Queen Victoria Memorial Like Delhi and Madras (Chennai), 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 …

Continue reading 544. British 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 visited Mother Teresa's Mother House, and talked with her briefly in 1990, I want to return to the "Mother House."  A few brief …

Continue reading 543. Mother Teresa and Kolkata

My 1990 visit to Kolkata occurs during a monsoon. Carl and I leave a bookstore. As we crossed a road, the water on the road went above our ankles. We felt like we had to swim to get across the road! Not a great time to get around! This visit, no monsoon! As I want …

Continue reading 541. Seeing Kolkata with Rikwick

Dusk at Bodh Gaya I'm in Bodh Gaya. I arise at 6AM. By 7AM, I and a large Japanese pilgrim group are through with breakfast. By 8AM, 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. …

Continue reading 540. 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 539. Varanasi at Night: Mayank’s Walking Tour

Jai inspires me to see Varanasi beyond the ghats. Both with and without his presence, I visit 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 side …

Continue reading 538. Varanasi Beyond the Ghats

View of Ghats from Above I'm eager to return to Varanasi. On this return, I'm booking two guided walks with "Jai", Jeremy, through VaranasiWalks. What a story he has! Born in Minnesota, Jai grows up an evangelical Christian. Attending a Bible college for three years, he leaves without a degree. What to do? He joins …

Continue reading 537. Walking through Varanasi: Guided by Jai

From Dharmshala, 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 536. The Nightmare at Delhi’s Railroad Station

To be honest, I forget how I heard 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 535. 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 fleeing China in 2005. Although only a guide for three months, he is eager to show …

Continue reading 534. Seeing Dharamsala and Tibetan Buddhists with Dholdun’s Help