shanti shanti. come come my friend, have some chai. I've got good stuff for your party, I give you good price; best price, as you like..
Great things in India:
1. Country insect: houseflies
2. Safest transportation: auto-rickshaw. able to accommodate up to 7 pax per vehicle, speedometer that reads zero at all times, rear mirror is facing inwards, horn after you cut lanes, manual window wiper (using hands). no need to follow traffic rules: travel at opposite carriageway of the road, turn on red light, accelerate when pedestrian is crossing the road.
3. Dusty town with cow dung almost everywhere; there's no difference whether you're wearing shoe or a set of new clothings, because the moment you step out of your room, you will soon feel a layer of dust and dirt on your face.
4. Order food when you are not hungry, because by the time the dishes are ready, your stomach will be growling. best activities after ordering your food: shop around the district and come back later or have a round of monopoly.
5. 16 hours long of bumpy ride on an non-a/c bus that is packed with passengers. you wanted the bus to stop because you have motion-sickness, yet you cant wait for it to start to move before the swarm of houseflies come.
6. Riding scooter along their hectic road under the unpredictable weather. the best thing is when you meet a con-man TPp who tried to give you a fine for not bringing out your license. (to be frank, not everyone of us owns one though. haha)
7. Taj Mahal is over-rated. everyone in that attraction is doing the same pose for the camera. (2 person standing a arm-length apart, bending side-way to your partner with your fingertips touching)
8. Ganges River the holy water: it heals your insect bites, you can bathe with it, pee in it, holy area for you to throw dead bodies, wash your laundry, best souvenir to bring back to your country.
9. Believe it or not, I see snow in India!
Mysore via Bangalore - Mysore Palace, Red Fort, Chamudi Hill: their monkeys are power, they snatch lighter and hit people.
Bangalore - Nandi Hill
Goa - Anjuna Beach, Mapusa, Panaji, Old Goa. Slice became our favourite drink.
New Delhi - Connaught Place, Korean Girls, Henna
Agra - Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, souvenir-trading with the locals.
Rishikesh - Ganges River
Kullu Manali - Rohtang Pass (13,000 ft) , Himalayas: thrilling jeep ride up the mountain, horse-riding, snow sliding, the night they goes 'shanti shanti' and was high on sucrose, comparing who's the pussy and stupid. I will rate this as the best destination in this trip, a "plastic-bag-free" town with scenic views.
Chennai via Delhi - watched Salt, Marina Beach.
Yet, this simple way of life give then happiness; you can easily get a glimpse of their bright smile. Two old keychains could be the best gifts they ever receive. People here seems to have less motives, and little politics.
Comparing to the simple life that they lead in India, though I envy they way they passes each day with no stress, living everyday like yesterday; I chose to live the life I'm in now. I rather be able to learn, see and experience new things, study and work with stress, than to being each day worrying if there's enough food for my family.
I empathy women in India. They have low status compared to males; when asked 'what is your sister's name?' we were told, my sister have got no name. Once your husband dies, you're nothing. Yet, you still got to raise up your children all by yourself.
This trip to India open up my mind, I see a new part of the world, learn to cherish and appreciate the things I have. It makes me wonder, is it fair?
