A Much Needed Break!

India! Stories go that you either love it or hate it! and I LOVED it! It's unlike any place I've ever been before. My only regret is that I couldn't have stayed longer! Needless to say, I'm already planning my next trip. It was a bit of a whirlwind vacation, visiting 5 cities in 11 days, and Dubai on the 12th day but it was fabulous! It was my first time visiting the land of my ancestors and I was struck by the contrasts I encountered, between wealth and poverty, beauty and neglect, the rural and the urban.

Our first stop was in Delhi, where I had my first experience of Indian driving and traffic! OMG! It was astounding! Traffic lanes and traffic lights are nothing more than guidelines! I can say for certain that I never saw a single car without a ding! This video is merely a taste of it, and take note that there were only 4 lanes:

The main reason for my visit to Delhi was to see the Swaminaryan Akshardham Temple. I had seen pictures of this amazing structure but the reality was truly beyond belief!

Created without the use of steel, the complex took 11 000 artisans and volunteers 5 years to complete. You are taken on a journey through India’s glorious art, values and contributions for the progress, happiness and harmony of mankind. Exhibitions include an audio-animatronic and light show illustrating the life of Bhagwan Swaminaryan, a 40 minute film on an 85 x 65 foot screen, a 12min boat ride through 10 000 years of Indian history, as well as a musical fountain. Photography, unfortunately, is not permitted but further images can be viewed on their website. The intricacy and ornateness of the carving of every wall is simply mind blowing! Well worth a visit!

Mum and I at the Iskon Temple

Sarojini Nagar Market

Next on our itinerary was Jaipur, the Pink City. I loved it here but our time was way too short so I didn't get much opportunity to experience the city. The architecture was stunning and the Old City was just so full of character.

Bais Godam Circle

View from the hotel roof

On to Mumbai, which is very busy and very crowded! But the shopping was divine ! Unfortunately was a bit ill for a while, but still managed to buy gorgeous stationery and clothing! (Pictures to follow soon. Watch this space!)

The Arabian Sea

Mottah Market

On the streets of Mumbai

Then it was off to Bangalore!

Weaving of silk sarees on looms

Watched the manufacturing of silk sarees and then got to purchase them at wholesale prices!

Getting my shoe fixed

With all the walking we had done, my shoe eventually had had enough! The sole had all but fallen off, so we stopped at a roadside cobbler who fixed it in a matter of minutes!

K. Rangaswamy and his autorickshaw (Tuc-tuc)

Kanthan Rangaswamy was our tuc-tuc driver and guide for the duration of our stay. If you're lucky enough, it's possible to find a good driver who's not looking to take advantage of you and really will take to to good, cheap stores, all at a very reasonable rate!

Outside Sai Baba's ashram in Putta Pathi

Our final day in India was spent at Putta Pathi in Andra Pradesh, the site of Sai Baba's ashram (temple). Again photography was not allowed within the ashram. Devotees from all over the world flock here in the hopes of catching just a glimpse of Sai Baba. For a fellow Durbanite, that we spoke to, it was a dream, 20 years in the making, come true! Putta Pathi is also home to a technologically advanced hospital that administers treatment to anyone free of charge, which I think is truly fantastic!

Underwater zoo at the Dubai Mall

Literally, the final hours of our trip was spent in Dubai. We arrived there at 3pm, freshened up, and hit the ground running! Aside from the amazing architecture, the malls drew me like a fly to honey! The Dubai Mall is the newest and largest to date, boasting 1 500 stores, a mini gold "soukh" and an aquarium. Walking in, I felt like I was home: Louis Vuitton to the left of me, Manolo Blahnik to the right, Jimmy Choo to the front! A design-diva's dream come true!

Even more awesome was the ski arena the Mall of Emirates, where you could ski, snowboard, or just play in the snow!

Ski area at the Mall of Emirates

All-in-all, it was a wonderful experience and has given me just a small taste of what India is like. I would encourage anyone to go at least once in their lifetime, but a bit of advice: Learn your Hindi and book any internal flights for the morning. We experienced 2 - 3 hour delays on every flight, which was the main reason for me being ill. Keep an open mind but, most of all, just drink it all in and enjoy !