My 1990 visit to Kolkata occurs during a monsoon. Carl and I had to almost swim to get from one place to another. Not a great time to get around! This visit, no monsoon! As I want to see and learn about Kolkata, I figure what better way than with a tour! Rikwick is my …

Continue reading 845. Seeing Kolkata with Rikwick

Dusk at Bodh Gaya I arise at 6AM. By 8AM and after breakfast at the hotel with a large Japanese pilgrim group, I enter the stupa grounds. Two immediate surprises. One surprise makes my initial more pleasant. Probably because of the early hour, there are not many hawkers selling merchandise. “Good planning!” The other surprise …

Continue reading 843. Bodh Gaya: The International Chanting Festival

So much to see and learn about Varanasi. Since Jai has guided me on one walking tour, he recommends that I should take his colleague Mayank's night walk. “He’ll show and tell you some unforgettable things about Varanasi.” He isn’t wrong. Jai describes Mayank as "our secret Sikh weapon!" When I meet Mayank, he tells …

Continue reading 841. Varanasi at Night: Mayank’s Walking Tour

Jai inspires me to see Varanasi beyond the ghats. Both with and without his presence, I wander around sites off the usual visitors’ path. I hire a tuk-tuk driver to take me to the Ramnagar Fort. Built in 1750 by the ruler of the Varanasi region, fort is south of Varanasi and on the other …

Continue reading 840. Varanasi Beyond the Ghats

View of Ghats from Above I'm eager to return to Varanasi. On this return, I'm booking two through Varanasiwalks with "Jai," Jeremy. What a story he has! Born in Minnesota, grows up an evangelical Christian, he leaves a Bible college after three years. Working for AmeriCorps, he spends two summers in Atlanta preparing for the …

Continue reading 839. Walking through Varanasi: Guided by Jai

From Dharmsala, I fly to Delhi. Even though the flight departs fifteen minutes late, we arrive on time. Uneventful. Nice job Pilot! From the airport, I arrange a taxi to the Delhi railroad station. I have a pre-purchased ticket for the Delhi to Varanasi train. The taxi ride is uneventful. Again, nice job taxi-cab driver! …

Continue reading 838. The Nightmare at Delhi’s Railroad Station

My flight to Dharmsala lands roughly, but safely. Yeah! Before talking about the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan presence, the main reason for my traveling to Dharamsala, I want to describe my initial impression of Westerners and Dharamsala, my two interesting conversations with Westerners, and a reminder that Westerners had made Dharamsala their own home. …

Continue reading 837. Traces of Westerners in Dharamsala

To be honest, I forget how I hear about the Tibetan Children’s Village. Regardless, I decided to stretch my legs and walk to the TCV. Since the Tibetan Children's Village is located only a mile outside the town, I say to myself "No problem. I'll love a fresh walk in the countryside." Well, the walk …

Continue reading 836. Walking to the Tibetan Children’s Village

Gyuto Tibetan Monastery While I enjoy wandering around a place by myself, I know that there are times a guide is indispensable. In Dharamsala, Dholdun is my guide. Born in China's Autonomous Region, he has lived in Dharamsala since his fleeing China in 2005. Although only a guide for three months, he is eager to …

Continue reading 835. Seeing Dharamsala and Tibetan Buddhists with Dholdun’s Help

What does one do at night in Haridwar? Of course, go to the Har Ki Pauri Aarti sunset ceremony! So, along with hundreds of others, I move toward the Ganga riverbanks. A word about Haridwar. Haridwar is important for a number of reasons. Approximately 130 miles north of Delhi, Gwami (sp?) drives me from Delhi to Haridwar, …

Continue reading 834. A Night at the Ganga: Haridwar’s Aarti Ceremony