Traffic. Everywhere. So many cars, so many horns. Recall teacups at disneyland from when you were 5 (or in my case, 25): imagine instead of teacups it's cars, and instead of being on a track you're on the road. That's what it feels like being on the road here. People don't heed traffic lights really and they certainly don't follow the lines on the road. At some point, we were heading down a one-way street in the wrong direction. Tak-taks (these 3-wheel vehicles) are weaving in and out, along with bicycles, motorcycles, pedestrians.
Today is the first day that the even-odd system is being implemented, in an effort to reduce the number of cars on the road and help the pollution problem. Doesn't seem to help much at all, haha.
Went to AKSHARDHAM today. This was a very cool experience. There were so many people. The whole complex is very new, as in only about 10 years old. The guide warned us about security and to not bring anything into the temple. Once we arrived, I understood why. There was an area to check bags into (sea of people that would have been a 2 hour line) before getting into a pen to funnel through security checking. Once inside, there were options to see some exhibitions.
The exhibitions were movies and a ride that really felt like some theme park ride. The first movie walk-through explained the life of this guru. I was impressed by how well-made it was. It's amazing to me how one person can be so influential, gathering followings to spread ideas of non-violence and honesty. I'm interested in learning more about Hinduism and exploring spirituality. We skipped the 2nd movie because a couple of vocal people were complaining. And then went to the boat ride - this was very reminiscent of a cross between pirates and It's a small world. Propoganda about India's contributions to the world - I need to fact-check some of those. They said chess was invented in India, as well as democracy (what about Greece?).
The temple itself was stunningly beautiful and intricate. We checked our shoes into a boot house before proceeding barefoot/with socks inside. People everywhere were paying respects and in awe of the marvelous deco. There were small children rushing around as well. but it was very cool. Such shiny.
Traveling in large groups is always a bit of a struggle.
I'm exhausted! So ready to sleep tonight. Tomorrow is the last day of the wedding. Last night was New Year's Eve, and we stayed out really late at a bar in the diplomatic enclave, dancing the night away. I got a bunch of mosquito bites in the evening.
--
Day 3.
Lodi Gardens
Friday, January 1, 2016
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
India: first impressions.
Pollution. That smell associated with cross-country pre-season 2009 when the sun burned red in the sky, as ashes fell like snowflakes from forest fires, and health warnings were issued to stay indoors. Breathing outdoors is a bit of a hazard, I feel. And the visibility is pretty low, perhaps 50 m or so.
We are staying at the Taj Palace. This place is swanky! My room is spacious, with an awesome shower, mirrors, bathtub. Staff were super friendly, and gave us a `welcome ritual.' A lady gave us a red dot on our foreheads, from some powder on a platter surrounded by peach rose petals, and then gave us a necklace as well. Getting settled in, staff came to deliver luggage and tea. Showered off the deet and travel grime, and then slipped into a bed. I woke up a couple of times throughout the night - my internal clock is confused as ever.
Today I am wired but tired. Feeling a nap in the afternoon. Breakfast was pretty delicious - dosas, India scrambled eggs, chai, omelets, yokalt, yogurt, and a variety of other hot foods.
The tea ceremony is tonight. It's endearing to see my parents so excited, and I'm excited to see them in their Indian garb.
SFO --> HKG --> New Delhi.
The first leg was smooth, and I managed to grab some shut-eye between meals. Traveling with parents has its perks - I managed to score an entrance to the Cathay lounge before the flight.
After deplaning in HK, we checked the octopus card balance, and headed to Aberdeen on the A10. Got a quick haircut before heading over to visit popo in the senior folks home. Her face lit up when she saw Mom, and then her eyes popped open wider and mouth crinkled unmistakably into a grin when she panned over to see Dad and me standing there as well. She was in the middle of lunch, with no appetite. We took her downstairs to the cafe - she loves coffee, and we had some lunch.
Next was the mad rush back to the airport. Security wasn't terrible, and they opened up a new line as we were going thru, so we didn't have to wait long. They did, however, change the gate. This we discovered when we reached the original gate. HKG is super confusing with its signage - all signs point in different directions. Pro-tip: if signs point in different directions, just start heading downstairs. We made it to the gate, only to find the flight was delayed. Apparently the original aircraft was out of service, and the new one was delayed. Once on board, there was another hour of sitting on the tarmac, waiting for air traffic control. This was all fine - made headway on my book :).
We are staying at the Taj Palace. This place is swanky! My room is spacious, with an awesome shower, mirrors, bathtub. Staff were super friendly, and gave us a `welcome ritual.' A lady gave us a red dot on our foreheads, from some powder on a platter surrounded by peach rose petals, and then gave us a necklace as well. Getting settled in, staff came to deliver luggage and tea. Showered off the deet and travel grime, and then slipped into a bed. I woke up a couple of times throughout the night - my internal clock is confused as ever.
Today I am wired but tired. Feeling a nap in the afternoon. Breakfast was pretty delicious - dosas, India scrambled eggs, chai, omelets, yokalt, yogurt, and a variety of other hot foods.
The tea ceremony is tonight. It's endearing to see my parents so excited, and I'm excited to see them in their Indian garb.
SFO --> HKG --> New Delhi.
The first leg was smooth, and I managed to grab some shut-eye between meals. Traveling with parents has its perks - I managed to score an entrance to the Cathay lounge before the flight.
After deplaning in HK, we checked the octopus card balance, and headed to Aberdeen on the A10. Got a quick haircut before heading over to visit popo in the senior folks home. Her face lit up when she saw Mom, and then her eyes popped open wider and mouth crinkled unmistakably into a grin when she panned over to see Dad and me standing there as well. She was in the middle of lunch, with no appetite. We took her downstairs to the cafe - she loves coffee, and we had some lunch.
Next was the mad rush back to the airport. Security wasn't terrible, and they opened up a new line as we were going thru, so we didn't have to wait long. They did, however, change the gate. This we discovered when we reached the original gate. HKG is super confusing with its signage - all signs point in different directions. Pro-tip: if signs point in different directions, just start heading downstairs. We made it to the gate, only to find the flight was delayed. Apparently the original aircraft was out of service, and the new one was delayed. Once on board, there was another hour of sitting on the tarmac, waiting for air traffic control. This was all fine - made headway on my book :).
Saturday, August 30, 2014
perspective
"you know what I'm craving? A little perspective. That's it. I'd like some fresh, clear, well seasoned perspective. Can you suggest a good wine to go with that?"
A number years and a ditch day stack later, this quote from Ratatouille still resonates with me. I found it to be highly amusing the first time I saw the movie, and the scene still makes me smile. Although my sentiment is unequivocally different from Anton's stream of vitriol, I crave perspective. Perspective that comes from climbing mountains before dawn, from feeling humbled as I stand before the vast stretches of earth, from peering out into the depths of blue in the life aquatic. Oh, and also perspective from good food :).
In my 'normal' life, I am a neuroscientist (in training, as a graduate student at UC Berkeley where I work on the integration of neural circuitry in taste and memory.) Every so often, I make a point to step back and be an observer of the macro world and soak it all in, in awe of the wondrous natural beauty where I am fortunate enough to exist.
A number years and a ditch day stack later, this quote from Ratatouille still resonates with me. I found it to be highly amusing the first time I saw the movie, and the scene still makes me smile. Although my sentiment is unequivocally different from Anton's stream of vitriol, I crave perspective. Perspective that comes from climbing mountains before dawn, from feeling humbled as I stand before the vast stretches of earth, from peering out into the depths of blue in the life aquatic. Oh, and also perspective from good food :).
In my 'normal' life, I am a neuroscientist (in training, as a graduate student at UC Berkeley where I work on the integration of neural circuitry in taste and memory.) Every so often, I make a point to step back and be an observer of the macro world and soak it all in, in awe of the wondrous natural beauty where I am fortunate enough to exist.
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