepali, Vietnamese etc... and you will see different monks and nuns wearing different colours of outfit which reflects the countries & sects of Buddhism.

"Free Burma, Save Buddhism"

Propaganda:

"We walk the ground where Buddha walked.

So where ever you live in the world,

SAY WITH PRIDE

I AM BIHARI"

Mahabodhi Temple

- situated adjacent to the spot where Buddha attained enlightenment and formulated his philosophy of life. (World Heritage-listed)

Sights of Bodhgaya

Bodhi Tree

This was not the original Bodhi Tree. Ashoka's wife murdered the original Bodhi Tree, but fortunately, a sapling from the original tree was carried to Sri Lanka by Ashoka's daughter. Now, this Bodhi tree was a cutting carried back and planted where the original had stood.
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It was interesting to see monks/nuns of different robes and Buddhist pilgrims of different skin colours performing different rituals, but the goal was a common one - praying for peace and happiness for the world.

A mass praying session led by 17th Karmapa.

All the monks/nuns were praying for world peace.

Sea of Red...

"Om Mani Padme Hum"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Om_mani_padme_hum

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

2008-01-02T05:42:00.005-08:00

Varanasi is extremely colourful and spiritual.

The city of Shiva is one of the holiest places in India, where Hindu pilgrms come to wash away a lifetime of sins in the Ganges or to cremate their loved ones.

Varanasi has always been an auspicious place to die, since expiring here offers moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death).

What we didn't expect was that Varanasi was one of the highlights of the trip. As yun said it beautifully, Varanasi IS one of the oldest LIVING places. We had visited alot of historical sites, but it was past glory. Varanasi is still alive and living now, and everyday along the Ghats (Steps by the river), people are showering, people are doing their laundry and people are dying.

Varanasi is one destination that you shouldn't miss if you visit India.

It offers a spiritual perspective of India that is lacking in other cities/towns.

One of great things along the trip - to meet nice & interesting people. =)

OZ is a turkish dude, who is a contemporary dancer in Istanbul. He was in a yoga retreat for a few months, and he would be incorporating some yoga posture into his contemporary dance. Cool and interesting!!!

Sorry, but i have to show you this.
Kena bitten by beg-bugs. Argh!!!
Damn itchy.
(Imagine that I have 150-200 bites all over my body)
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Pre-dawn @ Ganges River
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It was one of those moments that I would remember for a long time, and may be a lifetime.
Sitting on the boat moving towards the burning Ghats, the cold breeze was sweeping pass your face, and from a distance, you could see the lights from the Ghat and at the background, you hear the chanting of Hindu Priests in preparation of the burning of the deceased at dawn.
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You could enjoy the serenity of the morning, but at the back of mind, you know that the family members are sending the last journey of their loved one.
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thousands and millions have died here
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Then, you will start to contemplate about life
I thought about the impermanece of life.
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I think of the moments when my loved ones will be gone.
I think of the moments when my friends will be gone.
I think of the moments when I would be gone.
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You might feel unbearable, you might feel lost, you might feel helpless.
But it is a path that we will have to go through, and it's a matter of when, where and how.
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The sun will still rise and fall, the wind will still blow
the World will still go on without you
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why cry if you have lived your life the best possible way?
won't it be beautiful to enjoy and cherish what you have NOW...
won't it be good to show kindness to everybody around you NOW...
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In fact, to die at Ganges during dawn is quite beautiful and peaceful.
returning (your ashes) to mother nature

The View opposite the Ghats along the Ganges

Burning Ghats

One of the burning Ghats

One of great things along the trip - to see Sunrise

I just like this poster.

Could someone explain to me what's written in this Hindi advertisement?

One of great things along the trip - to meet nice & interesting people. =)

(Boon, Yun, Anna & Hanyang)

Met Anna while we were purchasing train ticket. She knew that our stay in Varanasi was short, and she took the initiative to bring us to a nice place for breakfast and bring us around the Ghat. Anna was in love with Varanasi and she stayed here for 1 month. She had been traveling in India for 4.5 months already after finishing her Masters in Netherland. Impressive!!!

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Streets of Varanasi

Varanasi Ghats

(Bathing and Shaving)

Varanasi Ghats
(Laundry)

There are lots activities along the Ganges river.

Colourful floating waste

beautiful tree

Taj Mahal, Agra

2008-01-02T05:42:00.003-08:00

Agra - the only attraction is its white marble Taj Mahal.

The tourist crowd is huge, especially it is recently polled as one of the new 7 wonders of the world.

Agra Fort

It was built in 1565, after comparing to the Red Fort of Delhi, this fort is quite impressive (at least from the outside). It was one of the finest fort built by the Mughal empire.

Shah Jahan (ruler who built the Taj) was imprisoned for 8 years in this fort by his son who seized power in 1658. It was said that he was imprisoned in one of the towers overlooking his Taj Mahal - tomb of his beloved wife.

Side view of the Agra Fort

Monkeys & Fort

Patterns

Taj Mahal

(taken from the rooftop restaurant of our guesthouse)

It was quite a nice experience to dine with the view of the Taj Mahal.

But after sometime, the amazement just subsidied.

Patterns of the Taj

Front View of Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal was described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love. The Jay was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial for his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to their 14th child in 1631. The construction of Taj Mahal took 22years to complete. In total, some 20,000 people from India and Central Asia worked on the building.

After Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son, he died in 1666 and was buried alongside Mumtaz.

Another View

View with reflection

Close-up View

Jaipur, Rajasthan

2008-01-02T05:42:00.001-08:00

Jaipur is the capital city of the Rajasthan State.

Fortunately, we did not spend much time in this pink city.

There was really nothing much about this city.

Totally didn't enjoy it, in fact, I found the train ride from Agra to Jaipur more enjoyable.

On the train from Agra to Jaipur

Green!!!

Photos taken during the train ride.

City Palace

Quite a typical architecture style in Rajasthan

City Palace

Alley

Hawa Mahal (constructed in 1799)

Spending our X'mas eve in this restaurant!!!

Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

2008-01-02T05:41:00.003-08:00

Jaisalmer

A giant sandcastle with a town attached, an emblem of honour in a land of rough and tumble. Founded in 1156, Jaisalmer's strategic position on the camel-train routes between India and Central Asia brought it great wealth. The merchants and townspeople built magnificient houses and mansions, ezquisitely carved from wood and sandstone.

Jaisalmer was supposedly one of the main highlights of our trip. However, I felt that it was good, not great when compared to great places like Darjeeling, Varanasi & Bodhgaya. Nevertheless, its culture and architecture style is quite different from the rest of India.

Jain Temple (12th-16th century)

The interior of the Jain Temple is quite amazing, the worksmanship of carving is something that I haven't seen before. Amazing. Well, Hanyang was the designated photographer to take all the interior pictures, as each camera taken in would be charged. Will upload when i got the pics from him.

Maharaja's Palace
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Street Vendors
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Colourful Clothings
Indians can wear really colourful clothes and it looks good on them
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The Jaisalmer Fort
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Patwa-ki-Haveli
Havelis were built by rich merchants, and its carvings are really exquisite.
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Window
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Beautiful
Look at the details of its carvings
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Puppets
The focus of this picture is actually the boy.
Why isn't he in school?
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Camel Safari (3D2N)
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We had so much expectation for the camel safari, but it turns out to be okay only. Well, 3days2nites were too long, as we saw the same thing since day 1 - quite barren land without much variation.
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However, the great thing was to see sunset across the horizon, sleep under the sky that was full of stars and ponder if there are other beings in those stars, and being woken up by sunrise. Basically, to enjoy the marvelous nature.
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Shadow
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X'mas Nite
It was quite nice to sit around the bon-fire in the cold desert nite, and drink a warm glass of chai-tea prepared by our guides. Singing rajasthani song - "Pi-li-ah-pai". haha...
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Sunset over the horizon
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Day 2
(Woke up feeling cold, glad that the sun is up as it would warm up everything around us, still traveling in the desert, Camel drinking water)
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There were times when we would like to tell the villages that our name is not RUPEE.
Normally, when we reached a village, the children would approach us and say "Hello Rupee", stretching their hands forward.
I was not in the mood to talk or give money to any of the children.
they lost the innocence of a kid.
who to blame?
tourists or parents?
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18 years old Salim (one of our guides)
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Sand Dunes - our resting place for 2nd night.
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Princess Yun
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Abandoned
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Sunset over Sand Dunes
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Jodhpur, Rajasthan

2008-01-02T05:41:00.001-08:00

Jodhpur was known as the blue city - colour of the the priest caste - Brahmin.

While we were looking for local painting, we realised that there was a cultural difference in the perception of colour. For example: the painter told us that blue is a peaceful colour, however, our reaction was that blue-coloured painting is cold and lifeless.

Streets of Jodhpur

(LP recommended Omelette Shop - I ate there 3 times)

Mejerangarh - Majestic Fort towering over the city
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This fort was really well-run and well-maintained.
It has nice exhibits, good audio-guide, a good museum shop and good service.
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The main reason was that the maharja of Jodhpur is still around and is running this fort, and being educated in England, I believe he brought what he had seen & learnt back to Jodhpur.
Ironically, even Taj Mahal is not half as good in terms of operating such a tourist site.
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Traditonal Dancers in the Fort
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Interior - the royal female quarters
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Jodhpur city
(Click to enlarge)
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Group photo
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Sunset over the blue-city
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Sunset II
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At 6pm, the sun was setting, and at different parts of the blue city, you could hear prayers blasting out of its loudspeakers - creating a symphony of prayers. Then, flocks of pigeons would be flying over the city. The evening breeze was gently blowing. Everything is in equilibrim & harmony, and is very peaceful.
"Om...."

Delhi

2008-01-02T05:40:00.003-08:00

Delhi was our last stop.

After seeing the forts in Rajesthan and Agra, the monuments found in Delhi were rather disappointing. Hence, we also didn't waste time taking much photos. But the backpacker street in Delhi was rather good, in terms of shopping and food. I had my first ayurvedic massage.

Red Fort of Delhi

Similar patterns as those found in the Taj.
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I was beginning to think that the designer had a simple job - he just needs to replicate the limited designs.

Fun Fair in Delhi
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It turned out that the local Fun Fair was more interesting than all the monuments we saw in Delhi. Make a guess, what's the setup in the above picture for?
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It's a kinda studio, and locals would pay money to take photos with the cardboard picture of the bollywood celebrities. Indian's version of Madam Tussauds. Well, it costed around 25 rupees (approximately S$1) for a picture. It ain't cheap for the local standard, but the locals kept pouring in.

It's ferry's wheel was damn fast lor.
And there were no doors for each carriage.
It was more like a thrill-ride!!!
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As for its Viking ride, the locals stood on the chair!!!
There were no safety precautions at all.
Damn dangerous.
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There was another performance, and you had to pay 10rupees (S$0.40) to watch it.
Anyway, to entice people to pay, they gave a short prelude.
It was rather disappointing - a pretty plump lady dancing on the stage, and shaking her fats.
But i could see the excitement in the local guys.
They were quite oppressed in this aspect.
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This was a good act, and we only paid 10 rupees (S$0.40)
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Could you imagine all these vehicles - 2 cars & 4 bikes were running on the almost vertical wall?
It was extremely daring when both cars were moving side-by-side with the drivers' body out of the windows.
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Another scary part was the filmsy structure was shaking quite violently.
I was afraid that the structure would collapse, and we were about 3-4 stories high.

After Trip Thoughts

2008-01-02T05:40:00.001-08:00

Yes, I could make a tick to my to-do-list.

At least, i know that I would have one less regret at my death-bed.

something great about backpacking is the experiences

and most of time, these experiences would trigger you to think deeper about your life

On new year's eve, everybody was preparing for the countdown, the street was crowded, the restaurant was decorated and lighted up, and everybody was in holiday mood and ready to party till dawn. That evening, we were on the way to airport to catch a flight back to Singapore. As usual, when the cab stopped at the traffic junction, there would be kids running to knock your window asking for money. We gave a girl some money, and she demanded more. We did not give more, and she was quite persistent and pushed our window wider. I was abit annoyed, but after much pondering, why should i be annoyed? Would i do the same if i am in her position? Does she know that it's new year's eve evening? Does she even give a damn about new year's eve? She would be thinking how can she survive the cold winter night, She would be thinking how can I get more money from these tourists, and she would be thinking how not to be hungry tonight. To her, it's just another day of survival. I am wondering what's her dream? Does she even has a dream? What's the meaning of life for her?

What have she done to deserve this?

What have I done to enjoy what i have?

Along the trip, I constantly asked my travel-mates one question, and they asked me the same question also. If I am in their position, what would i do to break out of this vicious poverty cycle? There is no easy solution. Even if we could think of the solution, it will take a lot of determination and hard work. I still don't have a magical solution, and at the end of day, it's still voiced down to good clean government and good education.

This also reminded me of a young man we met on the train from Agra to Varanasi. He was on his way to take the entrance exam for IIT (Indian Institute of Technology), and he had spent alot of time preparing for the exam. He told us that he came from a poor family in Bihar and he hoped to go to MIT eventually. Statistically, it is tougher to get into IIT than MIT. We could sense his hunger for success and he was very proactive in getting to meet foreign visitors. With his intelligence and hunger, I am sure that he would make it big. He represents the future of India.

In the same train ride, yun and I were testing a 5 year-old girl. She is quite a genius, as she could remember alot alot of english words, and do simple mathematics addition and subtraction. I am very sure that I am not half as good as her when I was 5-years old. And she is one of the many genius-es in India.

There is alot hope for India

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On a more philosphical and spiritual level,

there were alot of moments when i contemplate about meaning of life.

I still don't have the answers, but i have more appreciation towards life.

When I was in my bed going to sleep soon. I felt frustrated that I was bitten by bed-bugs and that I fall sick, I started to think of the people living on the street during the cold winter night. What's my small discomfort compared to what they have to endure?

At least, I have a warm bed to sleep.

At least, I am sheltered from the cold wind.

At least, I have water and food.

I felt very lucky and fortunate.

And stop complaining (at least for a while)

May be all these small discomforts are ways that Buddha/God/Might-One wants me to experience, so that I could empathise with those who are less fortunates.

++++

Varanasi is a special place.

thousands and millions died there

how different am I from them?

We are all made of flesh

we came here with nothing

we will leave this world with no physical possession

Our bodies will go back to mother nature

I am a nobody

I am only a passerby on this face of earth

why don't I enjoy this journey before it's too late?

how do I enjoy this journey?

++++

Bodhgaya

I was moved to tears when I walked towards to Bodhi tree.

I was moved by the greatness and selflessness of Buddha who meditated there for the sake of all beings. And to find out the path to enlightenment for all beings.

I was happy to see thousands of monks and nuns who dedicated their lives for sake of enlightenment for themselves and all beings.

I am proud to be a Buddhist

++++

One thing that is consistent - nice people.

Meeting nice & helpful people will always make this trip memorable, and make my day happy.

We are fortunate to receive help from strangers and to meet interesting people from around the world.

++++

I have alot of thoughts and questions, but i do not have any conclusion or answers to many of them.

Well, i guess that's the good thing about backpacking - it makes you think constantly.