Six days in India!

Before the voyage, I looked at the itinerary and picked a few things that I wanted to do. IF that meant doing them alone or spending more money than I would hope, I was going to do them. Traveling to Varanasi was one of them! 

I was fortunate to TL the SAS Field Program that took a group of 45 of us to Varanasi, New Dehli, and Agra. I spent time marveling at the Taj Mahal (again!), preparing naan bread at a Sikh Temple in New Dehli, and processed all that happens on the Ganges river in Varanasi. 

This was a dream come true. India's food is amazing, culture is vibrant, and animals are everywhere. I loved it!

India, Feb 28-March 5

Day 1, Feb 28

Travel Buddies: Christian Chavez, Tyler Crisman, Oli Munoz, Stacey Miller and Charlie Braun

I worked disembarkation and finally documented the moment with a picture! After that, I got ready and found two friends to travel with for the day. We took the ferry to Fort Kochi at the low price of 4 rupees ($0.05 USD). The ferry ride was about 8 minutes and then we walked around the area that felt like Catalina Island. It was so peaceful. The tuk tuk drivers followed us and asked if we wanted a ride but we were content walking. It was hot and although I was sweating, it was nice to get out and walk without a purpose. We stumbled upon a great lunch spot called Rasa. I had a local dish with bread and lemon rice. For $5 USD I had an amazing meal.  

Day 2, Field Program to Varanasi and the Taj Mahal

Explore how different religions co-exist harmoniously in India through this meaningful journey to Varanasi. Varanasi is not only a hub for the Hindu religion, but also the birthplace of Buddhism where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon in Sarnath. Get a glimpse into religious diversity through a visit to a Gurudwara (place of worship for Sikhs) and, because no travel to North India would be complete without it, put the cherry on top with a visit to the Taj Mahal!

On the first day, travel to Varanasi (transferring in Hyderabad).

Day 3, Field Program to Varanasi and the Taj Mahal

Become acquainted with the Holy Ganges River on an early morning boat ride. Watch the sunrise and observe pilgrims taking a dip and performing Hindu rituals such as yoga and meditation. After lunch embark upon a  tour of Sarnath where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon.  In the evening, visit the “Ghats” or bank of the River Ganges. Observe the rituals and take in a sunset before setting out once more on a boat ride on the river Ganges to witness the evening prayer ceremony. Every evening, a very sacred aarti or ‘prayer to Mother Ganga’ is performed by specially-chosen priests. This is a passionate and divine journey as the music and the oil lamps create a trance-like experience. This is a great opportunity to compare the religious activity happening on the river during both dawn and dusk.

Day 4, Field Program to Varanasi and the Taj Mahal

Fly to India’s capital of Delhi. Visit a Gurudwara (sikh place of worship and help prepare the 1,500 meals that are served daily).  Take a bus 5 hours down the road to Agra. Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Agra.

Day 5, Field Program to Varanasi and the Taj Mahal

Explore the magnificent Taj Mahal at sunrise! The Taj Mahal is credited with being the finest architectural achievement of the Mughuls, and maybe of mankind. Built over a period of 22 years by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1630, the Taj Mahal enshrines the mortal remains of his beloved queen, Mumtaz Mahal. Later experience Agra Fort. Agra Fort was built by three Mughal Emperors beginning with Akbar the Great in 1565 AD. It is a masterpiece of design and construction and includes a number of exquisite buildings such as the the Moti Masjid, Jahangir’s Palace, Khas Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Diwane-i-Am, Diwane-i-Khas and Musamman Burj, where the 5th Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan died as a prisoner. Later travel back to Delhi to board the return flight to Kochi.

Day 6, March 5

Travel Buddies, Kelly McKenna (CSU Professor) and Steve Okinawa (Counselor)

The day started with us fetching a uber to Moksha Yoga studio where we had a private class. We started with breathing exercises, moved to stretching, followed by Sun Salutations, and ended the session with 15 mins of meditation. It was beautiful and peaceful and perfectly situated in in a rooftop setting where bamboo lined the walls and a breeze could be felt.

We went to Lulu Mall and saw Oru Adaar Love Bollywood movie at the cinema and loved the experience! I had watermelon juice, a mixture of popcorn, and reclined all the way back in my lounge chair. The ticket prices ranged from 110-145 rupees but every seat was a good one. The entire theatre stood for a playing of the National Anthem prior to the movie and they showed the most gruesome anti-smoking ad with pictures and videos of growths and infections caused by smoking. The film was in Hindi but has short phrases every so often in English. We stayed for just 30 mins but got to see a breakout dance and were pleased with our selection and experience. I stopped by the grocery store for a quick peak and purchased a few snacks before heading back to the port area.

There were about 10 tent shops set up outside of the immigration building and with borrowed money I wanted to buy a scarf. I found a colorful one and negotiated the price down to 500 rupees ($7.00 USD). After that, it was on the ship and we had a pleasant surprise waiting. BBQ Day! We had burgers, fries, corn on the cob, and ice cream sundaes. It was a dream; especially after a bunch of curry.