Almost done - One more update after this one
Ok, I have 2 weekends to go over. So relax and enjoy.
Friday I went to Gurgaon and spent the day working on my project and talking with the QC team on some Mexico issues. I had told
Ramesh to me up at 6p, he called at 5p and told me he was already back. He could not stay and wait for me he dropped me off
at 930a and went back to Delhi. I have not even explained the problems I've had with transportation, well..... I would not say
problems only challenges. The admin here in Delhi set up my transfers to be a pick from hotel and drop off at the office and vice versa. If there
were any other request outside of those, it quite a chore. I really wanted to have the same driver everyday, someone I could talk to
and get to know. Ramesh is a great driver, but I could never get him to pick up. With the help of Cathy Nicholls some calls were made to the cab company
and it was arranged to have the same driver everyday, in this case Ramesh. When he picked me up after all these calls, he asked me if
I was unhappy with his service, because some called his company and complained about him. I told him my only thing was I wanted HIM only to
be my driver I did not want a new driver everyday. He understood, he then dialed his supervisor on his mobile and asked me to talk to him which
I did. I explained the situation and it was settled, Ramesh was my driver and I needed him to go to some other place after work he had no problem.
Well that was working fine until this past weekend, I will get to that later.
Back to Friday, I called Ramesh and told him I'd be leaving around 730p, he said no problem. What I did not know was that some of the GTFO team
members were taking me out to eat, plus I needed to shop some items.
When we got the mall to do the shopping I felt so bad for Ramesh I gave him 200INR to eat something. We shopped, then we went to Ruby Tuesdays for supper, that was fun. Took some pictures of the group, will share them on the another site
with the rest of pics. Ended leaving at Gurgaon at 1110p, I felt so bad for Ramesh I bought him dessert to take back with him to his family.
Saturday he picked me up at 1p and we went to Red Fort. This is the first time I wore shorts, and it could’ve been the first time anyone here has seen a man in shorts. Yeah, I stood out again.
The looks I kept getting, well this was not a Holy place. Give me a break……….
I then went to the Market, I needed some supplies. You know, oreos, juice boxes, chips and my weekly fix from subway. Funny thing about Subway as soon as I entered the store the manager told the works what kind of sandwich to make me. I guess it shows he has been paying attention previous times.
Sunday was a down day, slept till 9a, ordered breakfast. Went to the pool for a bit, then went out to lunch to this great Chinese Restaurant I’ve heard people rave. Its called Lotus Pond. It was delicious and I even took some for lunch the next day.
Things are starting to wind down with my project, we have weekly calls for updates and I am in my 4th revision of the information deck. On Thursday we are having a pot lunch ( Pot Luck) and since I missed the last one I had to be here for this one. The menu was as follows -
1. Pulao
2. Chapati/Parantha - Tortilla like bread
3. Rajma
4. Kashmiri Aloo
5. Salad
6. Raita -
7. Mutton/Chicken
8. Dessert
The food was fantastic, and did not bother me at all. I guess it really has happened, my stomach has gotten an inch of lining to take the spicy food. Pot lucks are done different here, the food is not eaten until is lunch time, none of this grazing. That’s what I was expecting.
We played some games. We had to draw another team member, they all wanted me to sing. I really did not know why, they kept insisting I sang. Later, later I kept saying.
We started to play something like bingo, with real money for bets. The funny part is they wanted me to bet with USD, I said Yah Right. They were all betting 20.00INR and they wanted me to bet 20.00USD. The USD is so strong here, of course they wanted me to bet in USD.
I did not.
Thursday night I had to get ready for the trip to Haridwar and Rishikesh. Let me talk a bit about making these train reservations. I had to WWW.IRCTC.COM and fill out a very long profile. Then find the closest train station to where I needed to be. Thankfully the website was user friendly.
On my first try I could not find an EC ( Executive coach) seat available. I was able to get a 2nd class seat and actually purchase the Waitlisted ticket in EC. Before you even hit the buy button the system tells you how many waitlist are both in reservation and seat preference. I was able to get confirmed within 24 hours in EC, but my seat would not be confirmed until departure day. That was OK by me. There was this fear within me that if I cancelled the coach seat, and I really did not have an EC seat I would be screwed.
So I had 2 tickets for the outbound train.
Now the return was a little more tricky, I waitlisted again on the return train but I could not find ANY seats in coach. The waitlists for coach were 20plus on all seats.
Delhi actually has 3 station, the main one is New Delhi Train station. The other 2 are a bit farther away. I could however book a redeye train at 1130p that would get me in at 6a. There was no way I would that, I kept looking and looking and I found the following. 1 spot in a sleeper coach going into one of the smallest station and it left at 6a. GOD NO WAY, I know what you’re thinking beggars can’t be choosers. Well, after searching for 1 hour different combinations of classes ( I’m sure it does not take that long, but the so called “high speed internet” was on slow speed.)I had no other choice but to take the sleeper coach. I’ve seen the sleeper trains here before and OMG, I was afraid, very afraid. For days on end I kept checking to see if I cleared the WL on the 515P in EC, and YES I finally cleared. I even called the help line and they did advise I was confirmed in EC on both trains I wanted.
Ok, now enough about making a reservation.
Thursday night I had told Ramesh to pick me up at 6a, the train left at 655a. He then tells me that he can’t pick me up, but he will have someone else come and get me from his company, no problem I thought.
I was actually outside waiting at 555a, this after changing some travelers cheques at the cashiers in the hotel. 605a - 607a - 610a Ramesh calls me to make sure I was picked up. No, Not yet. He tells me, someone is coming and he gives me the car number
615a - 617a -I had it at this point, I WAS FUMING.
I go inside to the lobby and tell the transportation department that I needed a car ASAP to take me to the train station. Wheels start getting in motion, Its hot, humid and I could really see my entire weekend falling apart. I go back outside, Ramesh calls me again.
Very calmly I say to him, no-one is here, I am taking a car from the hotel. I think he could tell I was pissed, all he said was sorry sir and hung up. The transportation manager comes outsides and tells me car is coming, as he tells me that, the car from Ramesh’s company arrives. I tell the hotel guy, cancel it. He looks at me, and I said this is the car that showed up first I’m going with him, sorry.
The driver would not even look at me in eye, its 623a. I tell him, You will get me to the train station to the train station on time. I got in the car and we did not speak.
This man was so scared he was sweating, even with the AC at full blast in the car. I kept thinking if he stops to pee, I will loose it.
We actually made in 17 minutes, he ran every light he could. I know this was not safe, but this is how some people drive anyway. I just gave him an incentive to do it on purpose.
The train station was the as full as last time, there I was trying not to step on anyone sleeping on the floor and find my way to platform 9 ¾ get it…????..( want to make sure you are still paying attention )
I find the right platform, the EC car and there it was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. My name confirmed on the passenger list with an aisle seat, who cares if I wanted a window seat.
I climbed on the train found a spot for my luggage and sat down.
The train ride took about 5 ½ hours, they served me some tea and biscuits, then an omelet with fries and a few cubes of cottage cheese, yes I said cubes. GROSSSS, for me anyway.
I fell asleep shortly after breakfast was served, I know we made a few stops on the way. In one of the stops we changed direction because we were traveling backwards. Let me explain, I wake up and adjust my eyes to the sun, I look out of the window and notice I was traveling backwards. I thought OMG
I really did sleep thru station and I’m headed back to Delhi.
I was extremely confused, I looked around and the same people that boarded in Delhi were still sleeping. Well, I thought whatever, I’m sure I did not miss the stop. I went back to sleep.
We arrive in Haridwar, the station was much smaller than Jaipur and there were more people around also. I walk into the main area looking for some someone holding a sign with my name. I had emailed my arrival information to the company that booked my hotel, and I got the response after I left the hotel.
I walk outside and do not see anyone, I do have the hotel phone number, I try to call them on my mobile. The call is not going through. I try for about 5 minutes, in different ways, nothing…..
I realize I am the center of attention, again. I look up and there are people staring at me. Great……!!!!!!!
I put my mobile away, grab my stuff and walk inside again.
I start thinking, there has to be a visitors bureau somewhere in the station, after all there was one in Jaipur. I’m reading the signs and not one for the visitor’s center. I’m thinking, boy I’m in a bit of trouble here. I walk pass a glass door and see men standing there with signs, HMMMM I’ll try door number whatever…….
I start looking at the signs and there it is, my name in a placard. THANK GOD.
I motioned to him to let him know that is me, he takes my bag and starts walking.
Well I guess he wants me to follow him. He hands me my bag and with his hands he says to stay where I was.
He shows up 2 minutes later in a cycle-rickshaw, cool……..
We head towards the hotel. On the way I noticed lots of people wearing orange color clothing, lots and lots of shops. Everyone seems to be going in the same direction, mine.
We enter this narrow alleyway, and there are more shops, TONS of people. Some of these shops were food stands……… L
Sorry to say this but none of the food I saw I would even try. There was a cart selling what it looked like raisins, but there were so many flies around it, how could you tell the flies from the raisins was beyond me.
We make a hard right and I mean a HARD right, I almost fell off. There were people ironing on the right hand side, looked like a dry cleaners of sort. More food stalls on both side and of course more flies.
He goes thru some gates and I see the name of the hotel Haveli Hari Ganga, great I’ve arrived. 3 bell boys show up, one helps me off the rickshaw, one takes my bag and the other tells me “this way sir”
The hotel only has 20 rooms, it used to be a house many years ago. I was completely impressed from the moment I entered the lobby.
There was long desk as reception, I was asked to sit down and to give them my passport. Not a problem, they told me the room was almost ready. In the meantime if I wanted the front desk person can take me up to the SPA to check out the services and make an appointment. That’s what I REALLY needed, I wanted a good massage.
Before we even go to the SPA, I’m given a welcome drink, it was great. It was like a lime with water and soda, very good and refreshing.
At the SPA I was given the list of services, prices extremely cheap. No, I MEAN CHEAP.
I went all out, I scheduled a 2 hour Aryuvedic massage for only $50. That was a steal.
I talked a bit the masseuse who’s name I can not remember. A few minutes later a bell boy came to get me, my room was ready.
Getting to my room was amazing, let explain. There was a courtyard in the middle of the hotel, in this courtyard was an area for Yoga and meditation. Plus a “priest” would hold morning and evening ceremonies for the guests. We keep walking and get to the back of the hotel, there is a bigger courtyard and beyond that was a full view of the River Ganga. There was a small gazebo, some tables and chairs it was gorgeous.
I entered my room and I was blown away, large bed, fireplace, TV sitting area, huge marble bathroom. I could not believe this is where I was staying. The bell boys had already turned the AC and placed my bag in the closet. I gave them both a nice tip and I started to relax.
This place was heaven, I went out side and looked at the river. That was an amazing sight, on the other side of the river there were people bathing, washing clothes. I really had no idea how strong the current was. There were steps leading to the river and hand rails, the hand rails had chains for people to hold on to if they were taken away by the force of the river.
I was in complete amazement that the water in river comes from the Himalayas.
Went back to my room to unpack and watch some TV before my appt. for the massage. I’ve been a little news hungry for a few days.
Ok, TV is not working. Not a problem, possibly a temporary thing……….
The massage…..
That was quite an experience. Now, I’ve had massages before but this was not at all what I expected at all. When I arrived at the massage room, the guy was burning incense and playing Indian prayer songs. (I asked him) I was told to turn off my cell and to take my clothes off, not a problem where is the robe?
THERE IS NO ROBE OR TOWEL.
I look at him and I asked him, wait you mean nude as in nekid? He said yes. I knew this massage was going to be different but its starting a little weird. I took a deep breath and off went my shorts and shirt. I’m asked to sit down chair, he then brings over a little plate with a candle, incense, orange flowers and orange aryuvedic powder. He closed his eyes, said a prayer then applied some of the orange powder on my forehead.
He takes some oil bottles and pours it on my scalp and start to massage it in, 20 minutes of this. It was heaven. I felt all my cares and worries disappear. I had my eyes closed and with the music and incense, it was very spiritual. Sometimes it felt like there were 2 people doing the massaging, like there were 4 hands massaging my scalp at the same time.
I move to the massage table, and if you’re wondering?
Yes, I’m still naked.
Once on the table my head needed to be under this pot which had like a straw in the very bottom. He puts cotton balls on my eyes, so he oil does not get in my eyes and all of a sudden I feel the oil dropping on my forehead, very slowly. He moved the straw from side to side so my entire head got the oil. 45 minutes of this, I was so relaxed I was falling as sleep, and then the phone rang. Talk about being jolted.
The rest of the time he did acupressure, on face, arms, hands, legs, feet.
He filled up this emerald green bathtub made of marble with cold water and told me to soak for a few minutes. He left the room, when he arrived he had a glass of fresh lemonade.
This was the most amazing pampering experience I’ve ever had, I even asked if they did manicures and pedicures.
I know what you’re thinking, Well why not ask, you never know. Plus that would complete the entire SPA treatment.
I left the SPA and went to the front desk. Asked about tours being offered, they told me they could offer me a complimentary guide and to the Hari ki Pauri ( will explain this one later )
I said sure, give me 20 minutes. Went back to my room, got my camera and camcorder, drank some water and left for the lobby. I was energized and ready to tour.
I arrived early and was told to sit in one of the couches and wait for the guide.
He arrives, his name is Mahivesh. I found out the next day, he works in housekeeping at the hotel. He just likes to take travelers around.
He starts walking and we pass the hotels’ rickshaw, I then say. “ Are we walking to this place ” he says yes. Ok, how pathetic is this. How spoiled have I gotten that I do not want walk, I got over that quick.
I had to really keep up with him, but I could tell he made sure I was still behind him.
Let me tell you, if I did not have this guide I would still be lost somewhere in Haridwar. The place is maze of alleys that all look the same, stores, food vendors, stores, stores.The streets were very small to accommodate the amount of people that were walking, but still, motorcycles and bikes found a way to get through those crowded streets.
We must’ve passed a sewer system cause at one point I almost vomited from the smell that hit me. Stupid me I forgot to take out my little towel to cover my mouth and nose.
We get to our location, was a cable car ride to the top of a mountain to look at a temple or shrine for Manasa Devi. I thought cool going to see a temple can’t wait to take the pictures…..YEAH right.
I had to buy 2 tickets one for me and the guide, that was ok. Then the wait started. 45 minutes at the base to take a 5 minute cable car to the top. Hot - Humid, HOT HUMID. Yeah there were fans, BLOWING HOT AIR.
While in queue we pass a small stand and I ask Mahivesh if he wanted some water, he said yes. I bought him a bottle and I got one.
We arrive to the top of the mountain and the queue to get a cable car back was at least 1 hour long. I looked at that and said are you kidding? He looked at me and said no. Ok whatever, this better be worth it. We arrive to the main area and surprise, I have to take my shoes off again. I look at the floor and I knew my socks were being trash when I got back to the hotel.
We followed the worshipers into a long hallway, there were some small openings on the walls and inside you could see “priests” surrounded in candles and incense.
The place was packed, we reached the first God and the priest anoints my forehead with the orange powder, then motions for me to make a donation.
Now, I did not see him do this to anyone else. Sure pick on the foreigner……
I gave him 20.00INR
We kept walking and you could smell the air was thick with incense, candle wax and something else I could not describe. I told Mahavish to please tell me if I had to do any specifically, I did not want to offend anyone. There were statues of Gods of all shapes and sizes. There were people giving these bundles that had puffed rice, and whole coconuts, and something else inside not sure what is was. They were wrapped on a different color cloth with gold fringes. These were offerings you could purchase everywhere.
The entire walk around took less than 10 minutes, all I kept thinking was of the long wait to get down.
He gets our shoes back. There was not a place to sit for me to put my shoes back on, oh yeah I forgot there was the floor. YUK
I bit the bullet and sat on the floor, put my shoes on as fast as I could.
We go back up to stand in queue and it took 50 minutes to get into a cable car. Have you ever been standing in a place where is so hot, you can feel sweat running down your legs and your back. OH OH
I just remembered something, I had long pants on, I was told shorts are not allowed in temples. YAH!!!!!
We finally get down to the main area, and there more people than before. It was getting late and everyone was heading towards the evening ceremony. There were several thousand people doing pilgrimages this place wall to wall people. Not sure where he was taking me, but when we arrived is was a fantastic spot. He knows a priest that has a platform in front of the where everything happens. That was a cool seat.
This is what happens, you buy a container made of large of green leaves and its filled with flower petals and toped with candles and incense. Once the whole thing is put together it will float down the river where it go with the rest of the others. The more people arrived the more excited I got. They started collecting offerings, I took out 20.00INR but they did not get close enough to me to give them the money.
I took out my camcorder and started to film, all of a sudden I feel a jab on my back. I turn around and there is the old lady smiling at me. She starts pointing places where I should be on the lookout, she also tries to give me some insight on the history. However I understood very little, I just looked smiled and shook my head. I went ahead and purchased one of those containers with the petals and kept it next to me.
720p it starts. The old lady jabs me again and says to look somewhere, ok ok. Over the speakers you could hear chanting and singing. Every hair in body stood on end, everyone is singing, chanting, clapping to the beat of the music, you could tell there is going to be a major climax at the end. You see the priests in each of the temples blessing the Gods with torches. The movements they had were to the beat of the song and chanting. I was in total awe. I’ve never seen such a display of devotion in my life. The more the music played more priests appeared with torches blessing the sky and the river all in unison. The singing, music and the entire ceremony took my breath away. I could hear bells from other temples in town. I then start to see the leaf boats going down the Ganges with the candles and incense lit. It actually brought tears to my eyes. I was so moved to see these gifts floating. Some of these people have barely any money but they still find some to give to their god.
Once the ceremony was over everyone started clearing from the area. The priest that allowed me to sit in his platform handed me the offering and then he started praying to me in Hindi. He then asked me to repeat with him, I did the best I could. I repeated everything he told me in Hindi. I have no idea what I said. I am taken to the edge of the river, where I went careful not to fall in with all the people that were still around.
Carefully he holds my hand and together we sent the boat on the river, as the current takes it away he says more prayers. ( I can tell they’re prayers due to the motions he’s making)
He scoops some water and sprinkles it on me as a blessing. ( he said blessing ). I was blown away. He takes me back by the hand again to his spot and he anoints my forehead with orange and red powder. He holds his hands in prayer bows before me and says Namaste. I look at him and do the same thing. I really do not know what just happened, but I was totally speechless.
I gave him an offering of 100.00INR just because.
My guide and I head back to the hotel, I was making sure I made mental notes of all these alleys as I was on my own the next day.
We arrived at the hotel I thanked him and gave him 250.00INR as gratuity. He basically did this in his spare time.
I walk in the restaurant and food was a set price for a buffet. Started looking at the food, called a waiter over and asked him to tell me what everything was. Well, I understood very little. I had some cauliflower covered in curry, rice and beans. I only really did eat the rice and gravy from the beans.
There a lady sitting on a table across from me, she was a Westerner, I did know if she spoke English. I did hear say some things in Hindi, but that did not help
One waiter brought me a dish of something they were cooking outside on the griddle. It looked like
Crab cakes, I should be so lucky.
I asked the lady if she spoke English, she said yes. I asked her if she knew what these were, they were patties made of potato and spices. I tried one little piece and, OH MY GOD.
Nope, did not like it at all.
The lady and I started chatting and she asked me where I was from, I said originally from Puerto Rico but now live in Arizona. She looked at me strangely then said, I was born in Puerto Rico also. Her parents left and went to the US when she was 6.
This blew my mind, what are the odds of this happening. I have no idea, but is a long shot. To top it all off her name is Louise.
Louis , Louise - that’s pretty weird,
Am I the only one that sees this as weird????
She was not staying at the hotel she likes the food here and comes here to eat. She’s actually staying at some other place.
She got up said good bye and left, I ordered another soda got my bill and went to my room. It was 9p already and I was exhausted.
Tv still not working, great.
Went to bed by 930p did not wake up until I heard the bells from the priest in the courtyard. My bathroom window faced it. I could hear him chanting and ringing his bell.
The ringing bell was getting closer and closer, then there was knock on my door. I got up unbolted the door, opened it and there he was the priest. He motioned for me to follow him, I put my sandals on and I followed him.
We went to the private bathing ghat the hotel has for guest. There he continued with his prayers, I looked around and there was no one else just the 2 of us. What a way to start a day, a private ceremony. He finished the prayers the same way the other priest did last night. Scoop of water, sprinkled on me then anointed with orange powder on my forehead.
I went back to my room and laid down, but I was getting hunger pangs. Then I thought breakfast, nice cool refreshing juice, coffee, toast, eggs, and pastries.
I cleaned up and went to the dinning room, buffet again. I take a look at everything, then I go back and take another look.
I have no idea what some of this stuff is, the only thing I recognized were the French fries. No eggs, no pastries and come to find out no juice either, really I am not kidding.
My breakfast consisted of French fries, toast coffee and pepsi. Now how sad is that. I know it was my choice not to eat what they had, so don’t feel sorry for me. But come on, no juice….PLEASE……
I finished my food, went back to my room and laid down again. It was only 745a, I took a nap then I was woken up by the another knock on my door. It was housekeeping, come back in 2 hours I say.
Turned on the TV, still not working. ARGGHHHHH
Could not sleep, got up changed again and decided to explore the city on my own. I wanted to get to a bridge that was on near the hotel, but I had no idea how to get there via the mazes.
I talked to the front desk clerk, they offered me another guide I declined. I knew what I wanted to do and go. They gave me directions on how to get to the bridge.
I walk out the confines of the hotel, and of course I am stared at again. I’m looking at all the shops trying to see what they have. I have some idea of where I was going, I just did not want to end down a one way alley.
Well, I did. One way alley, I very casually pretended I was counting the buildings not the let anybody know I was lost. I did eventually find my way to the bridge.
The bridge covered in one side by beggars living under tarps. There were card readers, sitting on the floor doing readings. Funny thing was, they have parrots to pick the cards then they read the fortune from books.
I walked for about 10 minutes, then found a spot to sit and just look at the river. Being stared still, lots of people passing me by. A man came up to me asking me if I wanted a shave, HMMM that is a no. Again having a total stranger hold a blade to my throat is not something I am keen on.
He got the point after a few minutes.
A homeless man sat close to me and stared, he just looked at me. I looked at him back and said namaste. He just stared, Ok, fun is over for me. I pretend I got a call and start talking on the cell phone.
I get up and walked away. Very casually I turn around and notice he is not behind me, good it worked.
Now I am headed where I was the night before, the whole place looks like a beach resort. People bathing with clothes on, underwear or swimsuits.
I was about to cross a bridge and when 2 of the security guards I saw last night stopped me. From what I could understand I have to give a donation to the god. I pull out a 20.00INR, but NO, they ask for 100.00INR. OK, no problem. I pay and get my receipt.
I am on the bridge and this guy dressed in orange with orange paint on his face approaches me. He does the blessing thing, then he asked for 100.00INR. I said well how about 20.00INR, he got angry at me. 100.00INR only.
Right, 100.00INR it is, I hand it over then he says no 500.00INR. I looked at him and said yeah right, do you want the 100.00INR or not. He took it.
I’m thinking this is going to be an expensive day if I have to keep giving money like that. I get to the other end of the bridge and I see 4 other guys in the same orange outfits walking towards me.
Oh no, you’re not coming near me, I thought.
I can see the same guy running to catch up with his friends, he approaches and starts the whole routine again. I look at him and say, “ are you kidding me? You just did this over there” and I pointed to the other side of the bridge. He says, “no, no not me, it was one of them” Then it hits me, they think I can’t tell them apart. What a joke………..
He blocked my path, and sternly I tell him “ get away from me” He did not move, so I went around him. No one followed me, Thank God.
By now I need a drink, but this is a totally DRY town. No alcohol at all in Haridwar
I find a spot to people watch, in order for me to move to the other side I would have to take my shoes off, I was not doing that. The other way I would have to face those clowns again, so, I start to think. What am I to do???
I walk a bit then I see, there is another way to get to where I want to be without having to take my shoes off and facing the clowns.
I find my way to another bridge, I stay there for a while people watching.
Ok, I’m getting tired and really warm. I start to head back to the hotel 2 more guards stop me and ask me to make an donation, again. I tell them, sorry I already gave over there. The ask me to see the receipt I show them, well that was for a one temples, they were collecting for another temple. Ok, so ask him how much. He tells me, as you wish. I took out 20.00INR he says no, he wants 100.00INR
I went all Puerto Rican on him. “ Why would you say as you wish, when you really wanted something else. That is dishonest” I was making a scene, oh well.
He stood there looking at me. I took out 100.00INR bill and gave it to him.
I swear, the moment I took the money out beggars came out of nowhere, kids and adults. I get my receipt from the guard and start walking away, some of the beggars start following me. Now I can tell you the most frightening thing EVER happened. A beggar approached me and said please help, look my hands, leper. He showed me his hands.
I froze for a second and looked at him, he got closer and moved faster. On the way to the hotel, I could still hear him in my head, look my hands, leper. look my hands, leper.
It was like an echo. I still get the chills when I think about it. All this time I did not realize some of the kids and adults we still following me begging for money.
I reached the alley for the hotel, I look around the beggars were gone. I buy a large bottle water and get into the hotel.
I get in my room and I literally collapse on my bed, I run to the bathroom and wash my hand,arms and face. Plus I take 1 antibiotic. Can you blame me?
I go and turn the TV, still not working. I GIVE UP.
I lay down and take a 2 hour nap, it was 145p. I wake up at 3p with more hunger pangs. I knew lunch was still being served, so I go an eat.
The food was actually really good, don’t remember what it was but I ate plates. Went back to my room, got my MP3 player and sat on the shaded are of the courtyard. I could still see the river. There kids tubing and playing in the fast rapids of the ganga. Women doing the laundry, and or bathing with clothes on.
I sat out there for about 2 hours, just looking at the river. I still in total awe. I realized I had not done any shopping here yet. Went back to my room took my cash and passport and off shopping I went. It felt good walking around these mazes just like a local. I browsed, there was no one calling for me to enter their shops. I liked that.
I walked around for 3 hours, I did get lost but I did not panic. I eventually found my way back, plus I had the idiot card the hotel gave me. In case anyone got lost, the card said I am staying at the Haveli Hari Ganga.
I did not need to use it.
I went back to my hotel, dropped my purchased in the room and went to get something to eat. As I entered the dining room Louise was also arriving.
I say to her Namaste Louise, she turned around and says Namaste Louis. She get her food and sits down to eat. I get my food and she invites me to eat with her. I wish I could’ve spent more time with her. She was very interesting. She was translating old Sanskrit text to English with the help of local man in Haridwar. We finished eating and said out good byes.
I went back outside and took some cool pics of the river and the bridge near the hotel. Went to my room, turned on the TV, still not working. I decide to call the front desk. They tell there is satellite problems, yeah right. The how can I hear the world cup playing someplace in the hotel. HUH????
No problem, I was tired and went to sleep.
Just like now, is 153A I am a bit tired and will finish before I leave for the airport.
Only have a bit left to write but I am tired.
Friday I went to Gurgaon and spent the day working on my project and talking with the QC team on some Mexico issues. I had told
Ramesh to me up at 6p, he called at 5p and told me he was already back. He could not stay and wait for me he dropped me off
at 930a and went back to Delhi. I have not even explained the problems I've had with transportation, well..... I would not say
problems only challenges. The admin here in Delhi set up my transfers to be a pick from hotel and drop off at the office and vice versa. If there
were any other request outside of those, it quite a chore. I really wanted to have the same driver everyday, someone I could talk to
and get to know. Ramesh is a great driver, but I could never get him to pick up. With the help of Cathy Nicholls some calls were made to the cab company
and it was arranged to have the same driver everyday, in this case Ramesh. When he picked me up after all these calls, he asked me if
I was unhappy with his service, because some called his company and complained about him. I told him my only thing was I wanted HIM only to
be my driver I did not want a new driver everyday. He understood, he then dialed his supervisor on his mobile and asked me to talk to him which
I did. I explained the situation and it was settled, Ramesh was my driver and I needed him to go to some other place after work he had no problem.
Well that was working fine until this past weekend, I will get to that later.
Back to Friday, I called Ramesh and told him I'd be leaving around 730p, he said no problem. What I did not know was that some of the GTFO team
members were taking me out to eat, plus I needed to shop some items.
When we got the mall to do the shopping I felt so bad for Ramesh I gave him 200INR to eat something. We shopped, then we went to Ruby Tuesdays for supper, that was fun. Took some pictures of the group, will share them on the another site
with the rest of pics. Ended leaving at Gurgaon at 1110p, I felt so bad for Ramesh I bought him dessert to take back with him to his family.
Saturday he picked me up at 1p and we went to Red Fort. This is the first time I wore shorts, and it could’ve been the first time anyone here has seen a man in shorts. Yeah, I stood out again.
The looks I kept getting, well this was not a Holy place. Give me a break……….
I then went to the Market, I needed some supplies. You know, oreos, juice boxes, chips and my weekly fix from subway. Funny thing about Subway as soon as I entered the store the manager told the works what kind of sandwich to make me. I guess it shows he has been paying attention previous times.
Sunday was a down day, slept till 9a, ordered breakfast. Went to the pool for a bit, then went out to lunch to this great Chinese Restaurant I’ve heard people rave. Its called Lotus Pond. It was delicious and I even took some for lunch the next day.
Things are starting to wind down with my project, we have weekly calls for updates and I am in my 4th revision of the information deck. On Thursday we are having a pot lunch ( Pot Luck) and since I missed the last one I had to be here for this one. The menu was as follows -
1. Pulao
2. Chapati/Parantha - Tortilla like bread
3. Rajma
4. Kashmiri Aloo
5. Salad
6. Raita -
7. Mutton/Chicken
8. Dessert
The food was fantastic, and did not bother me at all. I guess it really has happened, my stomach has gotten an inch of lining to take the spicy food. Pot lucks are done different here, the food is not eaten until is lunch time, none of this grazing. That’s what I was expecting.
We played some games. We had to draw another team member, they all wanted me to sing. I really did not know why, they kept insisting I sang. Later, later I kept saying.
We started to play something like bingo, with real money for bets. The funny part is they wanted me to bet with USD, I said Yah Right. They were all betting 20.00INR and they wanted me to bet 20.00USD. The USD is so strong here, of course they wanted me to bet in USD.
I did not.
Thursday night I had to get ready for the trip to Haridwar and Rishikesh. Let me talk a bit about making these train reservations. I had to WWW.IRCTC.COM and fill out a very long profile. Then find the closest train station to where I needed to be. Thankfully the website was user friendly.
On my first try I could not find an EC ( Executive coach) seat available. I was able to get a 2nd class seat and actually purchase the Waitlisted ticket in EC. Before you even hit the buy button the system tells you how many waitlist are both in reservation and seat preference. I was able to get confirmed within 24 hours in EC, but my seat would not be confirmed until departure day. That was OK by me. There was this fear within me that if I cancelled the coach seat, and I really did not have an EC seat I would be screwed.
So I had 2 tickets for the outbound train.
Now the return was a little more tricky, I waitlisted again on the return train but I could not find ANY seats in coach. The waitlists for coach were 20plus on all seats.
Delhi actually has 3 station, the main one is New Delhi Train station. The other 2 are a bit farther away. I could however book a redeye train at 1130p that would get me in at 6a. There was no way I would that, I kept looking and looking and I found the following. 1 spot in a sleeper coach going into one of the smallest station and it left at 6a. GOD NO WAY, I know what you’re thinking beggars can’t be choosers. Well, after searching for 1 hour different combinations of classes ( I’m sure it does not take that long, but the so called “high speed internet” was on slow speed.)I had no other choice but to take the sleeper coach. I’ve seen the sleeper trains here before and OMG, I was afraid, very afraid. For days on end I kept checking to see if I cleared the WL on the 515P in EC, and YES I finally cleared. I even called the help line and they did advise I was confirmed in EC on both trains I wanted.
Ok, now enough about making a reservation.
Thursday night I had told Ramesh to pick me up at 6a, the train left at 655a. He then tells me that he can’t pick me up, but he will have someone else come and get me from his company, no problem I thought.
I was actually outside waiting at 555a, this after changing some travelers cheques at the cashiers in the hotel. 605a - 607a - 610a Ramesh calls me to make sure I was picked up. No, Not yet. He tells me, someone is coming and he gives me the car number
615a - 617a -I had it at this point, I WAS FUMING.
I go inside to the lobby and tell the transportation department that I needed a car ASAP to take me to the train station. Wheels start getting in motion, Its hot, humid and I could really see my entire weekend falling apart. I go back outside, Ramesh calls me again.
Very calmly I say to him, no-one is here, I am taking a car from the hotel. I think he could tell I was pissed, all he said was sorry sir and hung up. The transportation manager comes outsides and tells me car is coming, as he tells me that, the car from Ramesh’s company arrives. I tell the hotel guy, cancel it. He looks at me, and I said this is the car that showed up first I’m going with him, sorry.
The driver would not even look at me in eye, its 623a. I tell him, You will get me to the train station to the train station on time. I got in the car and we did not speak.
This man was so scared he was sweating, even with the AC at full blast in the car. I kept thinking if he stops to pee, I will loose it.
We actually made in 17 minutes, he ran every light he could. I know this was not safe, but this is how some people drive anyway. I just gave him an incentive to do it on purpose.
The train station was the as full as last time, there I was trying not to step on anyone sleeping on the floor and find my way to platform 9 ¾ get it…????..( want to make sure you are still paying attention )
I find the right platform, the EC car and there it was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. My name confirmed on the passenger list with an aisle seat, who cares if I wanted a window seat.
I climbed on the train found a spot for my luggage and sat down.
The train ride took about 5 ½ hours, they served me some tea and biscuits, then an omelet with fries and a few cubes of cottage cheese, yes I said cubes. GROSSSS, for me anyway.
I fell asleep shortly after breakfast was served, I know we made a few stops on the way. In one of the stops we changed direction because we were traveling backwards. Let me explain, I wake up and adjust my eyes to the sun, I look out of the window and notice I was traveling backwards. I thought OMG
I really did sleep thru station and I’m headed back to Delhi.
I was extremely confused, I looked around and the same people that boarded in Delhi were still sleeping. Well, I thought whatever, I’m sure I did not miss the stop. I went back to sleep.
We arrive in Haridwar, the station was much smaller than Jaipur and there were more people around also. I walk into the main area looking for some someone holding a sign with my name. I had emailed my arrival information to the company that booked my hotel, and I got the response after I left the hotel.
I walk outside and do not see anyone, I do have the hotel phone number, I try to call them on my mobile. The call is not going through. I try for about 5 minutes, in different ways, nothing…..
I realize I am the center of attention, again. I look up and there are people staring at me. Great……!!!!!!!
I put my mobile away, grab my stuff and walk inside again.
I start thinking, there has to be a visitors bureau somewhere in the station, after all there was one in Jaipur. I’m reading the signs and not one for the visitor’s center. I’m thinking, boy I’m in a bit of trouble here. I walk pass a glass door and see men standing there with signs, HMMMM I’ll try door number whatever…….
I start looking at the signs and there it is, my name in a placard. THANK GOD.
I motioned to him to let him know that is me, he takes my bag and starts walking.
Well I guess he wants me to follow him. He hands me my bag and with his hands he says to stay where I was.
He shows up 2 minutes later in a cycle-rickshaw, cool……..
We head towards the hotel. On the way I noticed lots of people wearing orange color clothing, lots and lots of shops. Everyone seems to be going in the same direction, mine.
We enter this narrow alleyway, and there are more shops, TONS of people. Some of these shops were food stands……… L
Sorry to say this but none of the food I saw I would even try. There was a cart selling what it looked like raisins, but there were so many flies around it, how could you tell the flies from the raisins was beyond me.
We make a hard right and I mean a HARD right, I almost fell off. There were people ironing on the right hand side, looked like a dry cleaners of sort. More food stalls on both side and of course more flies.
He goes thru some gates and I see the name of the hotel Haveli Hari Ganga, great I’ve arrived. 3 bell boys show up, one helps me off the rickshaw, one takes my bag and the other tells me “this way sir”
The hotel only has 20 rooms, it used to be a house many years ago. I was completely impressed from the moment I entered the lobby.
There was long desk as reception, I was asked to sit down and to give them my passport. Not a problem, they told me the room was almost ready. In the meantime if I wanted the front desk person can take me up to the SPA to check out the services and make an appointment. That’s what I REALLY needed, I wanted a good massage.
Before we even go to the SPA, I’m given a welcome drink, it was great. It was like a lime with water and soda, very good and refreshing.
At the SPA I was given the list of services, prices extremely cheap. No, I MEAN CHEAP.
I went all out, I scheduled a 2 hour Aryuvedic massage for only $50. That was a steal.
I talked a bit the masseuse who’s name I can not remember. A few minutes later a bell boy came to get me, my room was ready.
Getting to my room was amazing, let explain. There was a courtyard in the middle of the hotel, in this courtyard was an area for Yoga and meditation. Plus a “priest” would hold morning and evening ceremonies for the guests. We keep walking and get to the back of the hotel, there is a bigger courtyard and beyond that was a full view of the River Ganga. There was a small gazebo, some tables and chairs it was gorgeous.
I entered my room and I was blown away, large bed, fireplace, TV sitting area, huge marble bathroom. I could not believe this is where I was staying. The bell boys had already turned the AC and placed my bag in the closet. I gave them both a nice tip and I started to relax.
This place was heaven, I went out side and looked at the river. That was an amazing sight, on the other side of the river there were people bathing, washing clothes. I really had no idea how strong the current was. There were steps leading to the river and hand rails, the hand rails had chains for people to hold on to if they were taken away by the force of the river.
I was in complete amazement that the water in river comes from the Himalayas.
Went back to my room to unpack and watch some TV before my appt. for the massage. I’ve been a little news hungry for a few days.
Ok, TV is not working. Not a problem, possibly a temporary thing……….
The massage…..
That was quite an experience. Now, I’ve had massages before but this was not at all what I expected at all. When I arrived at the massage room, the guy was burning incense and playing Indian prayer songs. (I asked him) I was told to turn off my cell and to take my clothes off, not a problem where is the robe?
THERE IS NO ROBE OR TOWEL.
I look at him and I asked him, wait you mean nude as in nekid? He said yes. I knew this massage was going to be different but its starting a little weird. I took a deep breath and off went my shorts and shirt. I’m asked to sit down chair, he then brings over a little plate with a candle, incense, orange flowers and orange aryuvedic powder. He closed his eyes, said a prayer then applied some of the orange powder on my forehead.
He takes some oil bottles and pours it on my scalp and start to massage it in, 20 minutes of this. It was heaven. I felt all my cares and worries disappear. I had my eyes closed and with the music and incense, it was very spiritual. Sometimes it felt like there were 2 people doing the massaging, like there were 4 hands massaging my scalp at the same time.
I move to the massage table, and if you’re wondering?
Yes, I’m still naked.
Once on the table my head needed to be under this pot which had like a straw in the very bottom. He puts cotton balls on my eyes, so he oil does not get in my eyes and all of a sudden I feel the oil dropping on my forehead, very slowly. He moved the straw from side to side so my entire head got the oil. 45 minutes of this, I was so relaxed I was falling as sleep, and then the phone rang. Talk about being jolted.
The rest of the time he did acupressure, on face, arms, hands, legs, feet.
He filled up this emerald green bathtub made of marble with cold water and told me to soak for a few minutes. He left the room, when he arrived he had a glass of fresh lemonade.
This was the most amazing pampering experience I’ve ever had, I even asked if they did manicures and pedicures.
I know what you’re thinking, Well why not ask, you never know. Plus that would complete the entire SPA treatment.
I left the SPA and went to the front desk. Asked about tours being offered, they told me they could offer me a complimentary guide and to the Hari ki Pauri ( will explain this one later )
I said sure, give me 20 minutes. Went back to my room, got my camera and camcorder, drank some water and left for the lobby. I was energized and ready to tour.
I arrived early and was told to sit in one of the couches and wait for the guide.
He arrives, his name is Mahivesh. I found out the next day, he works in housekeeping at the hotel. He just likes to take travelers around.
He starts walking and we pass the hotels’ rickshaw, I then say. “ Are we walking to this place ” he says yes. Ok, how pathetic is this. How spoiled have I gotten that I do not want walk, I got over that quick.
I had to really keep up with him, but I could tell he made sure I was still behind him.
Let me tell you, if I did not have this guide I would still be lost somewhere in Haridwar. The place is maze of alleys that all look the same, stores, food vendors, stores, stores.The streets were very small to accommodate the amount of people that were walking, but still, motorcycles and bikes found a way to get through those crowded streets.
We must’ve passed a sewer system cause at one point I almost vomited from the smell that hit me. Stupid me I forgot to take out my little towel to cover my mouth and nose.
We get to our location, was a cable car ride to the top of a mountain to look at a temple or shrine for Manasa Devi. I thought cool going to see a temple can’t wait to take the pictures…..YEAH right.
I had to buy 2 tickets one for me and the guide, that was ok. Then the wait started. 45 minutes at the base to take a 5 minute cable car to the top. Hot - Humid, HOT HUMID. Yeah there were fans, BLOWING HOT AIR.
While in queue we pass a small stand and I ask Mahivesh if he wanted some water, he said yes. I bought him a bottle and I got one.
We arrive to the top of the mountain and the queue to get a cable car back was at least 1 hour long. I looked at that and said are you kidding? He looked at me and said no. Ok whatever, this better be worth it. We arrive to the main area and surprise, I have to take my shoes off again. I look at the floor and I knew my socks were being trash when I got back to the hotel.
We followed the worshipers into a long hallway, there were some small openings on the walls and inside you could see “priests” surrounded in candles and incense.
The place was packed, we reached the first God and the priest anoints my forehead with the orange powder, then motions for me to make a donation.
Now, I did not see him do this to anyone else. Sure pick on the foreigner……
I gave him 20.00INR
We kept walking and you could smell the air was thick with incense, candle wax and something else I could not describe. I told Mahavish to please tell me if I had to do any specifically, I did not want to offend anyone. There were statues of Gods of all shapes and sizes. There were people giving these bundles that had puffed rice, and whole coconuts, and something else inside not sure what is was. They were wrapped on a different color cloth with gold fringes. These were offerings you could purchase everywhere.
The entire walk around took less than 10 minutes, all I kept thinking was of the long wait to get down.
He gets our shoes back. There was not a place to sit for me to put my shoes back on, oh yeah I forgot there was the floor. YUK
I bit the bullet and sat on the floor, put my shoes on as fast as I could.
We go back up to stand in queue and it took 50 minutes to get into a cable car. Have you ever been standing in a place where is so hot, you can feel sweat running down your legs and your back. OH OH
I just remembered something, I had long pants on, I was told shorts are not allowed in temples. YAH!!!!!
We finally get down to the main area, and there more people than before. It was getting late and everyone was heading towards the evening ceremony. There were several thousand people doing pilgrimages this place wall to wall people. Not sure where he was taking me, but when we arrived is was a fantastic spot. He knows a priest that has a platform in front of the where everything happens. That was a cool seat.
This is what happens, you buy a container made of large of green leaves and its filled with flower petals and toped with candles and incense. Once the whole thing is put together it will float down the river where it go with the rest of the others. The more people arrived the more excited I got. They started collecting offerings, I took out 20.00INR but they did not get close enough to me to give them the money.
I took out my camcorder and started to film, all of a sudden I feel a jab on my back. I turn around and there is the old lady smiling at me. She starts pointing places where I should be on the lookout, she also tries to give me some insight on the history. However I understood very little, I just looked smiled and shook my head. I went ahead and purchased one of those containers with the petals and kept it next to me.
720p it starts. The old lady jabs me again and says to look somewhere, ok ok. Over the speakers you could hear chanting and singing. Every hair in body stood on end, everyone is singing, chanting, clapping to the beat of the music, you could tell there is going to be a major climax at the end. You see the priests in each of the temples blessing the Gods with torches. The movements they had were to the beat of the song and chanting. I was in total awe. I’ve never seen such a display of devotion in my life. The more the music played more priests appeared with torches blessing the sky and the river all in unison. The singing, music and the entire ceremony took my breath away. I could hear bells from other temples in town. I then start to see the leaf boats going down the Ganges with the candles and incense lit. It actually brought tears to my eyes. I was so moved to see these gifts floating. Some of these people have barely any money but they still find some to give to their god.
Once the ceremony was over everyone started clearing from the area. The priest that allowed me to sit in his platform handed me the offering and then he started praying to me in Hindi. He then asked me to repeat with him, I did the best I could. I repeated everything he told me in Hindi. I have no idea what I said. I am taken to the edge of the river, where I went careful not to fall in with all the people that were still around.
Carefully he holds my hand and together we sent the boat on the river, as the current takes it away he says more prayers. ( I can tell they’re prayers due to the motions he’s making)
He scoops some water and sprinkles it on me as a blessing. ( he said blessing ). I was blown away. He takes me back by the hand again to his spot and he anoints my forehead with orange and red powder. He holds his hands in prayer bows before me and says Namaste. I look at him and do the same thing. I really do not know what just happened, but I was totally speechless.
I gave him an offering of 100.00INR just because.
My guide and I head back to the hotel, I was making sure I made mental notes of all these alleys as I was on my own the next day.
We arrived at the hotel I thanked him and gave him 250.00INR as gratuity. He basically did this in his spare time.
I walk in the restaurant and food was a set price for a buffet. Started looking at the food, called a waiter over and asked him to tell me what everything was. Well, I understood very little. I had some cauliflower covered in curry, rice and beans. I only really did eat the rice and gravy from the beans.
There a lady sitting on a table across from me, she was a Westerner, I did know if she spoke English. I did hear say some things in Hindi, but that did not help
One waiter brought me a dish of something they were cooking outside on the griddle. It looked like
Crab cakes, I should be so lucky.
I asked the lady if she spoke English, she said yes. I asked her if she knew what these were, they were patties made of potato and spices. I tried one little piece and, OH MY GOD.
Nope, did not like it at all.
The lady and I started chatting and she asked me where I was from, I said originally from Puerto Rico but now live in Arizona. She looked at me strangely then said, I was born in Puerto Rico also. Her parents left and went to the US when she was 6.
This blew my mind, what are the odds of this happening. I have no idea, but is a long shot. To top it all off her name is Louise.
Louis , Louise - that’s pretty weird,
Am I the only one that sees this as weird????
She was not staying at the hotel she likes the food here and comes here to eat. She’s actually staying at some other place.
She got up said good bye and left, I ordered another soda got my bill and went to my room. It was 9p already and I was exhausted.
Tv still not working, great.
Went to bed by 930p did not wake up until I heard the bells from the priest in the courtyard. My bathroom window faced it. I could hear him chanting and ringing his bell.
The ringing bell was getting closer and closer, then there was knock on my door. I got up unbolted the door, opened it and there he was the priest. He motioned for me to follow him, I put my sandals on and I followed him.
We went to the private bathing ghat the hotel has for guest. There he continued with his prayers, I looked around and there was no one else just the 2 of us. What a way to start a day, a private ceremony. He finished the prayers the same way the other priest did last night. Scoop of water, sprinkled on me then anointed with orange powder on my forehead.
I went back to my room and laid down, but I was getting hunger pangs. Then I thought breakfast, nice cool refreshing juice, coffee, toast, eggs, and pastries.
I cleaned up and went to the dinning room, buffet again. I take a look at everything, then I go back and take another look.
I have no idea what some of this stuff is, the only thing I recognized were the French fries. No eggs, no pastries and come to find out no juice either, really I am not kidding.
My breakfast consisted of French fries, toast coffee and pepsi. Now how sad is that. I know it was my choice not to eat what they had, so don’t feel sorry for me. But come on, no juice….PLEASE……
I finished my food, went back to my room and laid down again. It was only 745a, I took a nap then I was woken up by the another knock on my door. It was housekeeping, come back in 2 hours I say.
Turned on the TV, still not working. ARGGHHHHH
Could not sleep, got up changed again and decided to explore the city on my own. I wanted to get to a bridge that was on near the hotel, but I had no idea how to get there via the mazes.
I talked to the front desk clerk, they offered me another guide I declined. I knew what I wanted to do and go. They gave me directions on how to get to the bridge.
I walk out the confines of the hotel, and of course I am stared at again. I’m looking at all the shops trying to see what they have. I have some idea of where I was going, I just did not want to end down a one way alley.
Well, I did. One way alley, I very casually pretended I was counting the buildings not the let anybody know I was lost. I did eventually find my way to the bridge.
The bridge covered in one side by beggars living under tarps. There were card readers, sitting on the floor doing readings. Funny thing was, they have parrots to pick the cards then they read the fortune from books.
I walked for about 10 minutes, then found a spot to sit and just look at the river. Being stared still, lots of people passing me by. A man came up to me asking me if I wanted a shave, HMMM that is a no. Again having a total stranger hold a blade to my throat is not something I am keen on.
He got the point after a few minutes.
A homeless man sat close to me and stared, he just looked at me. I looked at him back and said namaste. He just stared, Ok, fun is over for me. I pretend I got a call and start talking on the cell phone.
I get up and walked away. Very casually I turn around and notice he is not behind me, good it worked.
Now I am headed where I was the night before, the whole place looks like a beach resort. People bathing with clothes on, underwear or swimsuits.
I was about to cross a bridge and when 2 of the security guards I saw last night stopped me. From what I could understand I have to give a donation to the god. I pull out a 20.00INR, but NO, they ask for 100.00INR. OK, no problem. I pay and get my receipt.
I am on the bridge and this guy dressed in orange with orange paint on his face approaches me. He does the blessing thing, then he asked for 100.00INR. I said well how about 20.00INR, he got angry at me. 100.00INR only.
Right, 100.00INR it is, I hand it over then he says no 500.00INR. I looked at him and said yeah right, do you want the 100.00INR or not. He took it.
I’m thinking this is going to be an expensive day if I have to keep giving money like that. I get to the other end of the bridge and I see 4 other guys in the same orange outfits walking towards me.
Oh no, you’re not coming near me, I thought.
I can see the same guy running to catch up with his friends, he approaches and starts the whole routine again. I look at him and say, “ are you kidding me? You just did this over there” and I pointed to the other side of the bridge. He says, “no, no not me, it was one of them” Then it hits me, they think I can’t tell them apart. What a joke………..
He blocked my path, and sternly I tell him “ get away from me” He did not move, so I went around him. No one followed me, Thank God.
By now I need a drink, but this is a totally DRY town. No alcohol at all in Haridwar
I find a spot to people watch, in order for me to move to the other side I would have to take my shoes off, I was not doing that. The other way I would have to face those clowns again, so, I start to think. What am I to do???
I walk a bit then I see, there is another way to get to where I want to be without having to take my shoes off and facing the clowns.
I find my way to another bridge, I stay there for a while people watching.
Ok, I’m getting tired and really warm. I start to head back to the hotel 2 more guards stop me and ask me to make an donation, again. I tell them, sorry I already gave over there. The ask me to see the receipt I show them, well that was for a one temples, they were collecting for another temple. Ok, so ask him how much. He tells me, as you wish. I took out 20.00INR he says no, he wants 100.00INR
I went all Puerto Rican on him. “ Why would you say as you wish, when you really wanted something else. That is dishonest” I was making a scene, oh well.
He stood there looking at me. I took out 100.00INR bill and gave it to him.
I swear, the moment I took the money out beggars came out of nowhere, kids and adults. I get my receipt from the guard and start walking away, some of the beggars start following me. Now I can tell you the most frightening thing EVER happened. A beggar approached me and said please help, look my hands, leper. He showed me his hands.
I froze for a second and looked at him, he got closer and moved faster. On the way to the hotel, I could still hear him in my head, look my hands, leper. look my hands, leper.
It was like an echo. I still get the chills when I think about it. All this time I did not realize some of the kids and adults we still following me begging for money.
I reached the alley for the hotel, I look around the beggars were gone. I buy a large bottle water and get into the hotel.
I get in my room and I literally collapse on my bed, I run to the bathroom and wash my hand,arms and face. Plus I take 1 antibiotic. Can you blame me?
I go and turn the TV, still not working. I GIVE UP.
I lay down and take a 2 hour nap, it was 145p. I wake up at 3p with more hunger pangs. I knew lunch was still being served, so I go an eat.
The food was actually really good, don’t remember what it was but I ate plates. Went back to my room, got my MP3 player and sat on the shaded are of the courtyard. I could still see the river. There kids tubing and playing in the fast rapids of the ganga. Women doing the laundry, and or bathing with clothes on.
I sat out there for about 2 hours, just looking at the river. I still in total awe. I realized I had not done any shopping here yet. Went back to my room took my cash and passport and off shopping I went. It felt good walking around these mazes just like a local. I browsed, there was no one calling for me to enter their shops. I liked that.
I walked around for 3 hours, I did get lost but I did not panic. I eventually found my way back, plus I had the idiot card the hotel gave me. In case anyone got lost, the card said I am staying at the Haveli Hari Ganga.
I did not need to use it.
I went back to my hotel, dropped my purchased in the room and went to get something to eat. As I entered the dining room Louise was also arriving.
I say to her Namaste Louise, she turned around and says Namaste Louis. She get her food and sits down to eat. I get my food and she invites me to eat with her. I wish I could’ve spent more time with her. She was very interesting. She was translating old Sanskrit text to English with the help of local man in Haridwar. We finished eating and said out good byes.
I went back outside and took some cool pics of the river and the bridge near the hotel. Went to my room, turned on the TV, still not working. I decide to call the front desk. They tell there is satellite problems, yeah right. The how can I hear the world cup playing someplace in the hotel. HUH????
No problem, I was tired and went to sleep.
Just like now, is 153A I am a bit tired and will finish before I leave for the airport.
Only have a bit left to write but I am tired.