I thought it might be nice for everyone to see exactly where we were during our journeys. Please feel free to click on the map to see a larger image. Our travel route is highlighted in green.
All the best,
Aaron
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Our Final Travel Map
I thought it might be nice for everyone to see exactly where we were during our journeys. Please feel free to click on the map to see a larger image. Our travel route is highlighted in green.
All the best,
Aaron
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
We Made it Home
In case you are wondering, we made it back to Illinois as scheduled. The entire experience was just beyond words. Over the next couple of weeks, I'll be uploading pictures from our travels to complete this blog.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Greetings from Jodhpur!!!
Since Aaron has been updating our blog recently, I thought I would give him a break. You're now going to get Nick's perspective - like it or not! I'll attempt to add some pictures along the way but don't hold your breath. I'm currently downloading 1428 pictures so hopefully I can upload one or two for you to enjoy. If I get this figured out, my next post will be all pictures with captions. So sit back, relax and grab a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy my version of what life is like in India. BTW, tea and coffee are offered to us approximately 4-5 times a day. This has been my first time on the Internet since we arrived in Jaipur on 30 December, 2008 so I have a lot to tell you. I plan on using this post to inform you about my experience and then I may post one or two more times with overall impressions and lots of pictures.
It's approximately 7:30 a.m. on Friday, 16 January, 2009. I should be packing for our next adventure as we're going to Jaisalmer tomorrow to ride some camels out in the middle of the desert and then we'll be in Mt. Abu for a few days. We may not have Internet access until next week so I felt like you all should hear about the last few days of our trip before we depart.
I'm sitting in the playroom area in my host family's home. They're both lawyers and have two young boys, Arin and Abir, who are one and three years of age, respectively. I gave Abir a coloring book and crayons tonight and he decided that I was cool enough to sit on my lap while we looked at pictures on his daddy's computer. Vikas, the father, went on a GSE trip to Wyoming about 7 years ago. He and his wife, Preeta, speak perfect English. My last host family in Kota, Anil and Savita Mantri, have two children - a 22 year old daughter and a 19 year old son who are both away at school so I didn't get a chance to see them. Anil, the father, is basically an investment advisor that owns his own business. We had a nice vocational day at his office and I was able to look at the companies that make up the BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange) as well as the NSE (National Stock Exchange).
I have spent the most time with my first host family - the Sanghi's. Rajender and Asha hosted me in our first city, Jaipur. They have two kids - Akhil, who is 16, and Akshika, who is 13. Akhil loves to fly kites (more on that in a second) and Akshika is one of the most talented artists I've ever met.
This trip has exceeded our expectations in every single way. A typical day for us is as follows:
* Wake up in the morning (times vary based on host and whether you go for a walk or not).
* Have tea or coffee with biscuits (crackers, cookies, etc.)
* Eat a light breakfast of fruit and maybe some rice.
* Attend a Rotary Club's meeting in the morning around 9:00. We are welcomed with Bindis and typically at least one garland of roses and marigolds. We can't tell you how many times we have been "leid" with flowers. They are so refreshing. We also have a few minutes to introduce ourselves and let everyone know how our trip has been thus far. And recently we have been given turbans (spelling?).
* Sightseeing/vocational day/trips to see Rotarians projects at hospitals, schools, etc.
* Rotary Club meeting (around 1:00 or 2:00 with lunch shortly thereafter).
* More sightseeing/vocational day or Rotarians project. Rotary meeting at night around 7:30 or 8:00 with dinner to follow around 9:00 or 9:30.
* Hang out with Rotarians after the meeting or hang out with our hosts - either in their homes or at a place where they take us.
Let me explain something to everyone real quick before I move on. In America, we have several different times zones (EST, CST, MST, etc.). In India, there is one time - I.S.T. That stands for India Stretchable Time. Generally speaking, people and things move at a much more relaxed pace. If the program is supposed to start at 1:00, it may get started at 1:15 or 2:00. We were told by an American living here that if they say 5 minutes, it will be 20. If they say 10 minutes, it will be one hour. If they say 45 minutes, it will be 45 minutes (don't ask why). If they say 1 hour, it will happen tomorrow. Basically, people show up whenever they make it and that is their way of life. It's much more laid back than ours in that respect.
We have had several travel days lately where we spend anywhere from 3-8 hours in our van. That's right, we're moving around India in our own private, chartered 8 passenger van. It's wonderful. We have a driver who takes us everywhere we need to go. His name is Mu-kesh and we have grown to love him to death. His English is average but he has been so wonderful to us and we don't know what we would do without him. Yes, he goes everywhere that we go. I'll try and post pictures of our van experiences tonight but the pictures are slow to load.
As Aaron mentioned our trip to the Taj Mahal in Agra, it was one we'll never forget. Words can't describe how breathtaking that monument is (Taj means "crown" and Mahal means "palace."). Gwalior was fascinating as we visited a Jain Golden Temple, Guardwara Datta Bandi Chhod, Sikh Temple, Shree Guru Kripa Nursing College and Gwalior Fort. We had about 200 students waiting for us at the nursing college and it felt like a press conference (actually, a few clubs had members of the press when we arrived and we've been featured in the newspaper a few times).
On our way to Kota, we stopped in Shivpuri for a few hours and saw the Chhattri Temple (Taj Mahal of Shivpuri) and we took a boat ride down the river. We managed to see a few crocodiles lying on the rocks in the river.
Kota was our next stop. We had a picnic on our first full day in Kota and we flew kites. Woody, our team leader, "cut" 2 other kids kites (they fight in the sky) and he got cut twice. We also visited a Rotarins private school called Modern School and Rao Modha Singh, which is a city palace inside the fort. The district governor, C.M. Birla, hosted us for dinner after our sightseeing day.
The 13th was spent in Ranthambhore National Park - one of four places to view a Bengal Tiger in India. We went on a safari throughout the park, which is about 400 square kilometers, with 10 other people. There are 38 tigers in the park and five are tagged and tracked - but not for tourism. There was no guarantee that we would see a tiger but the scenery and quietness was enough for all of us. We did see plenty of spotted and sambil/samber deer, peacocks, a wild boar and plenty of exotic birds. The tigers weren't looking for food when we were on our three hour safari so we missed seeing them, but the Rotarians in Ranthambore treated us to a lovely lunch and tea while we sat in a group and talked poolside. We are so spoiled. (Don't worry...we have pictures...they're just not uploading right now.)
Indian food is so diverse. We have been served many different types of food (mostly mild). Here are a few examples:<
* Roti/Chapati (hot flatbread - this is my favorite)
* Laddu (ball made of brown dal, sugar and water)
* Samosa (pastry filled with vegetables)
* Vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots and onions. Their carrots are red
* Idli (round, flat, white mush. This is a S. Indian dish)
* Papad (thin crisp - great for digestion)
* Vermicli (warm noodles with peas and other vegetables)
* Boha (breakfast rice dish)
* Gajak (Swedish dessert)
The first week we tried almost anything and everything that was available. My body did not like that decision and it let me know one night and I, along with Woody, became sick. Luckily it only lasted one night but since then, I've been taking it easy with the food. We all pretty much know what we like and what we don't like as many of the same dishes are served at the clubs. Honestly, I thought I would eat less on this trip but my jeans are starting to get tight and there has been a running joke that I am going to need to buy new jeans soon.
I bought a rug in Jaipur. It's being shipped to my house the first week that I am back in the States. It's silk on silk and absolutely beautiful!
Traffic is slow as we frequently have to wait on and avoid many animals, including the cows, dogs, sheep, goats, etc. (pictures available upon request)
All of us enjoy reading your comments. We thank you so much for letting us know how you are doing. I discovered last night who is still in the NFL Playoffs.
I do not have the pictures downloaded to this computer so I won't be able to post our map. I'll have Aaron do that as soon as possible so you can see our journey.
Take care everyone and we'll see you soon!
-Nick (edited and uploaded about 1 week after written...we are now in our final city of Ahmedabad)
It's approximately 7:30 a.m. on Friday, 16 January, 2009. I should be packing for our next adventure as we're going to Jaisalmer tomorrow to ride some camels out in the middle of the desert and then we'll be in Mt. Abu for a few days. We may not have Internet access until next week so I felt like you all should hear about the last few days of our trip before we depart.
I'm sitting in the playroom area in my host family's home. They're both lawyers and have two young boys, Arin and Abir, who are one and three years of age, respectively. I gave Abir a coloring book and crayons tonight and he decided that I was cool enough to sit on my lap while we looked at pictures on his daddy's computer. Vikas, the father, went on a GSE trip to Wyoming about 7 years ago. He and his wife, Preeta, speak perfect English. My last host family in Kota, Anil and Savita Mantri, have two children - a 22 year old daughter and a 19 year old son who are both away at school so I didn't get a chance to see them. Anil, the father, is basically an investment advisor that owns his own business. We had a nice vocational day at his office and I was able to look at the companies that make up the BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange) as well as the NSE (National Stock Exchange).
I have spent the most time with my first host family - the Sanghi's. Rajender and Asha hosted me in our first city, Jaipur. They have two kids - Akhil, who is 16, and Akshika, who is 13. Akhil loves to fly kites (more on that in a second) and Akshika is one of the most talented artists I've ever met.
This trip has exceeded our expectations in every single way. A typical day for us is as follows:
* Wake up in the morning (times vary based on host and whether you go for a walk or not).
* Have tea or coffee with biscuits (crackers, cookies, etc.)
* Eat a light breakfast of fruit and maybe some rice.
* Attend a Rotary Club's meeting in the morning around 9:00. We are welcomed with Bindis and typically at least one garland of roses and marigolds. We can't tell you how many times we have been "leid" with flowers. They are so refreshing. We also have a few minutes to introduce ourselves and let everyone know how our trip has been thus far. And recently we have been given turbans (spelling?).
* Sightseeing/vocational day/trips to see Rotarians projects at hospitals, schools, etc.
* Rotary Club meeting (around 1:00 or 2:00 with lunch shortly thereafter).
* More sightseeing/vocational day or Rotarians project. Rotary meeting at night around 7:30 or 8:00 with dinner to follow around 9:00 or 9:30.
* Hang out with Rotarians after the meeting or hang out with our hosts - either in their homes or at a place where they take us.
Let me explain something to everyone real quick before I move on. In America, we have several different times zones (EST, CST, MST, etc.). In India, there is one time - I.S.T. That stands for India Stretchable Time. Generally speaking, people and things move at a much more relaxed pace. If the program is supposed to start at 1:00, it may get started at 1:15 or 2:00. We were told by an American living here that if they say 5 minutes, it will be 20. If they say 10 minutes, it will be one hour. If they say 45 minutes, it will be 45 minutes (don't ask why). If they say 1 hour, it will happen tomorrow. Basically, people show up whenever they make it and that is their way of life. It's much more laid back than ours in that respect.
We have had several travel days lately where we spend anywhere from 3-8 hours in our van. That's right, we're moving around India in our own private, chartered 8 passenger van. It's wonderful. We have a driver who takes us everywhere we need to go. His name is Mu-kesh and we have grown to love him to death. His English is average but he has been so wonderful to us and we don't know what we would do without him. Yes, he goes everywhere that we go. I'll try and post pictures of our van experiences tonight but the pictures are slow to load.
As Aaron mentioned our trip to the Taj Mahal in Agra, it was one we'll never forget. Words can't describe how breathtaking that monument is (Taj means "crown" and Mahal means "palace."). Gwalior was fascinating as we visited a Jain Golden Temple, Guardwara Datta Bandi Chhod, Sikh Temple, Shree Guru Kripa Nursing College and Gwalior Fort. We had about 200 students waiting for us at the nursing college and it felt like a press conference (actually, a few clubs had members of the press when we arrived and we've been featured in the newspaper a few times).
On our way to Kota, we stopped in Shivpuri for a few hours and saw the Chhattri Temple (Taj Mahal of Shivpuri) and we took a boat ride down the river. We managed to see a few crocodiles lying on the rocks in the river.
Kota was our next stop. We had a picnic on our first full day in Kota and we flew kites. Woody, our team leader, "cut" 2 other kids kites (they fight in the sky) and he got cut twice. We also visited a Rotarins private school called Modern School and Rao Modha Singh, which is a city palace inside the fort. The district governor, C.M. Birla, hosted us for dinner after our sightseeing day.
The 13th was spent in Ranthambhore National Park - one of four places to view a Bengal Tiger in India. We went on a safari throughout the park, which is about 400 square kilometers, with 10 other people. There are 38 tigers in the park and five are tagged and tracked - but not for tourism. There was no guarantee that we would see a tiger but the scenery and quietness was enough for all of us. We did see plenty of spotted and sambil/samber deer, peacocks, a wild boar and plenty of exotic birds. The tigers weren't looking for food when we were on our three hour safari so we missed seeing them, but the Rotarians in Ranthambore treated us to a lovely lunch and tea while we sat in a group and talked poolside. We are so spoiled. (Don't worry...we have pictures...they're just not uploading right now.)
Indian food is so diverse. We have been served many different types of food (mostly mild). Here are a few examples:<
* Roti/Chapati (hot flatbread - this is my favorite)
* Laddu (ball made of brown dal, sugar and water)
* Samosa (pastry filled with vegetables)
* Vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots and onions. Their carrots are red
* Idli (round, flat, white mush. This is a S. Indian dish)
* Papad (thin crisp - great for digestion)
* Vermicli (warm noodles with peas and other vegetables)
* Boha (breakfast rice dish)
* Gajak (Swedish dessert)
The first week we tried almost anything and everything that was available. My body did not like that decision and it let me know one night and I, along with Woody, became sick. Luckily it only lasted one night but since then, I've been taking it easy with the food. We all pretty much know what we like and what we don't like as many of the same dishes are served at the clubs. Honestly, I thought I would eat less on this trip but my jeans are starting to get tight and there has been a running joke that I am going to need to buy new jeans soon.
I bought a rug in Jaipur. It's being shipped to my house the first week that I am back in the States. It's silk on silk and absolutely beautiful!
Traffic is slow as we frequently have to wait on and avoid many animals, including the cows, dogs, sheep, goats, etc. (pictures available upon request)
All of us enjoy reading your comments. We thank you so much for letting us know how you are doing. I discovered last night who is still in the NFL Playoffs.
I do not have the pictures downloaded to this computer so I won't be able to post our map. I'll have Aaron do that as soon as possible so you can see our journey.
Take care everyone and we'll see you soon!
-Nick (edited and uploaded about 1 week after written...we are now in our final city of Ahmedabad)
Thursday, January 8, 2009
On the Road Again
On Wednesday morning we sadly departed from Jaipur, leaving our gracious hosts behind. We had been so warmly recieved and just settled in our new homes when it was time to hit the road again to see the 4th wonder of the world. After a scenic six hour bus ride, we arrived in Agra and didn't wait to unpack the bags before heading out to the Taj Mahal. We arrived about an hour before sundown, which is the best time to take photos of it. It is everything that it is cracked up to be. Truly an emotional experience and one that will not soon be forgotten. That night we stayed at the house of a Rotarian who actually recieves all Rotarian guests to Agra and were treated like kings (and a queen). We spent Thursday site-seeing and left for Gwalior, the music city, in the mid afternoon arriving around 6pm. Being in a new city, we were welcomed by 8 local clubs at dinner and having sung the Star Spangled Banner, danced and ate the night away. Tomorrow is a big day of site-seeing and visiting local Rotary Clubs for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. As has been the case in the past two stops, no one will go hungry tomorrow :) . Best. 
Siteseeing Pictures
Namaste!
Below are some pics from our day of siteseeing in Jaipur. Enjoy!
'til next time...
Monday, January 5, 2009
District 3050 Conference
We have had some very busy days here in Jaipur. January 3-4 brought us the Rotary International District Conference for District 3050. During this conference, we met many rotarians who welcomed us to their district with open arms and warm greetings. Below are some of the MANY pictures we snapped during the conference:
Nick, Deanne, and Aaron with two outgoing GSE members going to New York
Our Team with the outgoing team to Illinois
Woody presenting club flag to Rotary Club Jaipur Mansarovar
Nick, Deanne, and Aaron with two outgoing GSE members going to New York
Our Team with the outgoing team to Illinois
We went siteseeing today, so we will have some great pictures of these events soon. Stay tuned...
'til next time...
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Gracious Hosts
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
We have all had our first nights in our host homes. John and Aaron are staying together. Deanne, Nick, and Woody are each staying with their own host families. Thus far we have been VERY well fed and have been received in a first class fashion.
Today is one of our vocational days. We each have our own itinerary where we will get to visit with a school, a project site, an insurance company, or an NGO. Each one of us is quite excited to really see some of the interworkings of Indian vocational systems.
Yesterday, we had the opportunity to see some of Jaipur's history, a 300 year old fort and also a 300 year old continous market. Many Indian families were at the historic sites enjoying the holiday by touring the sites, dining on blankets, or flying kites. As we drove back into the city late yesterday afternoon, the sky was filled with tiny kites (quite the sight).
Palace on the water
Deanne & Jaipur
The kites at sundown
'til next time...
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