There’s honestly no place like India... in a good way of course. I’m currently sitting on a train that’s taking me from Jalandhar city to New Delhi; 4-5 hour journey. From what I remember from my last train ride, this is much better; last time i stood up for a couple hours after seeing a cockroach crawl up the chair, but so far so good. This train ==> reflecting over the last 12 days, listening to music, and enjoying the scenic view; it is the life.
You know when you’re in India when you hear the constant car horns, cow’s mooing, smog in the air, and the friendliness of people. Every time I come its a whole new experience, i meet new people, try new foods, and try new things. I went from drinking tea once a month to three - four times a day!!! It was literally crazy; where ever you go in India, they offer you masala tea and it’s rude to say NO, so that meant a high amount of sugar intake. I got used to it and enjoyed it, i knew i wouldn’t get it any other time so i focused on the positives. It wasn’t just tea though, it was food as well; i definitely need to start hitting the gym again. Advice: If you go to India, never finish all your food on your plate because you’ll just keep getting more.
Our adventure started off in Delhi with Ajay, Harry, George, and Fan. We chilled in the hotel, went to the local mall, saw a film, ate loads, and had spa treatments. From then our team split directions, George and Fan went to Haryana where they volunteer at a school, and Mattu Uncle (Harry’s cousin) picked us up to take us to Jalandhar. Before this happened, we stayed in a guest house for a night called the Chalet; its usually the meeting place for the pilots of Kingfisher, Jet, and Indigo. They were all drinking Black Dog Whiskey and Ajay & I were told that they were flying in the AM, we exchanged worried looks; apparently you have to be sober only 8 hours before or something...! I still don’t know whether they were joking or not!
You know when you’re in India when you hear the constant car horns, cow’s mooing, smog in the air, and the friendliness of people. Every time I come its a whole new experience, i meet new people, try new foods, and try new things. I went from drinking tea once a month to three - four times a day!!! It was literally crazy; where ever you go in India, they offer you masala tea and it’s rude to say NO, so that meant a high amount of sugar intake. I got used to it and enjoyed it, i knew i wouldn’t get it any other time so i focused on the positives. It wasn’t just tea though, it was food as well; i definitely need to start hitting the gym again. Advice: If you go to India, never finish all your food on your plate because you’ll just keep getting more.
Our adventure started off in Delhi with Ajay, Harry, George, and Fan. We chilled in the hotel, went to the local mall, saw a film, ate loads, and had spa treatments. From then our team split directions, George and Fan went to Haryana where they volunteer at a school, and Mattu Uncle (Harry’s cousin) picked us up to take us to Jalandhar. Before this happened, we stayed in a guest house for a night called the Chalet; its usually the meeting place for the pilots of Kingfisher, Jet, and Indigo. They were all drinking Black Dog Whiskey and Ajay & I were told that they were flying in the AM, we exchanged worried looks; apparently you have to be sober only 8 hours before or something...! I still don’t know whether they were joking or not!
Fish Pedicures... every tried it? It’s something i can cross off my bucket list. What an experience. If there’s one place i’m extremely ticklish, it’s my feet, so think about it: 100 fishes swimming around touching your feet. It took a while to get used to but it was worth it at the end, my feet were as smooth as a baby’s bottom.
We finally got to meet the Singh family in Jalandhar city; they were all so lovely and treated us as one of them. Their house was on a farm so they had so much land where they grew potatoes, tomato’s, and cucumbers. We went exploring through the fields, saw loads of cows, and chickens, and climbed on top of the chicken shack; the view was amazing; so peaceful.
Everybody here seems to eat dinner fairly late, around 9-10pm! It kinda threw of my system but we always went to sleep late so it wasn’t too bad. In the family, Poonam is getting married right before Christmas so it’s quite hectic getting last minute things together: clothes, preparation, and food. Also indians, I think, are just generally addicted to playing cards, i know it certainly runs in my blood. We would all play in the morning, afternoon, and night time; the same game: Bhubi. I would have my good days where I would get out first, but then there were bad days where i would just lose.
The school that George and Fan volunteer for was a memorial school for Gilly Mundy; Harry had known Gilly from a while back and wasn’t aware that he has passed away therefore speaking at this school was a true blessing for him. The school was in Haryana which was a four hour drive from where we were, but we still did it; we went a day before the event and stayed for the night. Here we had the pleasure to meet part of Gilly’s cousins. In the morning we went to the school and attended their assembly where they sung the national anthem, celebrated kid’s birthdays, and listened to live debates.
After that we walked around the school and went into the classrooms to see the kids learn and the teachers in action. We obviously could not leave the school without teaching the kids how to do REPOH, so we took turns to lead REPOH and explain the meaning behind it all (the teacher and principal even joined in). The 20 minute break approached; can you believe it, the kids only have a 20 minute break throughout the whole day and the majority of them don’t even eat lunch!?! i was absolutely shocked! Anyways, at the end of the school day, harry was delivering his 1 1/2 hour coaching to the teachers, but there was a challenge... quite a big one; LANGUAGE BARRIER. The teachers barely understood english, and if they did, they were too shy to admit to it and participate in the activities. Things just always work out though, we got a translator - not the greatest but it got the job done. The looks on the teachers faces after was unexplainable, their state changed dramatically. At first they were dreading being there but by the end of the course, they didn’t want to leave. Mission Accomlished.
Side Note: A couple of girls came prepared a dance for us - they sung and took turns dancing!
LAST CALL FOR PASSENGERS TRAVELLING TO SYDNEY VIA SINGAPORE... LAST CALL!
- I was going through security as this went off, and the only thing going through my head was OH SH**. I literally got all my things and ran; knowing my luck though, my gate was on the other side of the airport so by the time i got to the ticket counter, i was literally panting; i went to get my water [[that i bought AT THE airport]] and they told me i couldn't take it aboard. I was ready to hit them -_-
I’ve been told by many people to go visit the show called “The Kingdom of Dreams” and then i saw many advertisements about it... even in Switzerland! I come to think of it as a sign. Anyways, i made it happen. I set it as one of my goals and on my last night in India, I went with my brother. We went to the Zangoora show: 2 1/2 hours ; in Gurgaon; gold seating. The place was absolutely amazing, the way everything was decorated and set up; they had statues everywhere, food stalls, dancers, and shops. The play itself was mindblowing - the story was great *quite comical too*. I’m so glad that I went! Definitely recommend it to everyone!!
LAST CALL FOR PASSENGERS TRAVELLING TO SYDNEY VIA SINGAPORE... LAST CALL!
- I was going through security as this went off, and the only thing going through my head was OH SH**. I literally got all my things and ran; knowing my luck though, my gate was on the other side of the airport so by the time i got to the ticket counter, i was literally panting; i went to get my water [[that i bought AT THE airport]] and they told me i couldn't take it aboard. I was ready to hit them -_-
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