This is it, The Finale
Now, where was I???????
Sunday morning, I woke with the ceremony bells from the priest again. I did get up early as I had arranged for a car and driver to take into Rishikesh.
Went to the restaurant and had breakfast. This time they had no French fries, there some large fried looking dumplings, I’ve heard they were good. So I took one.
Of course toast, coffee and today had juice. I ordered watermelon juice, it was chilled, fresh and absolutely delicious.
I cut into the large fried looking dumpling and I see it has some filling, I take some out try it, and again
OMG the flavor of cumin and curry is not so good in the morning. I had to wash it down with my watermelon juice and I could still taste the spices.
Finished breakfast and check with the front desk clerk about my car and driver, I was told the time to meet him. I asked if it was far, they told me yes but they would have rickshaw take me. Oh Great……
The same guy that picked me up from the train station took me to the driver, they charged me 1400.00INR for 5 hours. I tried to negotiate a better deal however there is only one way into Rishikesh due to the distance. I took it.
As we enter into the parking area, a woman holding a baby starts to follow the rickshaw. We stop and she comes next to me and starts the begging and making the food motion. I tried to ignore her, GOD I tried but all the drivers were just looking at me, I felt like I was being judged by them. She kept at it, over and over again. Finally she broke me, I took some coins from my pocket and gave them to her. She smiled and started the whole thing over again. That’s when the driver who watching all this approached and told her to leave. As she did she kept saying Namaste.
The drive over was LONG, traffic was insane. Worst than Delhi, my driver looked like he playing a game of leader of the pack. He could not stand to be behind any other cars. One thing I learned and I think I mentioned this, every time the car honked their horn I closed my eyes. Why????
Well that mean he was passing someone and I did not want to see if there was an impact, I wanted to be surprised. J
There were tons of pilgrims walking into Haridwar. Remember I mentioned the color orange, well that is Holy color, I kinda like it and bought some fabrics on the specific color.
One and half hours later we arrived in Rishikesh, well not really. I was dropped off as close as any car can go then I had to walk. Aoy……more walking on this heat……
I followed the crowd and got to the bridge which takes you into town, there were monkeys on the bridge. I carefully took some pictures of them, I had to be careful. I’ve heard stories of monkeys throwing poo at people, yeah like I needed that with the heat. Have I mentioned it was HOT AND HUMID……
The town was packed, there was huge temple and of course I had to take my shoes off again, MMMM
I really don’t think so, besides picture taking inside was not allowed. I passed on this temple. I walked around and looked at some shops, did buy some things.
I actually think I may have gotten a new merchant for Amex. I was talking to one of the clerks and they asked me where I was coming from and who I worked with, well come to find out they want to take the card but have no idea how to go about it. I took their business card and sent an email to Merchant acquisition India.
Walked around some more, the heat was really getting to me. I found a book store and bought some books on meditation, reiki and mantras. I just really wanted to get out of the heat, but the books looked interesting.
I get back to the parking lot and find my driver. I truly believe that if it wasn’t as hot and I was staying there I would’ve enjoyed my self more. I want to hike around but there was no way.
We head back into Haridwar and before we get there, he asks me. Lunch?
No thank you, I said. I had a big breakfast. Well, you know that’s not really true. However these were the reasons, I really felt if I got out of the car I would pass out of heat exhaustion, I would have to buy him lunch also, and the only places around were side roads food stalls. No Thank you.
I think he was pissed, oh well. He was getting a nice tip from me, he could eat then.
He took a different way to Haridwar, l thought it was to beat the traffic. That was not the reason, he did so that I could go to another temple. This place was HUGE and there was queue to get in, plus again I had to take my shoes off. I said to him Thank you, but just take me back to my hotel. No more for today. He said no problem.
OMG, half way to the hotel the AC in the car stops working. I was dying, traffic was at a stand still, there was not breeze, no AC and the sun was hitting my back. Again I wore long pants in case I decided to go into a temple. I will never learn……
By the time we made it back to the parking area in Haridwar I looked like someone took a bucket of water and soaked me with it. I said thank you, gave him a tip and got out of the car.
The hotel really was not far, about 5 minutes walk.
I arrive at the hotel and asked the front desk clerk if I could keep my room until 5p, she told me that I could get another room until 5p for half the rate, I took it. I needed to lay down, I still had 5 hours to wait for my departure train. I mean if there was a pool that might’ve been different.
I got the key to room, went inside turned on all the fans to hi and collapsed on the bed. I just lay there for 30 minutes. I got up and went to eat lunch. To my surprise, it was the same food I had the night before, Oh well. Ate just a little bit, drank 3 limca’s. Lime flavored soda, product of coke.
I go back to the room and collapsed again, this time however I set my mobile alarm clock to 445p. I only needed 15 minutes to get ready.
450p - I check out of the hotel, they call me another cycle rickshaw. This one was sad, he was elderly and I felt so bad for him. He took a different way to the train station. At one point he had to get out and push the rickshaw up a very small incline, he could not pedal it. It broke my heart. If you’re wondering why I did not help, well I did not want to offend him. He was doing his job. It is hard to see, but what can you do.
We get to the rail station, I give him 50.00INR as tip and I go on my way.
Now the fun starts, no place to walk, literally masses of pilgrims wearing orange color clothing. I get inside and look for the departures board to find my train. There is no info on my train, I wait to see if maybe there is change but no, the information starts repeating.
Interesting, I start walking and on the platform looking for signs, there is nothing. That’s ok, I know I will find information, I just have to….
I walk into different areas and still no information. I go back to the main entrance to see if the was a change, there was not. The ticketing area was right there also and there about 100 people trying to get tickets or reservations or just information.
Then all of a sudden the crowds starts to get angry, you could hear them. Something was going on, I really wanted to get my camcorder out, but I did not think it would be safe. It was an ugly scene so I got out of there fast.
Still walking trying to find information and nothing. There was sign next to a door marked enquiry, I walked in and I was pointed very rudely to get out.
I noticed what I did wrong, I should’ve gone to the other side and use the window. Well I would If I could get close, there was another sea of people there.
None of the screens showed the train information, I was getting nervous again. What I did was follow 2 westerners thinking they were going to Delhi, I was wrong. They took another train, not the Shatadbi Express.
Then it dawned on me, ask someone. DUH
But who…….
I turned around and asked this couple standing behind me. They tell me I was in the correct platform, what a relief that was.
Now I have to find my manifest with my name on it, I hope. I start looking around again, this was easy to find. I did have a confirmed aisle seat.
I took some pictures of the station, will show them later.
The train arrives, I board and collapsed on he seat. We depart, I take my MP3 player out and tune everything outside OUT.
2 hours into the train ride my mobile rings, it was Ramesh.
I thought he was calling to make sure I was still coming on the correct train, but NOOOOOO. He actually called to tell, HE could NOT pick me up. Actually NO ONE from his company would pick me up. I thought he was kidding. I had him repeat this 3 times. He tells, you can get any cab from the rail station. YEAH RIGHT. He the says sorry sir, and hangs up.
WTF, WTF.
What am I to do know? Who do I call?
I thought, call the hotel and have transportation department pick me up. Ok, good idea Louis. I empty my back pack and do not have the number for them or even the hotel. To top all off, I have not mobile service we must be on a dead zone.
I will not panic, Oh I know, check the call history on the mobile. I know I’ve called them before. I have over 50 numbers in my call log, but when did I call them last. It was in Jaipur, now if I could only remember the date. I remembered May 27, I keep checking for signal and Voila, I have. I quickly redial and it worked, reached the hotel and arranged the pick up.
Now I can relax a bit…. GOD I NEED A DRINK!!!!!!!!!!
No booze on the train either.
Arrive in Delhi and I follow everybody out, 4 cab drivers come over to me. I say no thanks I am waiting for my driver. I get to the street and cannot find the Wimpy restaurant where I was supposed to meet the driver. Am I in the wrong station, Oh Dear God, what now????
I asked where the restaurant was and I’m told, its on the other side. There are 2 sides to this station??????? NO ONE FREAKING TOLD ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I schlep my stuff up the stairs across the bridge pass 4 platforms, down the stairs and I can see it. Wimpy.
I was too tired to even show any emotion, of finally ending this trek. Found the driver, got to the hotel. I was famished. Ordered a chicken burger, thinking it was a chicken breast. It was chopped chicken made into a patty with cumin and some curry. Whatever, I ate it.
The week went by fast, my team here in East gave me and an inter they had a good bye luncheon, Pizza Hut. They gave me a beautiful gift, asked me to give a little speech. Then they said, now sing. I looked at them and said AHH, NO.
Sorry, I just do not sing at all.
Friday came and here I am, its 430p, storming outside. Bought some more things in the hotel. I leave for the airport in 3 hours. Today I worked from 8a - 1p
Now -
Some final thoughts about this incredible adventure…..
What an amazing journey this has been for me, and I hope you have enjoyed it as well. If there is one thing I will take from this entire experience is appreciate everything I have
even more. There are others in this world that have so much less.
India has opened my eyes into a culture that is rich in history and tradition.
Don't think of India as a bad place to travel, there is so much you can learn if you're open to it. If you're afraid of getting sick, don't worry, you probably will. But you can also get sick in Mexico, New York, London. You need to be prepared for everything, cover every base. Do not let
little things like getting ill stop you from experiencing an opportunity like this. If you are prepared like I was, and have taken precautions you will be OK.
I’ve taken India into my heart. Would I do this again? Thinking back at everything I’ve done and experienced I say yes, without a doubt I would do it again.
Thank you for following me for the past 6 weeks and feel free to share this journey with other.
Namaste
PS - Tony, Joey, Scottie - I’m coming home……..
New Delhi Louie
Sunday morning, I woke with the ceremony bells from the priest again. I did get up early as I had arranged for a car and driver to take into Rishikesh.
Went to the restaurant and had breakfast. This time they had no French fries, there some large fried looking dumplings, I’ve heard they were good. So I took one.
Of course toast, coffee and today had juice. I ordered watermelon juice, it was chilled, fresh and absolutely delicious.
I cut into the large fried looking dumpling and I see it has some filling, I take some out try it, and again
OMG the flavor of cumin and curry is not so good in the morning. I had to wash it down with my watermelon juice and I could still taste the spices.
Finished breakfast and check with the front desk clerk about my car and driver, I was told the time to meet him. I asked if it was far, they told me yes but they would have rickshaw take me. Oh Great……
The same guy that picked me up from the train station took me to the driver, they charged me 1400.00INR for 5 hours. I tried to negotiate a better deal however there is only one way into Rishikesh due to the distance. I took it.
As we enter into the parking area, a woman holding a baby starts to follow the rickshaw. We stop and she comes next to me and starts the begging and making the food motion. I tried to ignore her, GOD I tried but all the drivers were just looking at me, I felt like I was being judged by them. She kept at it, over and over again. Finally she broke me, I took some coins from my pocket and gave them to her. She smiled and started the whole thing over again. That’s when the driver who watching all this approached and told her to leave. As she did she kept saying Namaste.
The drive over was LONG, traffic was insane. Worst than Delhi, my driver looked like he playing a game of leader of the pack. He could not stand to be behind any other cars. One thing I learned and I think I mentioned this, every time the car honked their horn I closed my eyes. Why????
Well that mean he was passing someone and I did not want to see if there was an impact, I wanted to be surprised. J
There were tons of pilgrims walking into Haridwar. Remember I mentioned the color orange, well that is Holy color, I kinda like it and bought some fabrics on the specific color.
One and half hours later we arrived in Rishikesh, well not really. I was dropped off as close as any car can go then I had to walk. Aoy……more walking on this heat……
I followed the crowd and got to the bridge which takes you into town, there were monkeys on the bridge. I carefully took some pictures of them, I had to be careful. I’ve heard stories of monkeys throwing poo at people, yeah like I needed that with the heat. Have I mentioned it was HOT AND HUMID……
The town was packed, there was huge temple and of course I had to take my shoes off again, MMMM
I really don’t think so, besides picture taking inside was not allowed. I passed on this temple. I walked around and looked at some shops, did buy some things.
I actually think I may have gotten a new merchant for Amex. I was talking to one of the clerks and they asked me where I was coming from and who I worked with, well come to find out they want to take the card but have no idea how to go about it. I took their business card and sent an email to Merchant acquisition India.
Walked around some more, the heat was really getting to me. I found a book store and bought some books on meditation, reiki and mantras. I just really wanted to get out of the heat, but the books looked interesting.
I get back to the parking lot and find my driver. I truly believe that if it wasn’t as hot and I was staying there I would’ve enjoyed my self more. I want to hike around but there was no way.
We head back into Haridwar and before we get there, he asks me. Lunch?
No thank you, I said. I had a big breakfast. Well, you know that’s not really true. However these were the reasons, I really felt if I got out of the car I would pass out of heat exhaustion, I would have to buy him lunch also, and the only places around were side roads food stalls. No Thank you.
I think he was pissed, oh well. He was getting a nice tip from me, he could eat then.
He took a different way to Haridwar, l thought it was to beat the traffic. That was not the reason, he did so that I could go to another temple. This place was HUGE and there was queue to get in, plus again I had to take my shoes off. I said to him Thank you, but just take me back to my hotel. No more for today. He said no problem.
OMG, half way to the hotel the AC in the car stops working. I was dying, traffic was at a stand still, there was not breeze, no AC and the sun was hitting my back. Again I wore long pants in case I decided to go into a temple. I will never learn……
By the time we made it back to the parking area in Haridwar I looked like someone took a bucket of water and soaked me with it. I said thank you, gave him a tip and got out of the car.
The hotel really was not far, about 5 minutes walk.
I arrive at the hotel and asked the front desk clerk if I could keep my room until 5p, she told me that I could get another room until 5p for half the rate, I took it. I needed to lay down, I still had 5 hours to wait for my departure train. I mean if there was a pool that might’ve been different.
I got the key to room, went inside turned on all the fans to hi and collapsed on the bed. I just lay there for 30 minutes. I got up and went to eat lunch. To my surprise, it was the same food I had the night before, Oh well. Ate just a little bit, drank 3 limca’s. Lime flavored soda, product of coke.
I go back to the room and collapsed again, this time however I set my mobile alarm clock to 445p. I only needed 15 minutes to get ready.
450p - I check out of the hotel, they call me another cycle rickshaw. This one was sad, he was elderly and I felt so bad for him. He took a different way to the train station. At one point he had to get out and push the rickshaw up a very small incline, he could not pedal it. It broke my heart. If you’re wondering why I did not help, well I did not want to offend him. He was doing his job. It is hard to see, but what can you do.
We get to the rail station, I give him 50.00INR as tip and I go on my way.
Now the fun starts, no place to walk, literally masses of pilgrims wearing orange color clothing. I get inside and look for the departures board to find my train. There is no info on my train, I wait to see if maybe there is change but no, the information starts repeating.
Interesting, I start walking and on the platform looking for signs, there is nothing. That’s ok, I know I will find information, I just have to….
I walk into different areas and still no information. I go back to the main entrance to see if the was a change, there was not. The ticketing area was right there also and there about 100 people trying to get tickets or reservations or just information.
Then all of a sudden the crowds starts to get angry, you could hear them. Something was going on, I really wanted to get my camcorder out, but I did not think it would be safe. It was an ugly scene so I got out of there fast.
Still walking trying to find information and nothing. There was sign next to a door marked enquiry, I walked in and I was pointed very rudely to get out.
I noticed what I did wrong, I should’ve gone to the other side and use the window. Well I would If I could get close, there was another sea of people there.
None of the screens showed the train information, I was getting nervous again. What I did was follow 2 westerners thinking they were going to Delhi, I was wrong. They took another train, not the Shatadbi Express.
Then it dawned on me, ask someone. DUH
But who…….
I turned around and asked this couple standing behind me. They tell me I was in the correct platform, what a relief that was.
Now I have to find my manifest with my name on it, I hope. I start looking around again, this was easy to find. I did have a confirmed aisle seat.
I took some pictures of the station, will show them later.
The train arrives, I board and collapsed on he seat. We depart, I take my MP3 player out and tune everything outside OUT.
2 hours into the train ride my mobile rings, it was Ramesh.
I thought he was calling to make sure I was still coming on the correct train, but NOOOOOO. He actually called to tell, HE could NOT pick me up. Actually NO ONE from his company would pick me up. I thought he was kidding. I had him repeat this 3 times. He tells, you can get any cab from the rail station. YEAH RIGHT. He the says sorry sir, and hangs up.
WTF, WTF.
What am I to do know? Who do I call?
I thought, call the hotel and have transportation department pick me up. Ok, good idea Louis. I empty my back pack and do not have the number for them or even the hotel. To top all off, I have not mobile service we must be on a dead zone.
I will not panic, Oh I know, check the call history on the mobile. I know I’ve called them before. I have over 50 numbers in my call log, but when did I call them last. It was in Jaipur, now if I could only remember the date. I remembered May 27, I keep checking for signal and Voila, I have. I quickly redial and it worked, reached the hotel and arranged the pick up.
Now I can relax a bit…. GOD I NEED A DRINK!!!!!!!!!!
No booze on the train either.
Arrive in Delhi and I follow everybody out, 4 cab drivers come over to me. I say no thanks I am waiting for my driver. I get to the street and cannot find the Wimpy restaurant where I was supposed to meet the driver. Am I in the wrong station, Oh Dear God, what now????
I asked where the restaurant was and I’m told, its on the other side. There are 2 sides to this station??????? NO ONE FREAKING TOLD ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I schlep my stuff up the stairs across the bridge pass 4 platforms, down the stairs and I can see it. Wimpy.
I was too tired to even show any emotion, of finally ending this trek. Found the driver, got to the hotel. I was famished. Ordered a chicken burger, thinking it was a chicken breast. It was chopped chicken made into a patty with cumin and some curry. Whatever, I ate it.
The week went by fast, my team here in East gave me and an inter they had a good bye luncheon, Pizza Hut. They gave me a beautiful gift, asked me to give a little speech. Then they said, now sing. I looked at them and said AHH, NO.
Sorry, I just do not sing at all.
Friday came and here I am, its 430p, storming outside. Bought some more things in the hotel. I leave for the airport in 3 hours. Today I worked from 8a - 1p
Now -
Some final thoughts about this incredible adventure…..
What an amazing journey this has been for me, and I hope you have enjoyed it as well. If there is one thing I will take from this entire experience is appreciate everything I have
even more. There are others in this world that have so much less.
India has opened my eyes into a culture that is rich in history and tradition.
Don't think of India as a bad place to travel, there is so much you can learn if you're open to it. If you're afraid of getting sick, don't worry, you probably will. But you can also get sick in Mexico, New York, London. You need to be prepared for everything, cover every base. Do not let
little things like getting ill stop you from experiencing an opportunity like this. If you are prepared like I was, and have taken precautions you will be OK.
I’ve taken India into my heart. Would I do this again? Thinking back at everything I’ve done and experienced I say yes, without a doubt I would do it again.
Thank you for following me for the past 6 weeks and feel free to share this journey with other.
Namaste
PS - Tony, Joey, Scottie - I’m coming home……..
New Delhi Louie