July 6, 2009

Sorry for the update delay. We have been busy as of late, and have been a bit removed from access to the internet. Luckily, a lot has happened and we hope to get you caught up in a series of posts. We’ve moved ourselves and the Pals into new places, toured Delhi and it’s historical landmarkers, and visited inland Thailand.


Before we show you our pad, we’d like to show you around Delhi a bit. The Pals left a couple of days before we did to go to Thailand, so M left us with a few places to visit. We, along with our taxi driver Amit, decided to make a day of it...


We started off our day at the Intercontinental Hotel where we were supposed to eat breakfast. It’s a 5 Star hotel and we caught wind that it might be a bit expensive, so we had cereal instead.


Next we were to visit a couple temples, but one was closed. We were, however, able to visit the Iskcon Temple [Photos Above]. It is a huge temple devoted to Hare Krishna. We were surprised to note the number of similar temples listed that are found in the states.



Next we traveled to the Akshardam Temple [I wasn’t allowed to take photos there, so I’ve posted one provided by their website]. It’s the newest temple in town - complete with a light and water show, a souvenir shop, and several food kiosks. In all, it was the most beautiful and well kept temple we’ve seen.



After the Akshar Dam, we were able to see Raj Ghat. Among other things, the Raj Ghat is a large piece of greenery in the city that is home to the Ghandi Memorial. By this point it was midday or later and we were having to walk around on concrete barefoot so we didn’t stay too long.


Next we made our way to Old Delhi. We were excited to see this part of the city because it has so much to offer. We took a Bicycle Rickshaw Tour of the town and were able see the Red Fort, Jana Masjid, a Jain Temple, a Sikh temple, and the spice market made famous by the ‘Amazing Race.’



After seeing the old part of the city, we took a quick taxi tour of Connaught place, a semi-western market, on our way to India Gate and Parliament - The Washington D.C. of India that fits on both sides of a mile long section of road.



We finished our day at a couple of markets that we had heard a lot about but hadn’t seen yet. The first, Sarojini Nagar Market, is where you can find all of the reject apparel from America’s best retailers at fractional prices... so we bought a few things. The second, Dilli Hut, is the token souvenir shop for the city. So if you come visit, we’ll take you to see it.


It was quite the event, but we learned a lot about the people and city we serve. It seems so much more familiar now that we have returned from Thailand. Speaking of which, we hope to get a post out to you in the next couple of days about our adventures in Thailand. Thanks for enduring the length of this one and please stay tuned for the next.

4 comments:

Katy Hill said...

Thanks for the update! You guys sure saw some beautiful places...or maybe you are such a good photographer that they just look beautiful! Can't wait to see pics from Thailand!

Mel said...

So good to hear from you guys. You look right at home:) This home misses you too, though.

Unknown said...

amberly, I am at vicki's for a couple of days. I saw your pictures that you sent. They were very pretty and interesting. This is my first computer experience. Not bad for an 87 year old woman! We celebrated 25 birthday. I do remember you in my prayers.
Love, Aunt Verna

Unknown said...

Amberly, I should have said we celebrated Jonathan's 25th birthday!!!