Queen Victoria Memorial Like Delhi and Madras, Kolkata shows its colonial past. Whether walking or using a taxi, any person will see the buildings of the British “Capital of the Raj.” From 1772 until 1911, the city served as the administrative, commercial, and cultural center of the colonial India. Some even referred to it as …
Category: India Memories
846. Mother Teresa and Kolkata
Mother House Doorway A question: who is Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu? Here is another clue: she is born on August 26, 1910. If you guess Mother Teresa, then you are correct. Although I have visited Mother Teresa's Mother House, and talked with her briefly, I want to return to the "Mother House." A few brief notes …
845. Seeing Kolkata with Rikwick
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 …
843. Bodh Gaya: The International Chanting Festival
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 …
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841. Varanasi at Night: Mayank’s Walking Tour
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 …
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840. Varanasi Beyond the Ghats
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 …
839. Walking through Varanasi: Guided by Jai
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 …
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838. The Nightmare at Delhi’s Railroad Station
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! …
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837. Traces of Westerners in Dharamsala
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. …
836. Walking to the Tibetan Children’s Village
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 …
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Journeys: Explorations in Body, Mind, and Spirit 