Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Facebook YouTube
Facebook YouTube
Martin Malik
Bunker

My name is Martin and this is my story. I travel because it is fun and a great way to continue self-education which enriches the worldview and opens my eyes to unnoticeable things, both in the distant countries and the closest ones. Let's get to know other cultures but let's also respect and defend our own.

Read more ABOUT THE AUTHOR

YouTube channel

I recommend my adventurous YouTube channel

Make a donation

If you like Kompas and you’d like to support this project, make a donation by clicking the button below.

The Politics of Truth

Search
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Trips to Asia

Spy – book

Space for advert

A few words from the author

Whilst travelling from the Christian remains of Constantinople and the ancient sands of Persia, through the Himalayas, the Great Wall of China and the dense jungles of Borneo, I realized that the world must have its order. Therefore despite my beautiful adventures and experiences I always remembered which culture I myself belonged to, and I also appreciated the beauty and values of our beautiful - White Christian civilization.

Currency Converter

CurrencyRate

Weather forecast

Travel reports

Expedition to India 2006/2007

By: Martin Malik
All travel reports are translated electronically although minor improvements are sometimes made.

Expedition to India 2006/2007

 

My trip: Sounali-Varanasi-Sarnath-Satna-Khajuraho-Orchha-Jhansi-Indore-Mandu-Udapuir-Jodhpur-Jaisalmer-Safari on Camels in the Thar-Ajmer-Pushkar-Agra Desert (Taj Mahal) -Delhi- How to not to get screwed on arrival in Delhi ) -Pathankot-McLeod Ganj-Dharamsala (the seat of the Dalai Lama) -Amritsar (Gold Temple) -Attari-Calcutta (House of the Dying Mother Teresa) -Siliguri-Darjeeling-Jaigon-Bhubaneswar- Pipli-Konark (Temple Sunshine Coast) -Puri-Hyderabad-Hospet-Hampi-Bangalore-Chennai (Madras) -Madurai-Kanyakumari (Cape Komorin) -Trivandrum -Varkala-Kollam- Kerala-Allapuzha Lagoon- Alleppey- Kochi- Palombo-Margao-Panaji (Panjim) – Anjuna-Old Goa-Bombay (Mumbai) – Sanjay Gandhi National Park.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

With small Indian businessman who couldn’t afford to buy shoes.

Uttar Pradesh

Sounali

I entered India in Sounali in the north of the country, arriving from Nepal. My first impression of India is: “the land of enormous filth”. The immigration office was made up of several old, merry Indians who, while drinking tea at the table on the street, gave me a stamp to my passport and started to laugh. It was one of those border crossings without supervision where there was nothing to worry about, it was dirty, no organization and the sacred cows were all around. After checking in, I went to the bus station (there was no talk) going towards Varanasi – my first stop. While waiting for the bus everyone was very helpful and nice and one salesman even put a book on me. Children immediately rushed over to me (like hungry wolves on an early deer) offering me cookies, drinks, ice cream, tea and everything I would have wanted. I asked one boy if he was going to school but he said no because he was a businessman. Too bad it was so poor that he could not even afford shoes.

Finally the bus went off and as I could guess was in a terrible condition and the ride itself was a nightmare.You could not sleep in that 10 hour night drive because the road was so uneven. The bus jumped high up with everyone inside. Several times we also stopped for a small snack and tea time though we preferred to eat carefully so as not to get poisoned.

Sounali was my first contact with India but gave me a good picture of the tragic reality of this country. Still, it was very nice and I had fun even after Monica saw that traveling with her in India would not be easy.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

Varanasi and the “sacred” Ganges river

After ten hours we reached Varanasi on the fourth morning. Now I had to organize somehow at this first glimpse of an abandoned city. Before I could collect my thoughts, a rickshaw driver approached us and drove to my hostel. Unfortunately, he was full so I left exhausted Monica in a safe place and I and the racer went to find something. For someone who has never been in countries like this it would be a great psychic blow. We walked the small, very dark alleys, avoiding the buffaloes lying on the ground and the holy cows that were everywhere. We also drowned dead rats (live too) and big buffalo buffaloes. Monika felt terrible and was very afraid. It seemed that she was serious about going back home. She stepped on a dead rat and screamed wildly, and the sacred cows, the rats, myself, and of course the scarecrow were very frightened by Monica’s grimace. The trainer turned to her and opened her mouth full of black teeth, spit tobacco on the ground and said to Monica very politely: “Madame, what are you, such a little mouse you are afraid?” Monika, however, had enough and she squealed again. Finally we found a very nice (for India) hostel and I went back to Monica and took her to a safe place so she could spend the night somewhere. I took the luggage, the trainer warned Monica of shit and scolded the rats and I with the next big luggage overcrowded sacred cows and buffalos. There was no need to divert but frightened to the bone bone Monika wanted her so we were kind enough. I thought my dear little girl could not appreciate the beautiful tours she organized for her, but what …

It is worth mentioning that the room we got on the fourth floor and had to help Monica enter in to then throw it on the bed. The funny thing was that we had huge suitcases that we did not want to bring in, so I asked for a ground floor room. Then the big and fat receptionist whistled and in 10 seconds a small, skinny Indian with a small mustache appeared – about 150 cm tall and weighing at least 50 kg. He put our heavy suitcases on his head and hurried to the fourth floor and I followed Monica.

Indian faces is one of the more interesting experiences in India.

Indian faces is one of the more interesting experiences in India.

Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world and has been the center of education and learning for more than 2,000 years. According to Hinduism, it is the city of the Shiva god and is also one of the holiest cities in India. Varanasi is famous for the purpose of the pilgrimage where the faithful wash their sins in the sacred river Ganges. Here the bodies are also burnt on the banks of the river. You can observe how people bathe in their sacred river, which purports to purify them. Varanasi, however, just as the Ganges are very dirty.There are plenty of people, pollution, ubiquitous sacred cows and buffaloes, and unmatched architecture and human beliefs that make me feel like I’ve been moved in time for hundreds of years. This is a great land of dirt where you have to overcrowd cows and you can stumble over their faces. You also have to avoid the cows that lie in the middle of the street. Varanasi is also a place where corpses are roasted over a sacred river. This makes the place look like the real city of death because the corpses are worn by the city at the barks carrying. This ritual takes place day and night and people from all over the world come to see it. You can watch the show right from the shore or from the balcony, which is a great show. People continue to bear wood for fuel and of course the new corpses because the legend says that whoever is burnt in Varanasi will go straight to heaven.

The people here are very nice but extreme poverty makes them always very willing to help and always want even the slightest payment. When I went out into the street, they all wanted to sell something to me, or shook my hand to press something on my other hand. If I wanted water, then water flowed from all directions. I was so pity for these people because many could not afford shoes and lived on the street. For taking a picture (to which everyone pushed) also wanted at least a few rupees. But what was so different from the city was the human beliefs in good life after death in exchange for good life on earth (karma in Hinduism). The river Ganges, which bathe from dawn to dusk, is the place where the prayers and ordinances are celebrated. It was clear that faith was the thing that kept them alive because they had nothing else. I was also on an unusual ritual called Puja. It is the practice of celebrating the Ganges by praying and smoking the sacred cows. This is to make the Ganges even more holy, and the bathers there were even more purified. The spectacle on the background of the burned bodies and the taking and singing of the people was simply unbelievable. Scientific studies on the Ganges have shown that it is so dirty that it is not suitable for any use. It has been proven that the contact with this water causes many incurable diseases which still do not disturb the people of Varanasi!

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

Varanasi – bathing in Ganges river.

I noticed that the very important feature of the Hindus is to say “no problem” because they have no problem with them. For example, Monica bought a bottle of Coke which was very dirty after opening. When she noticed this, the Hindu wiped the middle of the neck with even more dirty toes and said “no problem”. This is true, even when it comes to human life, because sanitation simply does not exist. At least not what we consider the conditions. One day in Varanasi I bit my cat and scratched it. I was in the Vishvanath temple and asked someone where the doctor was, but he answered “no problem”. He said that I would not do anything because it is a sacred place and there are no diseases here and he told me when I heard below they carried another corpse to burn. The fact is that 30,000 people die each year in India for rabies, so if there was a god or not, I could not risk it. I immediately went to the hospital to get an injection, but when I saw the hospital and the infinite syphamus that was there, it took me back. When finally a doctor came in, he prescribed a prescription for rabies and then all the patients (after heavy incidents too) went with the only white man (with me) for injection, needle and dressing because nothing in the hospital. I must admit that in India I can never be alone and the Indians do not have a sense of privacy. If I talk on the street, the crowd is around me right away, and people just look me in the eyes with open mouths and watch me like a television. It is in the face of holy cows and crowd of spectators, on every stinking, dark and chaotic street. Monika had had enough of India after the first day and wanted to go back straight away. As we ride rickshaw she squeals and it’s even louder than the horn of an autographer and with her squeak puts everyone on her feet. Of course, I understand that you can be disturbed when our truck rides across from a large truck (barely visible due to dust) but everything always ends well. In my opinion it is very exotic and very nice. I have to think so to prepare myself mentally for such lovely countries as Pakistan or Bangladesh. In Varanasi I spend many hours walking around this very interesting but “charming otherwise” city. Every trip to the main street was an experience. I had to go through a crowd of people and sacred cows, and from time to time I had to get out of the way because they carried the dead on the river Ganges again. Before I came to India I never realized before that the police station or the post office and the whole street might look like it was just bombing, but everything was fine. Every contact with people, every dish and bargaining with the rickshaws has given me a completely new color. Many evenings I spent on the shore watching Ganges, bathers and infinite corpses, to avoid the sacred cows in the evening to reach the hotel.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

The hotel itself was well located because from the terrace where I ate I could watch the city and roasted corpses 24 hours a day. After a while you can get used to everything because as it turned out, the smell of roasted corpses gives local dishes a special flavor. I was warned to look in India for food but I was feeling well now. I drank tea from street vendors and ate local dishes. We were also in the “German bakery” where they served good naan bread but still not as good as Kathmandu or Lhasa. One day at 5.30 in the morning I woke up Monica to sail over the Ganges River and see the sunrise over Varanasi. The faithful had come down in the morning, dripping in the river and bringing in wood and new corpses. I alternated with a young boy who told us about life here and for us it was a good chance to see how the city wakes up to life. In general Varanasi was my favorite, but unfortunately Monika was ill and then I began to understand that maybe this trip to her too much. From what I’ve seen people in Varanasi have a sense of humor and are very sociable. When I was walking with Monika on the banks of the Ganges, I played with local boys in cricket. When I asked one lady why she kneaded the stool with bare hands, she replied that it was a chapati (a kind of Indian bread). In fact, these feces were used to burn corpses. In Varanasi, I also learned that everything is possible. Now when I wanted to enter one of the temples dedicated only to Hindu worshipers, the young Hindu said to me “no problem” because for 500 rupees I paint a circle on my forehead and I can enter. But I refused. First of all, because I’m not so naive, and secondly that a flock of monkeys are seriously interested in my backpack.

After a few days spent in Varanasi we drove crazy rails at the train station to reach my next destination. The train station was of course tragic because, apart from the great snores, people slept on the floor near sacred cows and everyone was staring at us. But I’ve managed to talk to a few people. There was a stall of fruit and a few tea sellers in India that meet every step of the way. People were running barefoot, dressed in rags and others resting on the dirty ground waiting for the train. Monica was very frightened by the train, but the poor was shocked when she had to go to the train. We took the second class with hard beds to make it more enjoyable. But the wagon from the center looked like an iron cell with convicts in the middle, where everyone was black and was very hot. As we pushed through the crowd, at the same moment the eyes of the entire wagon were focused on us, unbroken and all the way. Monika was very frightened to clean her bunk and then lay down and I thought it would be the end between us. Of course, before I began to clean, I had to first dump a few dirty, sweaty Indians in her bunk. Monika was having a hard time because she could not accept the difference of our trip, although I warned that this would be the case. But I enjoyed myself very well. I talked with a few of the people I visited, got advice on traveling here and then just fell asleep.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

The huge poverty of India.

I spent some lovely days in Varanasi and experienced a great cultural shock. No doubt the city and its people made a stunning impression on me. Except for the huge poverty that is normal in India, the buried corpses of the Ganges, temples and the city itself are something without which a stay in India can not be counted as successful. Although absolutely nothing to fear here, Varanasi very much works on the imagination and for my travel companion it was a great shock.

Sarnath

After a few days spent in Varanasi, I bargained for an affordable price for autoroxa and drove to the small town of Sarnath, 10km away. It is a Buddhist settlement where, as the legend says, Buddha delivered his speech just before he was enlightened. On our way to Sarnath we stopped several times because we were not always able to bypass the sacred cows, and when we stopped and when the dust was gone, then people often approached me, wanted to shake my hand and asked where I was. I often find it in India that people are very nice and they are looking for contact. Only adaptation to new conditions can take some time.

Sarnath is very different from Varanasi. It was much quieter and cleaner and I recommend it as a place to relax from the bustle and roast corpses. There are several ruins of Buddhist stupas and an interesting archaeological museum. Buddhist ruins were nicely situated in a park under tall trees. One of the largest is the 34-meter high Dhanekh Stupa commemorating the Buddha’s first speech at Sarnath. Unfortunately, its greatness has long passed. It comes from the 5th century and some of its fragments even from the second century BC. Besides (as I wrote in my chapter on the history of India), Sarnath was destroyed by Muslim invaders. It was not until the nineteenth century that British archaeologists restored some of the former glory of this small town. The place that attracted me more was a new temple (completed in 1931) called Mulgandha Kuti Vihar. At the entrance I had to remove my shoes as usual and leave a few rupees at the reception.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

When I was inside I saw that the temple was curiously decorated with paintings depicting Buddha in his path to the light. It was one of the most interesting temples so far, nicely preserved and curiously decorated. An additional asset of the temple and the park was the rear fence with deer and birds, although there was also a crocodile pool. The entire park and temple complex and the small zoo made Sarnath so far very interesting and relaxing. Unfortunately again I had to pay the price of “white man” but I did not want to get upset anymore. When we left the park we crossed the street full of stalls with very superfluous things but pleasant to the eye because here I could see how people live. Of course everyone wanted to contact me, so I played with cricket boys, bought some bananas, and gave some poor rupees, and those were as usual lacking. I was also in a small shop where painters painted a kalachakra mandala (my reportage about Nepal) but here it was much more expensive than in parts of Kathmandu or Patan. The owner of the studio was a descendant of Tibetan refugees and I could talk to him about my trip to his beautiful but tragic country. On the way through the town I could not overlook an archaeological museum where I had to argue with the guards because they would not let me take the camera with me and because of that I do not have any pictures of this interesting place. There were, above all, many sculptures with Buddhist symbols from the period of the rise of the temples that I had visited earlier. Another thing worth mentioning was the Ashoka Pillar, a column with the heads of four lions. Today it is the national emblem of India and this column in the museum was once at the apex of one of the temples in Sarnath.The whole museum was very interesting and it was in a well-kept garden. We had time and I wanted to sacrifice for Sarnath all day, even more so since our Atorix was waiting for us. I could not resist the booth with tea time. We sat on a tree trunk and ordered two cups. The Indian with turban on his head and wrapped in a dirty coat handed me a clay pot of milky drink. This time it came out pretty sharply because he probably added too much masala – one of the Indian spices. It was a nice experience. I was sitting under the tree drinking and I was talking to my Monica. We were both happy and so far India has given me a lot of joy because of its originality and relaxed lifestyle. Then we smashed our clay pots, got into the rickshaw and came back to Varanasi. I must admit that the pump room was well organized because one Indian poured and the other produced clay disposable dishes. Although everything worked well, it was clear that Sarnath was not in a hurry. That was the point, and that was the charm of this place.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

With holy cows in India.

Madhya Pradesh

Satna

In the morning, after an eight-hour train ride from Varanasi we reached the small town of Satna where we had to take a bus to Khajuraho. Immediately after leaving the station and visiting the travel agency for foreigners (they are here) we got to the rickshaw driver and taxis offering a ride to Khajuraho. We were tired of the train ride and did not want to wait another two hours for the bus and spend another five hours on the road. In Satna there is nothing interesting and it is only a place of transfer to Varanasi or Khajuraho. I had a good price for a cab and after two hours driving on a bumpy road, we got to Khajuraho successfully. It turned out that India was too heavy for me because even in such conditions I immediately fell asleep. On the way we also had to stop for a moment to sit in a clay hut under the thatch and drink tea time. Again it was nice and interesting but very poor. The tea was brewed by an old Hindu and served by his bare feet.

Khajuraho

Khajuraho is a small village which is one of the most important tourist destinations in India due to the beautiful temples with reliefs of kamasutry or indian love arts. Strictly speaking, these are reliefs depicting sexual positions in rich layouts and for several people. Most of the temples were built for about a hundred years – from 950 to 1050 and are located in a well-kept garden. There are several of them, and on the walls, outside and inside there are many kamasutra sculptures. Only pity that so little has survived with more than 80 built in the beginning.

We arrived Khajuraho in the morning and our driver took us to the hotel. We stayed in the best place so far as we had a nice room with a hot shower which is a real luxury here. It was beautiful as soon as we left the hotel we saw a lake and bathing buffalos, which with indian music, sunset and specific setting gave the feel of real India. After a short rest and dinner consisting mainly of tikka masala and chapati we went to visit the temples. Walking down the street we could not be unnoticed. People saw us direct in the direction of the temples and talked about the price of admission to the tourist, which shows that it was an experience for them. On the way to the temples we could not get away from very helpful people. Even when I wanted to buy batteries for the camera I had a guide. So here it is, if someone comes up to me, he wants to show me everything, say everything, get everything done and be my guardian angel – for a fee. They left the restaurant offering food and distributed in front of me beautiful handmade carpets. They treated me wonderfully but I think that in such countries one can acquire a complex of superiority.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

Poverty in India.

We also visited some souvenir shops, talked with a few exotic-looking people and finally got into the temples. The whole complex was in a neatly maintained garden which made the tour even better and therefore we spent a few hours there. These temples are a great example of Indo-Arian architecture but the sculptures carved on them made Khajuraho famous. There were many sculptures of mythical creatures, gods, and warriors, but each and every time the same elements were repeated: naked women who had sex, sometimes with many partners, and always in many interesting positions. I think many of them could learn from them because the sculptures charmed us with ingenuity. I would even say that some figures were a show of gymnastic sex. Apart from couples and groups, there were also very lonely figures of very scantily dressed women who touched upward. The whole place was really very interesting and puzzling because it must be taken into consideration that such an extremely liberal art was created about 1000 years ago. Some temples and sculptures, erotic were destroyed by the time but many were very well preserved. The temples themselves were dedicated to Hindu gods such as Vishnu, Shiva or Surya. Most were tall and massive. All had massive, wide stairs and massive walls and all had beautiful sculptures, both from the outside and from inside. For example, the Kandariya-Mahadev temple had a height of 31 meters and contained as many as 872 sculptures. We spent most of the day here and to many temples we came back a couple of times. Undoubtedly this was the only one of its kind. Around Khajuraho there were other temples, but not so well preserved, and therefore of lesser importance to someone who is not an art historian or archaeologist.

But I would like to say here that the kamasutra has nothing to do with the fact that India is in a relationship between a woman and a man. As before, in Nepal, a woman in India is also getting married early and most marriages are arranged. Men and women do not walk hands, so every time I hold Monica, it makes general curiosity and excitement. Indian films are never shown to anyone kissing. Most couples are close to each other and may even touch their noses to turn at the last minute. So I think that in spite of the kamasutra and the beautiful temples in Khajuraho, the affairs of sex in India are certainly not as liberal as depicted by the sculptures I describe.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

Erotic sculptures on temples in Khajuraho.

In the evening we went to an Indian dinner and once again I tried something new. In addition to the chapati and naan bread served in several ways, I sampled aloo gobi which is vegetable casserole mainly from cauliflower and potato and Indian spices. Meat in India I eat very little now because most dishes are vegetarian.

After enjoying Khajuraho and visiting the beautiful carpets shop, we went to the local bus station in the open air. Here, after the boy two times smaller than me put our big luggage on the roof, we left this very special place.

My observations and experiences

After my week-long trip to India I have observed some interesting things. In India, there are many professions that are not in Europe. For example, pancakes are made from sacred cows, which are then burnt. One lady told me a joke that it was a chapati-kind of Indian bread. There is also an ear cleaner, a shoemaker of course, a man making banana leaves, someone who makes clay cups for drinking (Indian milk tea), and a barber. There are many customs, professions and traditions in India but I have not met anyone yet. But I know that there is a very strong division into the social classes, and when someone comes out he says also from what family he comes from. If someone is born a servant for life, it will be seen and never promoted. There was a case that the youngsters wanted to get married but that they came from other social classes, parents did not agree. I also believe that having a white friend or a white family member would be an immediate boost to family status. In India there is also the habit of eating with hands.It seems unappetizing as they mix rice and bread with sauces with bare hands and then put everything on their lips and lick them. But they are “hygienic” enough to use only the right hand to eat, because the left hand serves to rub the butt. I know for sure – I asked. I think I have to ask as much as possible to make no mistakes in the reports. I also think that the Hindus (so far) are very funny. When I take a picture, everyone is standing in front of the camera because everyone wants to be in the photo. Then they want me to show them a picture and they can never understand that my camera is not able to cover everyone.

In India, animals such as a cow or snake are sacred animals and they can not do anything but the dog can kick and it is normal here. I think all dogs in India are homeless and no one cares about them. It is not strange in a country where nearly 400 million people live for less than one dollar a day.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

Indian faces are a very interesting part of my journey.

I also noticed that the pen is very important here. Wherever I go, there are always poor people begging for food or a few cents. They are very willing to posing for pictures and usually for a small fee. Children always ask for sweets and a pen. This is very important because a good pen pinned to a man’s shirt indicates his status.

Orchha – description of the town

Having enjoyed the Khajuraho and very interesting sculptures, I decided to go to Orchha, a small village six hours west, where there are 200-year-old castles and temples, where pilgrims from many parts of India congregate.
The road was not easy to predict but luckily we got to the place.

On the bus I met a traveler from Germany, who in a very interesting way expressed how he sees India. He said: “I went somewhere by bus and saw nothing and that was a great experience in itself.”

These words have given me even more energy to get to know such distant and culturally unpredictable places.
I arrived late at Orchha, so I only had dinner and found the hotel. Here I won the best room, but as usual they were very basic, poor conditions. At the local pub I was accompanied by Indian pilgrims, who looked quite strange. They were old men with bearded to chest, with braids and painted faces, dressed in white and orange. Many are here and Orchha is already part of the landscape. They often play on something similar to a guitar and on flutes and sleep on the ground in front of the temples.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

Unfortunately street food in India is a risk of 4 days in a toilet.

Jhansi – Expedition for the ticket

The first day in Orchha we saw little, because we had to arrange transport to the next place first. I remember when one traveler told me he was stuck in a small hole for a week and could not get out. After the train ticket I had to go to Jhansi 20km away, then return with tickets to Orchha and start sightseeing.But getting out of Orchha was very expensive, just like buying a ticket from a travel agency. When Hindus see a white man, they think they have millions and pay them what they want. So we took the local bus almost for free, so after a short drive to reach Jhansi and find out that the departure time was impossible for us and the train did not go where we wanted. So I decided to take a sleeping bus, where the next morning we had to change again (two hours drive) to the destination. This was definitely the best option since buying a ticket in India was a real fight.I had to break through the crowd, a big crap and noise of the city Jhansi, lack of organization and lack of information to people in the ticket offices and the well-informed and very helpful but also very suspicious scalpers, who were able to take me in, even into space. But I managed to buy two tickets dream, to go as cheap Orchha and start the first tour of this beautiful place. Hurrah!

Orchha – mostly palaces and temples

The next morning we visited Orchha. It is a very small town, beautifully situated on the river, consisting of several streets, nice pubs and bazaar. It takes place here as the annual festival, which I witnessed. Orchha is a very attractive tourist destination because it is surrounded by centuries-old palaces and temples. They come mainly from the seventeenth century and are a wonderful example of Islamic architecture. We went to a few of them, but we started from Jehangir Mahal. This was especially worth seeing because he was big and tall. Here they were beautifully carved transition to the numerous chambers and some better preserved ceilings were decorated interesting. Visiting the palace it took us a couple of hours because there was so much to see.It stretched from the top of a beautiful view of Orchha and the surrounding area which is a big green area where you could see the river Betwa and the numerous castles and palaces. It is interesting to add that the fascinating architecture of this place is the remnant of Orchha as the capital of a Rajput from the first half of the sixteenth century. Along the way, we met the local people with whom we were taking photos and very interesting to spend time here. The tops of the towers were covered with domes and all the windows and doors were high, sharp shapes at the top and wide at the bottom. The whole castle was also very open, full of pillars and open chambers with a large courtyard in the middle. The whole was lovely but everything would have been even nicer if they invested some money in here instead of leaving renewal of empty walls.the fascinating architecture of this place is the remnant of Orchha as the capital of a Rajput from the first half of the sixteenth century. Along the way, we met the local people with whom we were taking photos and very interesting to spend time here. The tops of the towers were covered with domes and all the windows and doors were high, sharp shapes at the top and wide at the bottom. The whole castle was also very open, full of pillars and open chambers with a large courtyard in the middle. The whole was lovely but everything would have been even nicer if they invested some money in here instead of leaving renewal of empty walls.the fascinating architecture of this place is the remnant of Orchha as the capital of a Rajput from the first half of the sixteenth century. Along the way, we met the local people with whom we were taking photos and very interesting to spend time here. The tops of the towers were covered with domes and all the windows and doors were high, sharp shapes at the top and wide at the bottom. The whole castle was also very open, full of pillars and open chambers with a large courtyard in the middle. The whole was lovely but everything would have been even nicer if they invested some money in here instead of leaving renewal of empty walls.the sharp shapes of the top and wide at the bottom. The whole castle was also very open, full of pillars and open chambers with a large courtyard in the middle. The whole was lovely but everything would have been even nicer if they invested some money in here instead of leaving renewal of empty walls.the sharp shapes of the top and wide at the bottom. The whole castle was also very open, full of pillars and open chambers with a large courtyard in the middle. The whole was lovely but everything would have been even nicer if they invested some money in here instead of leaving renewal of empty walls.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

In other palaces was Raj Mahal, Raj Praveen Mahal, which were smaller but also very interesting. Both were damaged but worth a visit. I especially recommend here arches connecting the walls of the beautifully painted ceilings, or rather what was left after these rock paintings. When we entered one of the palaces approached us young boy, he began to talk to us and showed us around the facility, which improved the whole tour. I think that without him this would not have met the castle as well. As a gift I gave him a T-shirt Polish. Of all the palaces it has always been a beautiful view of the entire Orchha. She was always a very colorful land where even from the top of the castle you can see it was a stand with colored Indian spices. On the tops of the palaces was a lot of parrots (Rose-ringed Parakeet green) and more beautiful, forever vultures flying over Orchha,which had their nests there. Palaces, especially in the evening looked eerily and vultures with a wingspan of over two meters, and always “patrolling” Orchha improved even more atmosphere. At this time in Orchha was the annual festival, the pilgrims who came from many parts of India. There were hundreds of older men, dressed in white and orange, with long hair and beard braids zaplecionymi. They also had their faces painted in different colors, to sleep on the floor in front of the temples, they played various instruments and danced barefoot. Throughout Orchha were speakers, there were also heard late into the night. They were beautiful, folk performances, which for me was above all so different from what I learned so far. I thought that older people in Europe are not as relaxed as here.especially in the evening they looked eerily and vultures with a wingspan of over two meters, and always “patrolling” Orchha improved even more atmosphere. At this time in Orchha was the annual festival, the pilgrims who came from many parts of India. There were hundreds of older men, dressed in white and orange, with long hair and beard braids zaplecionymi. They also had their faces painted in different colors, to sleep on the floor in front of the temples, they played various instruments and danced barefoot. Throughout Orchha were speakers, there were also heard late into the night. They were beautiful, folk performances, which for me was above all so different from what I learned so far. I thought that older people in Europe are not as relaxed as here.especially in the evening they looked eerily and vultures with a wingspan of over two meters, and always “patrolling” Orchha improved even more atmosphere. At this time in Orchha was the annual festival, the pilgrims who came from many parts of India. There were hundreds of older men, dressed in white and orange, with long hair and beard braids zaplecionymi. They also had their faces painted in different colors, to sleep on the floor in front of the temples, they played various instruments and danced barefoot. Throughout Orchha were speakers, there were also heard late into the night. They were beautiful, folk performances, which for me was above all so different from what I learned so far. I thought that older people in Europe are not as relaxed as here.At this time in Orchha was the annual festival, the pilgrims who came from many parts of India. There were hundreds of older men, dressed in white and orange, with long hair and beard braids zaplecionymi. They also had their faces painted in different colors, to sleep on the floor in front of the temples, they played various instruments and danced barefoot. Throughout Orchha were speakers, there were also heard late into the night. They were beautiful, folk performances, which for me was above all so different from what I learned so far. I thought that older people in Europe are not as relaxed as here.At this time in Orchha was the annual festival, the pilgrims who came from many parts of India. There were hundreds of older men, dressed in white and orange, with long hair and beard braids zaplecionymi. They also had their faces painted in different colors, to sleep on the floor in front of the temples, they played various instruments and danced barefoot. Throughout Orchha were speakers, there were also heard late into the night. They were beautiful, folk performances, which for me was above all so different from what I learned so far. I thought that older people in Europe are not as relaxed as here.They also had their faces painted in different colors, to sleep on the floor in front of the temples, they played various instruments and danced barefoot. Throughout Orchha were speakers, there were also heard late into the night. They were beautiful, folk performances, which for me was above all so different from what I learned so far. I thought that older people in Europe are not as relaxed as here.They also had their faces painted in different colors, to sleep on the floor in front of the temples, they played various instruments and danced barefoot. Throughout Orchha were speakers, there were also heard late into the night. They were beautiful, folk performances, which for me was above all so different from what I learned so far. I thought that older people in Europe are not as relaxed as here.

Although in Orchha definitely recommend above all the palaces, there are also a few notable temples. The first, which can not fail to notice is the Ram Raja temple. It is sited on the main courtyard, in pink color and when I was here, had a good time around the Indian pilgrims. Before entering the course, I took off my shoes and left because the camera could not be photographed. In the middle I can not say I saw something extraordinary. I liked watching the people here, however, and the view from the roof of the palaces of Orchha. On a sunny, beautiful day we went to the temple of Lakshmi Narayan. There we had to walk about 1km to go at the end of the hill. The temple was small and interesting from the outside. I think the best point of this walk was just getting to know Orchha and its people, and a nice view of the temple.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

For some time I eat Indian food only. I really tastes good but almost never eat meat. Also for security, although, for example, Orchha is considered another holy city, and selling the meat here is prohibited. Mainly vegetables are cooked in Indian sophisticated sauces and spices wealth. These are just India. Here is a wealth of colors and spices. I also very taste Indian bread baked in special ovens. Some of them are: naan, chapati and ROOTIE. All are very good, they are all different and depending on the wishes you can add garlic, cheese and other delicacies. I sometimes dipping them in sauces tikka masala or korma although there are many others.
Being in Orchha I also had an unpleasant encounter. I talked to the girl who said her father had just died and my mom and her business is a deckchair with a paltry gift. She said that in India there is nothing to expect from the government, and nothing is able to offer. You have to pay even for the initial part of education, which is why a lot of people can not read and write. She never went to school but learned to read from the mother and English from the tourists. However, he can not write, just talking.

Orchha – meeting with cobra

An interesting experience was the meeting with my favorite animal, or with a hose. I saw “charmer” had the cobra in a basket and playing the flute. Cobras standing in a threatening position and looked at me and my Monika was obviously terrified. But I saw that the owner of a cobra took it in his arms. I also took them (earlier in Nepal), first very insecure, even though I have snakes in the home. These snakes but not the soul, these are deadly poisonous. I was able to take it in his arms wrap around his neck and to persevere in this position a few minutes without any bites. For me it was a very nice experience, and even I was not afraid. I was only here but careful never to end one. I was told that the cobra teeth were removed, but to regrow and venom is produced at all times. Cobras were peaceful and did not attack.Maybe it was the mystery “charmers”. But I think that I have to remember that this kind of fun can be used for me to end up dying because I never quite know whether cobra has removed the teeth, stitched mouth and are calm and just I have always lucky. I felt worried when muzzle cobra was close to my throat and places where I most strongly supplied with blood vessels. There is a theory that says that the cobra dances when she hears music. This is obviously not true, because snakes are deaf and can not hear anything. They only react to movement when playing fife and stomping the ground, they can feel the vibration of the ground.stitched mouth and are calm and just I have always lucky. I felt worried when muzzle cobra was close to my throat and places where I most strongly supplied with blood vessels. There is a theory that says that the cobra dances when she hears music. This is obviously not true, because snakes are deaf and can not hear anything. They only react to movement when playing fife and stomping the ground, they can feel the vibration of the ground.stitched mouth and are calm and just I have always lucky. I felt worried when muzzle cobra was close to my throat and places where I most strongly supplied with blood vessels. There is a theory that says that the cobra dances when she hears music. This is obviously not true, because snakes are deaf and can not hear anything. They only react to movement when playing fife and stomping the ground, they can feel the vibration of the ground.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

“Dancing Cobra” is still a great attraction in India.

Although it was interesting experience for me, and so culturally specific to India, we must remember that any animals to this type of shows and their mutilation The practice is to not to be encouraged. For a more comprehensive article on this topic in the article is a snake charmer .

Orchha – the last day

In all the cities where there are tourists (so far), I feel like Chinese panda bear. Namely, I’m a rare species of animal, which it well and, for the safety of all care. For example, the head of the hotel in Orchha hotel closed before ten o’clock in the evening that nothing had happened to me after dark and I had to call me to open it. Panda bears, however, are better because they do not have to pay anything. I also noticed that people here seem to have something from us they should. Always reaching out, they show where we have the money and are demanding at least a few rupees. Sometimes they are walking behind me and try their luck from time to time.

I am here I’ve seen a group of Polish tourists who came for a few hours a luxury coach. I thought that I feel sorry for them because they will not be able to enjoy the real India. They just go with the Polish guided tour the house and then Can Take to your air-conditioned bus for an hour and forget where they were and what they knew.

Last night, once I saw everything I wanted, I went to shave to a true professional where I played great. I must admit that is not jammed me even once while I was shaving with a razor. Then I did a head massage and facial ointments mint, which immediately have set me on my feet. Monika had only a head and face massage after which also felt better. When it comes to our hair is probably done with us he jokes because I ulizał and Monica roztrzepał. So beautifully we combed went to the opening where we could admire the paintings of local artists. Most I liked the living room and the teacher guided us and talked about the paintings. It was very nice.

When it was time to leave Orchha wanted to take autorykszę but again when we all saw white people, they wanted too much. So I went ahead and caught a rickshaw from the road which was cheap. It is worth mentioning that autoryksza although small, is always very capacious. Are all luggage and people-one on the other and in the trunk. People are attachment to what you can and even go to the side standing. After a short time we got back to Jhansi where he was waiting for us sleeping bus. This time it was convenient. At the bottom they were sitting on top of single and double beds. Monika said she was my wife that people did not ask us any more questions why we sleep together. All the time so we present to save yourself problems and natrętności men who would immediately ask questions.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

Orchha I loved it. I wonder were all the palaces and temples although, as usual, drew great pleasure from contact with people. I mean bearded pilgrims dressed very original and unusual makeup.

I spent a pleasant time on the river in the company of people and washing bathers buffalo and vultures circling above the village added to the appeal of this place. Orchha was a great experience.

Indore and other dirty towns

The next morning after a fairly nice (sleeping bus ride), but interrupted with road humps I got the next great shitty town, the city of Indore. The first time I ever seen such a bottom. Piling up garbage and piles of papers flew across the street and the houses were in worse shape than I have seen so far but already transpired through the trash of all kinds. People were so excited about the white people view that as we walked down the street they were walking behind us and the group all the time was growing. At the end of the auto rickshaw and whistled when we were able to unload luggage, rickshaw driver had to honk the crowd parted as we were surrounded from all sides. Fortunately, I quickly took the bus to our next destination. The road from Indore was terrible and the way we could, for example, enjoy the huge, black,hairy pigs rummaging a pile of garbage. The local bus defeated 100km distance in over four hours because the road was impossible for normal driving.On the way we went to all the surrounding holes where we were always a great attraction for the natives. Once we stopped in Dhar at the bus station where I was able to buy fruit on the road access to the booth but it took me longer than usual because the sacred cows were probably diarrhea. Every time you became loaded with new merchandise on the roof and inside the bus. I mean not only sacks of rice and whole bananas stalks but also pigs. As we were the only white people there, we always were yielded place, even when the bus was stuffed to the brim. The ride was also a severe enough that we had a driver,which looked as though it had never been sober and trumpeted on everything whether you had it or not. That’s how it is in India that the driver most of the time they drive enabled horn, who wins the different melodies, and it is always very loud and very annoying.
Finally, after four hours of nightmarish ride we managed to get to Mandu.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

On the way back from Mandu was going faster but also jumps were honking and pointless. We also had a connecting flight in Dhar where we entered the bus as the last but still had seats in clogged along the edge of the bus because the usher saw two white men drove Indians from the seats. The bus trip was quite entertaining but just getting to Indore was a pleasant little longer but once we were there and knew what to expect. As soon as we jumped out of the bus, almost immediately placed a large audience observing our every move. I took my bags and went to settle (and of course bargain) auto rickshaw to the night bus, which was to take us to Udapuir-beautiful village in Rajasthan state. Walking slowly toward the rickshaw I had the impression that the whole street blacks (after dark) was walking behind us.To rickshaw was a small piece but they went so close that it almost felt their breathing. When we auto rickshaw all lined up in a big circle and just had a show. On departure from the theater they said goodbye to us with applause and the children still ran a piece for us. Getting out there and it was a relief to reach a decent, sleeping bus and leave the big-dirtland Indore, was even greater. (Perhaps Indore has its advantages and interesting objects, but I did not feel I wanted to be there).sleeping bus and leave the big- dirtland Indore, it was even greater. (Perhaps Indore has its advantages and interesting objects, but I did not feel I wanted to be there).sleeping bus and leave the big-dirtland Indore, it was even greater. (Perhaps Indore has its advantages and interesting objects, but I did not feel I wanted to be there).

Traveling around India, I could see how huge contrasts are here. In places where there are tourists, people are very polite and well mannered and do not stare at us like the movie, but always try to make conversation. In areas where there are no tourists, it is just a big dirt and the terrible poverty and people converge from far away to see us himself. Either way it is a spectacularly beautiful country where every state is radically different from each other.

Mandu

After many hours of bumpy drive I reached the small Mandu village. As I started to get closer to the town, I began to get better and better. Mandu is surrounded by colorful valleys, and in many places today there are small buildings left here by the Afghan empire. When the bus finally drove up and headed for the stone gates, I saw a charming view of the whole area and then I began to believe that all the difficult journey did not go to waste. Mandu is a plateau where you can admire the best architectural achievements of the former Afghan empire throughout India, which are still well preserved enough to make you imagine what a city once looked like. Mandu was founded in the 10th century and was included by Akbar into the Mughal empire (my part about the history of India). The history of the Indian subcontinent was very interesting and India often changed its “owner”. When we look at the map of India from the beginning of the fourteenth century, we will see that then all India was occupied by the great Afghan empire. Hence the Afghan temples and ruins in the Mandu area, which have survived to a far better and worse condition. By the middle of the 14th century, the Afghan empire was growing smaller. In the middle of the fifteenth century, only northern India was Afghan territory, and at the end there was only a small piece in the north, which had disappeared altogether.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

Indeed, the first thing that I saw upon arrival was the great Afghan temples, palaces and ruins of the turn of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. But first I had to arrange a room for the night and wanted something to eat. Hotel Maharaja found quickly, but immediately after the entrance I had a sharp clash with the manager. Of course we had the price because he did not want to leave and I did not want to give up because the conditions were not great. As a result, he apologized to me for raising me up but still kept his price. It was the most expensive room yet, but compared with European prices and so cheap.

On the same day we went to visit temples and ruins. First we went to see the main building where were the great temples with domes characteristic of this kind of architecture. It was the mosque Jama Masjid built in 1454, which is the most prominent form of Afghan architecture in India. It is not to be missed because it is located in the place where all the buses stand. Mosk was definitely worth seeing. Particularly characteristic dome and pillars gave an interesting effect. Standing in the middle, on a large lawn I could see him in all its splendor. Jama Masjid was not high. In the middle I liked the arches under the ceilings and decorated stairs, with a place to pray and always covered with a dome. The whole was very versatile and the passage from one place to another was joined by stony trails in the middle of the gardens. The whole building was well maintained and many people worked to improve the monuments. But most of all, I remembered that not immediately after the entrance we started to explore because first we had to go to a photo session.They all came to us, bowed, handed their hands and handed their children to the picture. They asked us about our names and where we are from. Then they always wanted to have pictures with us and asked us to align with them on the background of objects in different positions. They also took pictures without our permission and the people who had cameras instead of recording the Afghan temples were recording us.Also, after leaving, I noticed that flashlights flashed in my direction from time to time while others kept recording. Some introduced themselves and wanted my contact in England or Poland to emigrate there, which happens quite often. We could not go into solitude because we all bowed. I only regret that I had to pay for the entry fee of “white man”, which is 20 times more than the Indian pay.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

Another monument that I was able to visit was Hoshanga Tomb, standing just behind the mos Jama Masjid.This is a very nice property, all built from white marble and lying in a well-kept garden. There is also a characteristic dome, surrounded by four small domes. In the middle is the tomb of Shah, who died in 1435.The whole building was quite small but interesting and I think it was a good start to visit the famous Taj Mahal, which is also a Muslim building, built in the same style.

Also worth mentioning are ruins facing Jama Masjid or Ashrafi Mahal. Unfortunately there is not much to see here as practically all of the buildings are best kept stairs leading to the empty space. It was once used as an Islamic school but the architectural design proved too ambitious as it collapsed. Still, it is a nice place to see because it works on the imagination. Walking to Ashrafi Mahal I tried to imagine how this whole object looked like.

That evening I did not visit. We stayed in the main square to spend some time with local people. As I could have guessed was again a great attraction. I remember when I bought Indian sweets and just sat down to eat, a group of Indians looked at us with open mouths at a very close distance. We can see that our view was a great experience for them, which made us embarrassed. After a while you can get used to it. On our way to the hotel we had a few more meetings with nice Indians but I did not have the strength to talk longer.

The next day we went out to meet Mandu but this time we wanted to see new objects and wanted to enjoy the surroundings. Nearly our hotel was one of the best known facilities, the Jahaz Mahal. Here for the entrance we had to pay dearly but we managed to slip and make some pictures. It is a palace that looks like a defensive wall with tall stone towers. In the middle is a lake with a well-kept garden. It was clear that in each of the places we visited, there were restaurant robots. There were also beautiful gardens and artificial ponds which gave a beautiful final effect.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

Mandu is full of ruins and palaces spread over several kilometers and we went for a walk to see some of them. For example, in one place where only high outer walls and stone stairs were preserved there was a blue water area in the middle. From here we saw a large part of Mandu and had a nice view of the Jahaz Mahal. Moving on, we reached one of several gates through which we entered Mandu. Here we met a lonely goat girl and while standing on the hill we saw the whole valley with scattered ruins of small Afghan palaces. It was a time of rest during which we sat for a moment to enjoy the view. It was very quiet and quiet. It was a simple, uneasy life. I even helped to catch goats that did not hold a herd and holding them behind my ears led me around. For lunch we went to a small pub near the road where once again we were served with Indian spices. All the time in Mandu it was very quiet and peaceful. I had to leave after two days because I wanted to see other places but I noticed that there are tourists who are stuck in such small villages for a few months and they are leading the life of a shepherd or writing poems.

From what I’ve seen, India is a very important industry in the tourism industry and is investing a lot in it. Not only in objects but also in people. In all these places people live with tourists and are polite to exaggeration. Sometimes they may be too intrusive but it depends where. I think they often behave impeccably and are very well organized and helpful. This shows that India is a very good place to visit and so far they do not confirm my fears.

In Mandu we were also accidentally on an Indian wedding and it was quite different from what I had seen so far. The bridegroom was riding on a horse and was dressed in a large colored turban and his wife and his bridesmaids were walking around in traditional costumes. In addition, they drove a vehicle with loud speakers and very loud music and a great crowd of people walked the street loudly playing and dancing in a very chaotic and wild way. When the two men saw the white men, they threw us inside and they made us dance with them. When we did not want to, they took our hands up and they moved us to start dancing and once again throw in, wide with that smile. After some time we managed to get rid of the wedding but we were definitely a big attraction. Nearby was a colorful and richly carved Jain temple. It was built of marble and featured many animal figures. One of the most interesting sculptures was the bear and crocodile biting the man’s shoulders. At the rear were several carousels and we were just surprised by the wedding party.

The next day in the afternoon I dropped my luggage onto the roof of the wreckage bus and then returned to Indore.

In Mandu we spent some magical, peaceful days. This is a very good place to rest and very interesting Afghan temples allow for quiet and slow exploration of the whole settlement. People are nice, food good and beautiful views. For some additional advantage may also be indescribable astonishment of some Hindus on the tourist sight. The only cumbersome thing is to come here.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

Two races, two civilizations, two cultures.

Rajasthan

Udapuir – the white city of Rajasthan

The next morning we reached Udaipur, the white city of Rajhastan. We got off the bus in the new part of town where it was bustling and dirty so we immediately got to the rickshaw and drove to a nice guest house in the old town, where I rented a decent and very cheap room. The hotel was beautifully located on Lake Pichola, overlooking the palaces built on the lake and hills. This time we also had hot water, which is not often here. On the same morning we had breakfast on the terrace overlooking the ancient panorama of Udapuir and then arranged for transportation to the next place. After a few hours sleep we finally started to explore this beautiful city. Udapuir is one of the most beautiful and many considered the most romantic city of Rajasthan. The old part of town is the most fabulous because it is located on Lake Pichola, from which you can rent a water bike and swim to the white palace. Udapuir also boasts the largest palace in Rajasthan, beautifully carved temples and mountainous surroundings with its white houses. As soon as I got here, I immediately knew that the town would be special. Also, James Bond is in Udapuir, where he was filmed on “Octopus” with Roger Moore, and there are posters everywhere in the neighborhood that show the movie every night.

After leaving the hostel we walked all the way up to get to the famous palace after a short while. The courtyard and the lovely white palace were set up on the top. There were several museums in the middle, and the whole building consisted of several parts, each of which was built by another maharaja in another period. We started from the north where we sat in the main courtyard and admire the beauty of the palace and its grandeur. As mentioned earlier, it is the largest in Rajasthan. It has a length of 244m and a height of 30.4m. Most of the time we spent in the middle of passing numerous richly decorated chambers. For example, we were in the part where we could admire beautiful stained glass and other decorated mirrors.In another part were the peacock mosaics-the favorite birds of the state of Rajasthan. Next was a nice garden, mural paintings and decorated tiles forming an interesting, great whole. We also visited the museum where we could admire the miniature of the palace and its parts. Especially this exhibition I liked very much because all the palace rooms and often people working in the kitchen, for example, were very well shown in miniature. Only part of the passage took us some time because all the monuments were very original and deserved a moment of concentration.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

If English children did laundry in the river they would behave better. Udapuir.

The palace was so beautiful that there were many balconies and terraces, so we were overlooking the city in the middle. We were also in the arms museum and family history of the rulers of Udapuir and Rajasthan. There are sculptures and paintings depicting the rulers of this region. The mustaches of each of the Maharajas, always long and fancy wrapped, were interesting. In the museum, it was clear that the maharajas had a sense of humor as one exhibited a cheerful monkey holding a lamp. The view from the highest terrace of the palace was very interesting, as I saw from here other palaces shining in the distance and also a panoramic view of the white city of Udapuir. On top of it was a white palace built on Lake Pichola, which for some time served as an exclusive hotel. The palace in Udapuir has gone twice to enjoy its view and many times have seen the panorama from its summit, and we had a nice time in the garden at the higher part of it. We came downstairs to find a horse race horse where I sat for a moment to look at these beautiful animals. Inside the palace I saw a very massive road surrounded by a thick wall. As someone later told me, there were once organized elephant races. When I left, at the gate itself was a very expensive gift shop and the owner obviously wanted to stretch me out but as it turned out, elsewhere it was much cheaper.

The town of Udapuir, at least where I lived, was a great shop. On the hills there were galleries of paintings, cafes and shops with local crafts. There were decorated tablecloths, bags, jewelry, sculptures and handmade cashmere carpets. Sellers were always very nice and the goods were so beautiful that our wallets themselves opened up. We have been to many stores to see local art. We bought a lot of things, although our suitcases were already full, I was going to buy more. Products are unique and prices are very low compared to Europe. Unfortunately, I had to master some small pictures. However, it is important for me to have some beautiful things from every country I visit and India offers their abundance. Being in one picture shop, one man drew an elephant for the lucky man’s nail, which he wore for a few days. In another store Monika dressed up in a nice red dress and probably bought it but I translated her into a very impractical one. But I bought some small pictures of elephants and one of the panorama Udapuir, depicting people with elephants walking through the grounds of the palace and in the background you can see Lake Pichola and a white palace on the water. In Udapuir I also noticed a special feature of Indian painting. All characters are always painted in profile.

By the lake we took a water bike and sailed to see the famous water palace built in 1754, which today is a luxury hotel. The whole trip was only two people relaxing and extremely romantic but when we approached too close to the palace, we were told to return. Perhaps we looked too poor. When the water in the lake is high you can come here for dinner with a special motorboat but pay for this pleasure you have to very salty. On Lake Pichola and around the palace we spent over an hour. We had a good view of the other palace in the distance and the largest one in Rajasthan we visited before. The thick trees with lions and the poor people doing laundry on the shore were also interesting.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

Holy cows are an interesting tradition in India. From the Catholic point of view, isn’t it great news that cows go to heaven too?

While we were in Udapuir we left the tourist district and saw poverty again. I was surrounded by begging children and people asking for a pair of rupees. I sat on the bank of the river to watch the surroundings and people laughing at me. I think that I found myself here more calm than before in the beautiful open air. A holy cow came to me, put her head on her knees and wanted me to stroke her. At the time, I thought they were so beautiful animals, and we were making them for steaks, which I unfortunately also like. Walking through the poor part of the city we came to a dingy pub by the river but were served with class. The server entertained us with a conversation and handed out our favorite dish, aloo gobi (described in the Khajuraho reportage), spicy sauces whose names I did not know, and how many eats we could eat. Of course we drank tea. When we asked about the toilet, the waiter took us to the street and showed the wall behind the tree. He said he did not care and did his job because they are India and not Poland. By the way the shop where we distributed beautiful carpets and where Monika was no longer resistant and bought a finely painted jewelery box, we reached the Jagdish Temple. We left our shoes downstairs and then walked up the stairs and past the two elephants, passed through the ornate gate and got into the beautifully carved temples. Jagdish is the prettiest temple in Udapuir and is a perfect example of Indo-Arian architecture. It was built in 1651 and was dedicated to the god Vishnu. Outside of each temple there was a wealth of bas reliefs depicting women and elephants. Another interesting addition was the presence of monkeys.

Our stay in beautiful Udapuir was over and on the same day we boarded the overnight bus to get to our next destination. Udapuir was a wonderful experience. All the palaces, temples, shops and art galleries made us so much fun. It is a peaceful place where you can relax on the lake, read in one of the many cafes or undergo a craze for shopping. Opportunities are many.

Chapter from the road – my experiences

As for my further trip this time I took a seat to make it a little cheaper but Monika took a sleeper as usually. The ride was difficult for me because I was not able to sleep and it was probably the last time I was traveling this way. In addition, my “princess on a pea” and so did not sleep because the state of Indian roads put a lot to be desired. There is also one sad thing that kept me in mind with this trip. Well, in the first report about India I wrote about the use of children to work. At one of the stops was a boy who was all served. I see it all the time, because in India this is a notorious routine. Whenever I go to a restaurant or have a tea, children always work there.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

Jodhpur – the blue city of Rajasthan

About four o’clock in the morning we reached Jodhpur or the blue city of Rajasthan. We took a rickshaw and drove to look for a free room. Unfortunately everyone after seeing the tourists wanted too much.Fortunately, we met two women from the Netherlands and Canada who were in the same situation. We needed to take one room for four, to sleep a few hours and take a shower. In the end, we succeeded. The autorooter drove us to a nice place in the old part of town where we took one room together. Three women lay down on the bed and I was on the floor which was much cheaper. I want to say that although India is much cheaper than Europe, I always have to count on money, especially when I travel the world for half a year.

Jodhpur is famous in Rajasthan and all India because of two things. The first and most important is the Meherangarh, the largest defensive fort in Rajasthan. It is located on the rocks and is built on a hill 125 meters high. Jodhpur seems to have existed for this fort, which towers over the whole city. The second characteristic thing is the blue houses, which are best seen walking towards the fort. This is why Jodhpur is called the Blue City. The city itself is also interesting because Jodhpur is located on the outskirts of the great Thar desert, which I also have in mind.

After breakfast, we went for breakfast. The owner of the house told us that Jodhpur is a “holy city” (next in India) and that is why eating meat is forbidden here. Even the pancake we got without eggs. First we went to the main and only market of the old town where there was a nice clock tower resembling a little Big Ben. Of course it was very baffling, chaotic and dirty but such are already India. We stopped there for a while in a small tavern where we ate a mandatory meat meal, we talked with very funny Indians who cooked for us and drank lassi – an Indian yoghurt drink that is served in different flavors. We ate with them a bit because it was so nice and the food so good. Then, passing through the bazaar of Sardar, we ate a delicious, juicy papaya, stroked some holy cows, and headed for the fort. First, however, we had to get through the dirty, full of goods but colorful and interesting bazaar where we could buy everything from clay pots and spices, through sweets and fruits to jewelry. After leaving the bazaar we headed towards the fort but as it turned out the bazaar was everywhere where we did not go because we always wanted something to sell. On the way up to the mountain we stopped a couple of times to talk to people and of course answer the standard questions of children, ie how we are called and where we are. Then they pointed out to us pubs and tried to sell souvenirs. Once again we were invited to the blue house of one gentleman who wanted to talk to us very much. Unfortunately, it was not a friendly conversation but an attempt to make a living.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

In the middle he introduced us to his son, who wanted to emigrate to Europe, taking also into Poland. He asked for help and then took out 20 gold and asked how much it was worth. He said that the Polish currency had Polish tourists who paid for it henna, which his wife does. He proposed the same Monica, but my innate sense of thrift kept him. For me, the whole event was a good example of family life where the husband does everything and his wife is in charge. When the man spoke the word “henna”, his wife grew out of the ground, and when I refused, she disappeared for a single wave of hand. I thanked for this meeting and went further up to get to the walls of the fort after a short time. It was indeed great and beautiful and the whole was embedded on the rocks. Also the bricks from which the fort was built were cut out of the rocks because they were exactly the same color. The impression was impressive because the whole, very massive building was set on high rocks and had interestingly carved balconies. As I could have expected, there was a souvenir shop and some of the most expensive Indian spices in the vicinity of the fort. From experience I know that the same spices can be bought cheaper for example in London. The entrance was as usual expensive but we managed to get free for the courtyard to see everything from the inside. In the middle of the fort there was a museum showing maharajah memorabilia such as armor, carpets and other valuables. However, we did not go in because of the very high fee and the inability to deceive the guards. I am writing this way because I really have enough to pay more than others and if the Indians are impudent and deceitful, then I must also be so to be able to deal with. For example, if India pays 10 rupees for entry, every white man has to pay 250, of course I disagree, especially since I do not like paying at all. There is a fee for the guide and for the camera and the camera. It is clear that tourists are like hen-hen eggs, and the government of India wants to clearly reflect the times of colonial times when many riches have been exported. When it was too late, I thought I could pay more and see the museum but enjoyed what I saw because it was so beautiful. Traveling to India I see a lot of poverty and I wonder sometimes where are all the money from tourism when people are sleeping and dying in the streets.Returning to the fort, I walked around the main courtyard and enjoyed the surroundings. The fort was beautifully sculptured from the inside and the alleys led to places where we made nice pictures of the landscapes. In this area there were many other objects that looked like small palaces with raised roofs and lush vegetation growing around them. The whole fort made a great impression especially from the outside, though from the courtyard it was also beautiful and seemed just as great. From the entrance to the fort there was a nearby white marble palace called Jaswant Thada.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

It took about 20 minutes to get there from the fort and allowed us to see the blue Jodhpur from another perspective. This palace was built in 1899, was set on a hill and in front of it was a small lake. At the entrance we had to take off our shoes and then we walked this quiet, quiet place. Each element of the palace, its terraces, gardens, sculptures and Hindu flute made up for the beautiful atmosphere of this place. In addition to the main facility there are many other smaller ones, set up on different levels.Especially before sunset it is a very quiet, secluded place from which you can see the high seated fort and the city below. In both buildings we spent very nice moments and we could do a lot of pictures, also with a mustache guard. I want to add that all these beautiful buildings were built in India by maharaja for religious, defense or love reasons. Being on the fort and looking down we saw the bottom of the ocean blue bungalows which very well explained why this small town is called blue. Going down again we talked with people and went to dinner. The locals had a lot of hotels, lots of nice rooms and it was evident that the whole town was touristy. All the time we were accompanied by children who begged for money, sweets and pens. We also saw that some of them had eye defects and postures that were repairable but unfortunately no one cares. This type of picture I see in India all the time and where the tourists are not even poorer. That evening we made shopping for the road and bypassing the sacred cows we got to another dinner. Unfortunately, in India, most Indians are vegetarians and therefore look very miserable.They are very thin and look unexplored. Usually you can rarely get meat and if it is, it is also very limited quantities. Nor is there a reason for religious reasons even if the meat is in some places possible.Vegetables are prepared in many ways. For example, beef can not be eaten here because cows are sacred and people believe in it. That evening we managed to eat chicken and Monica immediately improved his mood. I think I have a fondness for steak, but I will have to wait until I get to Pakistan.

After dinner we ran to the hotel to pick up our luggage, ordered an autograph and drove to the train station. Monika once experienced a shock while on the train but this time it was not so terrible but still very dirty. When we entered the wagon, the man who gave us the card of his hotel came up to us and said that if we wanted to give us a room very cheap and his brother would free us from the station and take us to the hotel. I agreed because it was the best offer so far, which turned out to be a hit. This time we were going to Jaisalmer, the golden city of Rajhastan. As usual at the station, there were many beggars and, unfortunately, barefoot, clothed in rags.

Like every corner of the world I visited, also Jodhpur was a nice experience for me. This is another good place to enjoy India and the picturesque Rajasthan. The main bazaar and walk to the fort offer many interesting attractions in terms of views and contacts with the people.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

Jaisalmer – the golden city of Rajasthan

Jaisalmer is located in the desert and apart from the pleasant atmosphere and the desire to get to know this place and its beautiful fort, we also planned to go for a two day camel safari in the Thar desert.Jaisalmer is an old city, since it was founded in the second half of the twelfth century and had a strategic position as it was a very good trade route between India and Central Asia. The camel trafficking route from Jaisalmer has brought prosperity here. Today, Jaisalmer is a very interesting sandstone city, with a beautiful fort and is a starting point for a very popular camel safari in the Thar desert.

When the train stopped and we got off the station, our friend’s friend waited for us, drove us to the hotel and gave us a cheap and good room as promised. Once again my doubts have been confirmed by other travelers that in India, I am facing the same deceit and misfortune. I think the Hindus are very good and serious about tourists and they are very professional in what they do. But do not drink alcohol because it is easy to spoil for thieves. I also think that the best women should go with a husband or a group. Upon reaching the hotel we were tired of traveling and first had to sleep and take a warm shower, which was fortunate here.

Then I organized a safari and a travel plan (as I always do) and went to see Jaisalmer. The town was small, beautiful and indeed golden because all the houses, temples, fort and hotels were built of sand-colored rocks. After breakfast we watched geckos running around the walls, we went quickly to see local decorations, especially beautiful cashmere rugs, canvas and decorated table covers. Each time we were invited in, tea was served and carpets were spread. I do not know how everything is, but I’m going to do a lot of shopping here. Especially that Rajasthan is one of the best stocked and cheapest in the states.

Being in the courtyard before the fort we could spend some time with the people. We walked the stalls with vegetables and dressed in turban and the national costume of the Indians selling souvenirs. People were looking for a contact with us and they were willing to posed for photos. They played on instruments and they gave us games too. The children reached out for the little ones and the dogs came to sniff us. The setting was very interesting and fun so both of us enjoyed Monica very well. After some time we crossed a large fort gate in the color of the desert. The fort in Jaisalmer was built in 1156 and today is a “living museum”. I mean, it’s inhabited by about a quarter of the Jaisalmer population. This fort consists of small, nicely profiled streets, palaces, Hindu temples, but also souvenir shops and clothing and tea rooms. It was a great pleasure to walk around the narrow streets of the fort and watch the surroundings. I talked to people and hugged the sacred cows that kept up with me and Monica was forced to pull out of the clothes shop. In front of each such store was a tailor who was sewing using an old sewing machine for pedals.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

Being inside the fort, the seller of postcards took us to a high point where you could see the beautiful panorama of the golden city of Jaisalmer and the lake lying nearby. From here, it also extended to the Thar desert. Inside the fort we also saw a palace in which there were some interesting sculptures and Jain temples with very interesting sculptures. I think that as far as the palace and the temples are concerned, they are the most beautiful from the outside. Many were “haveli” or intricately carved sandstone buildings built by wealthy merchants. Despite the commerciality in the fort’s walls, it was still beautiful, another world where you could move a few centuries back. It was not as huge as the one in Jodhpur but it was different and equally beautiful.

After leaving the fort we went to the restaurant and as we could expect, there was no meat again. So we took vegetable veggies of India with delicious sauces, aloo gobi and aloo matar with chapati bread. Sitting on the terrace on the first floor we had a good view of the fort and the bazaar around. Then we headed for Lake Gadi Sagar, watching some nice temples (all in the same sandy color) and other buildings nicely integrated into the desert. This walk was also an opportunity to see how people live from the fort. We went through an endless bazaar, bought fruit and saw how camel worked on the transport of vegetables and fruits. Of course, it was in the big dirt, but the desert exoticism of the place made it unimportant. While heading south of Jaisalmer we reached Gadi Sagar, a lake surrounded by temples. Once the reservoir was the water supply for the entire city but today it is a relaxing tourist attraction. I rented a water bike here for half an hour, and it was beautiful that there were trees out of the water and fine carved temples, also in the golden color of the desert. At first we only swam but then we just watched the sunset over the desert Jaisalmer. We sailed a few temples around and after leaving for the mainland I entered another, curiously decorated temple dedicated to the god Krishna.

After a pleasant day, we managed to make our way to the hotel where we could prepare for our safari. We also took a warm shower which is not often in India possible.

Safari on camels in the Thar desert

The next morning we were woken up at seven in the morning and taken to the desert by a jeep. On the way we saw another Jain temples in Lodhruva. I think it was renovated because all bas reliefs were perfectly preserved. As usual, the whole property was admirable and also in the color of the desert. The real adventure began when we saw how camels were carried out for us. For Monica this was the first time and she was very excited. I’ve been riding on camel bivalves in the Gobi desert in Mongolia. This time they were single camels in the Thar desert in India. Last time I was not on the safari, only for a two-hour ride, so I was glad to get up once again for a camel. This time I learned how to tie Indian turbines and that’s why we had them all the time. Getting in is not easy if it’s the first time. You need to keep your balance as the camel gets up to fly forward. We were in the caravan of several people and went down into the desert. At first the ride was pleasant but then we started to hurt our butt and inner thighs.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

Despite all we were very happy and Monika was very happy because it was her first time on a camel safari.After about two hours we stood under the tree, laid down the blankets on the ground, and our guides removed the camel saddles and let them go into the wilderness to enjoy the freedom and bruise of the trees. It was freedom to meditate because camels had front hooves. Then our guides burned the fire and started to prepare a traditional Indian meal – vegetables with different spices, chapati bread and milk tea.After a meal we had an hour nap and then went on our way. All the time our legs hurt but it was so interesting that we somehow had to live with this discomfort. We were able to carry our camels ourselves, we learned to lead them to the watershed and to issue commands to get up and sit down. Our cooperation with them proved to be very pleasant and easy. I realized that complete control of them took only time, although at first they were very gentle and obedient. I also think that camels are very funny and cunning, and they make comical faces because they chew things all the time, then they stop with their grim murder and protruding teeth. All day long we drove through the Thar desert, which did not have any hills or dunes.It is a flat, dry surface but an exotic environment and our camels made the whole trip very interesting. Also observing the guides, how they are dressed, how they prepare meals and how they manage in these conditions were a very interesting experience. On our way we passed through the waterfalls and through the abandoned villages consisting of clay pens and also flocks of goats and their poor shepherds in turbanes.

In the evening we reached the sand dunes where we camped and where we slept under the open sky. The Indian made us dinner and we went for a walk through the dunes. It was very nice and romantic. It was beautiful and beautiful too we took pictures. Especially when the sun came up. We slept on the sand dunes and the blankets we borrowed from the guides. We were on the “sandy mountains” looking at the starry sky, and occasionally we were drinking and eating chapati. Around us were seven camels sleeping, which, although very friendly, unfortunately stank and cried all night. As soon as the sun rose, they roused us with their roar and fog. I was sleeping in the desert before, but it was Gobi in Mongolia and it was different. Mongolia was very cold and here in India it was warm and pleasant. These two deserts also made it clear that the Gobi was so dark after dark that it was not even seen by hand, and in the Indian desert it was always possible to see clearly all the contours. The only sad experience was the conversation with the guides, who said they only get 1000 rupees a month, about 12 pounds. They looked very poor and emaciated because they lived only on the capers and vegetables. The next day we got up around 6.30am to have breakfast prepared by our guides. We took pictures during the sunrise and then headed back to our beautiful, stinking camels. When our safari ended we both felt pain but we were very happy. Around noon we laid blankets on which we ate dinner and then jeep picked us up and drove us to the hotel. We took a shower and rested for a few minutes and then autographed drove to the bus, which had us taken to another destination.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

After our very successful stay in Jaisalmer and on safari and after fair price negotiation with the local seller, we boarded the bus.

I think Jaisalmer and the Thar Desert safari will be one of my favorite experiences in this beautiful country.The golden city of Rajasthan enchanted me with its beauty. Fort, the lake and the wonderfully carved temples are the symbols of this extraordinary town. But luckily, he completed a successful camel safari.

Ajmer

Ajmer is a small town where interesting things to see but my interest focused on Pushkar and therefore I gave up visiting the city. I will always associate them with a bunch of greedy autographs and the most haggling bargain.

We drove the bus all night to Ajmer and from there we had to change into a rickshaw to Pushkar. Driving was not bad though Monika was always complaining. When we reached the place, there were already waiting for us rickshaws, who offered very high prices for transporting us to Pushkar, only 11km away. So we sat down in a pub against a rickshaw who was out of their nerves and laughed at the change. Maybe they have not had clients for a long time and they wanted to stretch us as far as possible. Getting to Pushkar by bus would cost no more than 20 rupees and the autographists wanted 500. We arrived at Ajmer at 4.30am and the bargaining with the rickshaws was continued until the sixth. In the end, when they left the maximum, I took the minibus for the same price because the dust bothered me. This was an excuse, of course, because I did not want these hyenas to earn it. After a while came the minibus, which took me and Monika very comfortable to an earlier hotel in Pushkar. If it were not for the fact that I was with an eternally sick and complaining monika, I would get there almost for free, but it would have cost me more time and inconvenience and the curse of greedy autographs on very skimpy tourists. Besides, we were not alone in this situation. With us there were several people from Canada and when they saw the attitude of the autographors were more stubborn than me. Finally I put Monica in the car and then took it out of the car, then dropped it on the dirty bunk in our dingy room. At this point I was sick enough to be a nanny and thought that I would probably be traveling alone.

It was our short and unpleasant but informative visit to the suburbs of Ajmer.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

Pushkar

After a heavy tour with autosamplers in Ajmer, we drove up to the hotel in Pushkar and got a fabulously cheap room with all we needed, ie with a bed and a hot shower. Although the room itself was very dirty the rest of us were surprised as the breakfast we ate on the terrace covered with grass from which was a very good view of the surrounding area. Pushkar is a very small town where there is a nice pond surrounded by mountains and around the lake are temples, restaurants, hotels and people cultivating their rituals in close proximity to the monkeys. The whole town is a kind of detachment from reality, where there are a lot of strangely pilgrims (as I described in Orch) and the streets with the splendor of small restaurants and sacred cows. I noticed here that a lot of tourists dressed like Hindus (in traditional costumes) and had fancy hairstyles and a very relaxed look at the world. This is demonstrated by their dress and manner of behavior.You can feel a very relaxed atmosphere, drink good lassi (yogurt drinks) and eat a good naan with many extras on request (Indian bread). Pushkar is considered a sacred place and is a pilgrimage destination which gives a very good opportunity to many cheaters. The town center is located at the pond where the darkness is trying to push the Hindu priests, to force the flowers into the hands. Then they want to anoint the victim’s face, talk about the god and of course they want every favor though indicated at least 500 rupees. I would say that most of Pushkar’s inhabitants have probably not seen 500 rupees a long time ago, but in the name of religion you have to squeeze as much as possible. “Priests” are very intrusive and do not even help to say that someone does not believe in god. I saw once a tourist pushed off the harasser and threw away the flowers which gave a momentary calm. When I crossed the “sacred” bridge somebody told me to take off my shoes but I did not listen because the “holiness” of each place a little annoyed me. The legend says that once the god Vishnu has appeared above this water and that the ashes of Ghandi are scattered here. There is also something like a passport to Pushkar, a bead worn on the wrist, which entitles you to enter the holy places – also for a fee. Traveling in this and other countries and taking into account other religions, but above all the attitude of people, I find it very possible that the existence of god and the cultivation of religious rites is the greatest deception known to mankind. In Puszkar also because of the “holiness” of the whole city is prohibited eating meat, drinking alcohol and showing the tenderness by couples in the streets. The only heartburn of Pushkar is the scammers who sell religion and have many believers though I have to admit that they fit well with the environment. I also spent time talking with them, and they also pressed my hands to 500 rupees for strength, but they could not convince me. As we strolled around the pond and watched the people bathing in their sacred place, and all the unusual surroundings, I met a homeless meditator among the monkeys. It turned out that he meditated for money because when I wanted him to give two rupees, he replied that minor does not take and if I want it I can bring him at least 1000 rupees. So I joked that I would rush to the bank and give him $ 1,000 and he nodded very seriously. Sometimes I think I will not be surprised by it, though. I had been with him for some time to take a few photos and see the surroundings and bought some nuts to feed the herd of monkeys. It was very nice but Monika was a little scared when the monkeys started poking her red sari to give them peanuts. I also like sacred cows because they are very tame and can be stroked. Monika is naturally afraid of it, especially after one cow mistook her for a red sari with vegetables and grabbed her by the butt.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

I fed monkeys in Pushkar.

As for the old architecture, there are over 500 temples, but the Hindu temple of Brahma, which is only few in the world, deserves mention. Just like all the holy places, you have to take off your shoes and throw flowers for luck, which is another fabulous experience for me. When traveling to India, I often think that I am not in the real world and all the characters around me are not real. Among other things is the beauty of India, to be able to bear this fantasy though for a moment. Brahma’s temple was on a hill leading to high stairs and after reaching the top I saw statues of saints, gifts and many faithful praying at every turn. Like other temples, this was also a joyful experience, although after a few weeks spent in this country I think that people in Pushkar and throughout India need more education than religion. Then I went down, paid for the storage of my shoes and thanked them. Brahma’s temple was one of the most lucrative places in the town, of course, a great bazaar where you could buy much less and much more needed things. We spent the next few days walking through the streets, watching Indian art and trying local delicacies. The real specialty was pancakes with many sweet treats, Indian breads and fresh fruit juices. You might like this week …

We had a great time here and I think Pushkar is a very nice and quiet place where you can stay longer just to calm down and eat well – but without the meat. One of the positive features of Pushkar is the lack of auto rickshaws what relaxes a lot. You can walk around without being chased and ripped off.

Pushkar was our last place in Rajasthan and according to my plan we took a sleeping bus in the evening to the city of Agra in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Unfortunately, when we were driving twice we had to change and the bus was delayed by two hours. It was very shaky and there were drafts. While waiting, they fried omelets and poured tea (for a fee), which made the wait and gave the opportunity to meet many tourists from other parts of Europe and their stories. Traveling in developing countries and planning a monthly trip, I would always advise adding about a week, because here nothing works punctually and even though this country, despite all the charm is evolving.

Despite the difficulty of getting to and from Pushkar it was worth as it was a good experience.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

A traveler from Poland in the town of scammers – Pushkar.

Uttar Pradesh

Agra and the Taj Mahal

My expedition in India is ongoing and progressing according to plan. Traveling in this great country, I see things that are shocking, beautiful and turned back in time by 100 years. My plan is to tour India around.This time I came to Agra, which is where the famous and beautiful Taj Mahal is located!

After getting to the place I took an autorickshaw and drove to the hotel. I took the cheapest but decent hotel (bargaining was easy) and first went to bed for a couple of hours, because Monika was exhausted and felt bad after a night drive. Then I took a shower in cold water but Monika took out the whole bucket of boiling water so she could wash. For some time Monika began to feel the burden of this trip and complained about more and more things. Anyway, I wanted to make my journey and safely lead her to the end of this expedition. I think traveling to developing countries requires a strong psyche and physical preparation, although I do everything myself.

The city of Agra itself is very loud and very dirty and there is nothing special except for the world-famous Taj Mahal and the fort, although this one is not that great. We only had a ten minute walk from the hotel, so after a short rest we immediately went there. As we walked through the main gate, the Taj Mahal was a kilometer away, so he pulled up a ragged bike rider. When we got to the place where they sold the entrance tickets I was very upset because I had to pay for the entrance fee “white man”. The law invented by the Indian government is that the Indians pay poor pennies and foreigners even 30 or 40 times more. I understand that these people are very poor and if I pay more I will not go bankrupt though on the other hand in Europe there is no separate price for us and for foreigners. For a ticket I paid nine pounds and for a long time I was nervous but when I saw the beautiful Taj Mahal, the anger started to go away. But I wonder how it is that the Indian government is reportedly earning $ 10,000 a day for entering the Taj Mahal and the people in front of the gate were extremely poor. The whole property lay in a beautiful garden and consisted of a pair of red mosques and in the middle was the largest, main building, beautifully built, carved, all white marble. The Taj Mahal consists of a mausoleum where one of the former rulers of India (the originator of the building) and his wife are buried. There is a large dome on the roof and four minarets on the sides of the building, each in one corner. The beauty of the Taj Mahal was described by many poets and tried to name it in many ways. One of them is “falling tear from eternity face”. Indeed, the beauty of the Taj Mahal is indescribable and I believe that crediting him to one of the wonders of the world is fully justified. The building is also surrounded by beautiful terraces, also from white marble, gardens and red mosques.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

Here is the story and reason for the creation of the Taj Mahal: it was built by the ruler of Shah Jahan, who ordered the construction of this work because of his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died at the birth of their 14th child in 1631. The death of Mumtaz caused the ruler to be broken and therefore ordered to build the most beautiful building in the world in honor of his wife, and in the middle ordered to build a tomb and bury them together. The construction began in the same year and was not finished until 1653. Twenty thousand people from India and Central Asia worked on the Taj Mahal. Specialists in white marble were imported from Europe. Today, the entire construction is estimated at at least $ 70 million and is world wealth. Of course, we did a lot of beautiful photos, this time maybe a little too much but we want to remember the Taj Mahal very thoroughly on each side. When I was there I did not take bananas because I was told that the monkeys are very poorly educated and get mad at their sight. We spent many hours in the Taj Mahal. We were inside the mausoleum, we looked him in from all directions and walked on the terrace in the back of it where the fort was seen. The beauty of the Taj Mahal was unique though the place was very commercialized.

The entire city of Agra feels like it was built and lived only for the Taj Mahal and therefore to minimize pollution is forbidden to build factories. This was done to protect the Taj Mahal as much as possible. As a curiosity I will add that the Indians had to pay for the toilet here, while the foreign tourists did not because it was included in the price of the ticket. Although they were able to respect us. After dusk we left the property and crossed the street full of shops and pubs with not the best food. We sat in one of them where the young boy served us. I asked the head of the pub if the boy was going to school but he said no. It was an orphan who had been brought up by him and in exchange for being a servant he had a place to sleep and eat. I gave the boy 50 rupees tip and he looked at his boss looking for acceptance. This is a story that can be matched to hundreds of thousands of children in India, though not all are so lucky. Then the dark, littered streets, full of beggars sleeping on the sidewalks, reached the hotel.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

The next day I took a rickshaw for the whole day to drive us to the second biggest attraction, the fort. The dealer suggested that he take us where we want for very little money but in return we have to go with him to expensive shops and see what they have, because then they will pay for it or buy gas. (Same was in Thailand). Of course, we agreed without a problem because we love Indian art and it was very handy for us.First he took us to breakfast where I had fun with Doberman. I was told that when the seemingly very aggressive doberman sees a white man, he is gossiping to him and is very gentle but very barking to the Indians. I was told that the Indians did not like the Doberman because it was a dog brought by the English.At breakfast, the doberman held my head in his lap and wanted me to stroking it, and the ranger talked about Indian customs. He talked about how terrible misery is here, and about arranged marriages, in which he himself is also. He also knows the country in which he lives and that he is a developing country (he used the term “third world country”). After breakfast we drove to two beautiful shops that looked like wonderful museums for the very rich. Indian craftsmanship was wonderful. All decorations, carpets, tablecloths were like works of art. When Monika entered the jeweler, I had to get her out of there. We were going to the fort in the day but the shops were so beautiful and the fact that we had our own chauffeur for the whole day was so exciting that we did not want to go there anymore. Everywhere they worshiped, they all came back to us and treated us with respect. It was a pity that the shops themselves and what was outside was so great. The ricker looked like a wretch, and after leaving the beautiful shops and salons, the poor and homeless, ragged and dirty, hungry children came to us. When traveling in India you have to be prepared for many such views.

After the beautiful moments we reached the fort. It was great and was a great attraction but the ticket cost 25 times more than the Hindus paid. Built of red sandstone, it is amazing in its size. It is a kind of town located behind the walls of the fort and its volume is 2.5 km. The building was started by the ruler of Akbar in 1565. Unfortunately, the price for us was much higher than for the Indians. We managed to squeeze for free when no one saw it, but then we realized we had seen so many forts and so much is still ahead of us that we will only go around it. The wheel of the fort (as everywhere in India) were the whole family of monkeys. When I was in Pushkar, I fed monkeys from my hand, which gives me the opportunity to observe very similar animals. They are very nice, focused only on food and are nervous when they do not get it. Of course, wherever there are tourists there are a lot of beggars and street vendors who squeeze everything that is possible and do not get to the word. One of them even wanted to sell me a lance. I think that sellers and autographers are the ones who seriously test the patience of tourists. We spent far away from the dirt and noise of Agra. We were only on the grass and walked around the fort at the appointed time, our autographer came to us. In order to get to it I had to first beat the big shock wave of sellers but after a month spent in India I have already done it. After so many days, the trainer took us to the hotel, put our suitcases in and took us to the train station. On the way, apart from the dirt, I saw monkeys running across the trees and when we reached the station first caught the scammers. They said ticket offices were closed and wanted to take us to the ticket office of their choice to get a commission. Traveling to India, I’m used to it and I adhere to the principle that I check everything myself. I bought the ticket quickly but unfortunately the train was late for two hours which no longer surprised us at all and the trip instead of three hours lasted four and a half. At the station again we saw misery. People wanted to clean my shoes with bare hands for a pair of rupees or ask for anything. Worst of all, it was how the children lived at the station. Even children two and three years old had to grow up there themselves. They were dirty and sick, they were barefoot and their condition was so miserable that they wanted to cry. When they saw the white man, they immediately gathered up and stretched out their hands. In India, however, there is a disgusting procedure.Well, behind these children there is one man for whom they beg and in order to even arouse sympathy they are sometimes mutilated. My reports show not only the beauty of India but also their dark side. I try to present everything in the most real way.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

In the end we managed to leave Agra. All good and bad experiences were another good lesson about living in this country and the timeless Taj Mahal was exceptionally beautiful.

How to not get screwed just after arriving in Delhi

After a long drive, we finally reached India’s capital, Delhi. It is hard to say that the railway station will delight me even though I got off the new part of the city. The people who rushed to me with the best hotel deals rushed at me, and they persuaded me to go with them. I went to the tourist office around the corner where I arranged the hotel. Here I have to say about the scams that are taking place here.

Upon entering the travel agency, the person sitting there welcomes me with a big smile and offers a free service and I tell him where I want to rent a room. Then he dials a phone number (allegedly a hotel) where his colleague in a very nice voice always says that all the rooms are already occupied. The tourist agent then smiles at me and offers the last possible room in the area for a very lucrative payment. Showing photos of a beautiful apartment and carriage to slams. There are autographs and all other tourist touts and, of course, the agent himself. After entering one of these offices, I had to take something because Monika was again pretending to be dying, she was lying down on the table and it was clear that this trip (though she is a beautiful adventure and school of life) for her is definitely too heavy. I started haggling with an agent and bargained a decent room for less than two pounds a person. Delhi is the most expensive, but I managed this time because the price was very good. We were taken to the hotel after eleven o’clock and Monika immediately fell to the bed. The walls were desperate for any contact with the paint, but there was a good bed and hot water. There was a solid castle though, and I always shut my room on my own padlock.The next day I thought I was going to play Hindus and now I’m going to play with them. I went down to the head of the hotel and told him the story of finding a great room in a great hotel for the same price that I have with him so I would like to move out immediately (although the price was already the lowest). Then he thought about it and slowly began to let me down with money so that our room was cheapest in all Delhi (I called it by calling other hotels). This time again I proved that I can always handle and take care of Monika. I also had great satisfaction because I outwitted cheaters. Here you can not be naive, because the journey will not last long. The same is true when I want to buy a train ticket. Someone immediately comes up to me and says that I’m going in the wrong direction and that he will lead me to a better place and that the office where I want to buy the ticket is already closed or has recently been burned. But I know how things are here and I do not get fooled. I know where the real government offices are, I know what hours they work and I’m always just going there. Of course, this does not mean that everyone here wants to rob me and deceive me. There are also a lot of nice and helpful people but I must be careful – the more I still travel with Monika. This is how my struggle for peace in New Delhi began.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

Delhi – my adventure

Delhi was not always the capital of India but always played an important role in the history of this country.Delhi is divided into Old and New.The old one was built at the turn of the twelfth and thirteenth in and it was the largest concentration of Muslim and New was built by the British and in 1947 years the capital was moved from Calcutta to Delhi (also the year of independence and secession of Pakistan). Old Delhi is more neglected and dirtier and more poor people living there. We live in a new part of town, in the Paharganj district, where there are more tourists. Here it is dirty and loud but it is still one of the best places to find a hotel at an affordable price and to eat a good meal. Paharganj is a row of several streets near the station of New Delhi, full of shops, hotels, pubs and many other convenient places.

On the first day, before we went to visit the Pakistani embassy to apply for a visa. The process of getting a visa was not easy because Pakistan and Afghanistan are now the only countries that require proof of “the ability to travel” from the Polish embassy. So I had to go to the Polish Embassy, ​​where I finally contact with compatriots and I could see the beautiful, large poster outside the embassy where they were storks and Polish flag. I also spoke with the Polish consul in Delhi, who advised me about my further travel. He said, in short, that Pakistan is a very specific and rather stable country. Bangladesh is not stable and can die in a few rupees and Sri Lanka’s civil war because the government is fighting with the rebels. He also said that he knows of only one boy, who was in Bangladesh,but only one day because they do not stand there mentally. Well, fear has big eyes but see when I’ll be there. After returning to the Embassy of Pakistan, I still had a problem with money but won them and I had to pick up a visa on Monday. Monika throughout chronically afraid of the expedition to Pakistan. Her stomach ached and I think he wants to go back when my adventure continued and was still getting more interesting. I think that Monica will have a great experience with the trip will be safe now in London.he wants to go back when my adventure continued and was still getting more interesting. I think that Monica will have a great experience with the trip will be safe now in London.he wants to go back when my adventure continued and was still getting more interesting. I think that Monica will have a great experience with the trip will be safe now in London.

Delhi is a huge city so divided on a tour of the new, the old and the central part of the city and then possibly I still plan to go to organized day trips to see more places. The first place that was visited Red Fort (Lal Qila) in Old Delhi. It is a great defensive structure built in the first half of the seventeenth century. In the middle there are small, more or less well-preserved palaces of white marble, but nothing on par with Taj Mahal. Fort was huge because it had a length of two kilometers and was high at 18 to 33m. He was also very solid and built with red rocks in the central point of flying the flag of India. Yet it is important that, despite the reluctance of India to Pakistan and vice versa, the main gate called the gate of Lahore.It is a city in Pakistan and the red gate of the fort is called so because as it is directed straight to the city (in the seventeenth century still in India). Before entering the fort was a huge line but the guards following the order of priority of the white man let us without queues. We entered through the main gate (Lahore Gate) and the first we had before us Chatta Chowk bazaar that is the way of souvenirs and jewelry. Then we got home Naubhat Khan where musicians were playing for their ruler. We were also in the war museum to be given on the first floor which housed mostly old weapons. After leaving the museum I got to the big garden, in whose territory housed many different objects. Many of them were built of white marble and were nicely sculpted although they were not in the best condition.I mean a lot of rooms with terraces where the ruler of his subjects listened to the dispute but was also close to the swimming pool and sauna with a fountain. Noteworthy here Mosk Pearl in 1659, also made of marble. Mosk was built with such deliberation that is ideally directed toward Mecca. After seeing the main buildings we walked around the garden and watched other small buildings and pavilions that are part of the former Mughal Empire. Watching the fort from the streets of Old Delhi did not expect that in the middle of it is completely different. Outside the red and the big and middle small, subtle and built of white marble.it is perfectly directed towards Mecca. After seeing the main buildings we walked around the garden and watched other small buildings and pavilions that are part of the former Mughal Empire. Watching the fort from the streets of Old Delhi did not expect that in the middle of it is completely different. Outside the red and the big and middle small, subtle and built of white marble.it is perfectly directed towards Mecca. After seeing the main buildings we walked around the garden and watched other small buildings and pavilions that are part of the former Mughal Empire. Watching the fort from the streets of Old Delhi did not expect that in the middle of it is completely different. Outside the red and the big and middle small, subtle and built of white marble.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

Near the fort was another magnificent building, which I had the pleasure of seeing-that is, Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosk. He was also built in the seventeenth century in and out of the red rocks and white marble. It is located fairly high on the mountain, reaching a height of 40m, has three grand entrance, four towers and a great main building with typical Muslim religion domes and minarets. After entering the main square (as always before taking off shoes) saw a large shallow pool in which people had washed their feet and faces. In moskach it continued teaching and I felt like “a completely different story” with Muslims around the bearded, praying and walking around the big square. I was there just before sunset and the whole building looked more beautiful.Mosk is able to accommodate 25,000 worshipers and is one of the holiest places in the whole of Delhi. It is immaterial here because of my interest in religion from the point of view of architecture, I believe that this is one of the phenomena of this country. Before entering the number of bearded, dressed traditionally Muslim came up to me and asked where I was from and my name. At the end we took pictures together. She was also a bad thing; so for taking pictures you had to pay and those who know me know that I do not like to pay. So I did a little tragedy before Mośki and one boy after a little tip allowed me to take some pictures, but of hiding. I thanked, put on his shoes, I saw pictures and said goodbye to this beautiful place. While the front of the mosque was a bustling bazaar and entertainment, which added to the charm.It is immaterial here because of my interest in religion from the point of view of architecture, I believe that this is one of the phenomena of this country. Before entering the number of bearded, dressed traditionally Muslim came up to me and asked where I was from and my name. At the end we took pictures together. She was also a bad thing; so for taking pictures you had to pay and those who know me know that I do not like to pay. So I did a little tragedy before Mośki and one boy after a little tip allowed me to take some pictures, but of hiding. I thanked, put on his shoes, I saw pictures and said goodbye to this beautiful place. While the front of the mosque was a bustling bazaar and entertainment, which added to the charm.It is immaterial here because of my interest in religion from the point of view of architecture, I believe that this is one of the phenomena of this country. Before entering the number of bearded, dressed traditionally Muslim came up to me and asked where I was from and my name. At the end we took pictures together. She was also a bad thing; so for taking pictures you had to pay and those who know me know that I do not like to pay. So I did a little tragedy before Mośki and one boy after a little tip allowed me to take some pictures, but of hiding. I thanked, put on his shoes, I saw pictures and said goodbye to this beautiful place. While the front of the mosque was a bustling bazaar and entertainment, which added to the charm.Muslims traditionally dressed approached me and asked where I was from and my name. At the end we took pictures together. She was also a bad thing; so for taking pictures you had to pay and those who know me know that I do not like to pay. So I did a little tragedy before Mośki and one boy after a little tip allowed me to take some pictures, but of hiding. I thanked, put on his shoes, I saw pictures and said goodbye to this beautiful place. While the front of the mosque was a bustling bazaar and entertainment, which added to the charm.Muslims traditionally dressed approached me and asked where I was from and my name. At the end we took pictures together. She was also a bad thing; so for taking pictures you had to pay and those who know me know that I do not like to pay. So I did a little tragedy before Mośki and one boy after a little tip allowed me to take some pictures, but of hiding. I thanked, put on his shoes, I saw pictures and said goodbye to this beautiful place. While the front of the mosque was a bustling bazaar and entertainment, which added to the charm.So I did a little tragedy before Mośki and one boy after a little tip allowed me to take some pictures, but of hiding. I thanked, put on his shoes, I saw pictures and said goodbye to this beautiful place. While the front of the mosque was a bustling bazaar and entertainment, which added to the charm.So I did a little tragedy before Mośki and one boy after a little tip allowed me to take some pictures, but of hiding. I thanked, put on his shoes, I saw pictures and said goodbye to this beautiful place. While the front of the mosque was a bustling bazaar and entertainment, which added to the charm.

With the Jama Masjid took a bicycle rickshaw and went to the Chandi Chowk, which is known in the Old Delhi bazaar. Unfortunately, he was very busy and loud and there were a lot of beggars who walked behind me in the running pace rickshaw asking for a few rupees. That was a very poor part of the city where life is not oszczędzało many people. They went barefoot and were very thin and maimed while stand beside smelled of spices and Indian food. There were also a lot of silk and paszminy but had to take into account the fact that Monica was not feeling too well and even I was not the place to be very interested. So I did a picture with the most interesting apot Muslims got into autorykszy and drove to Paharganj, which is our muck district in New Delhi.Luckily, this time the water was hot so we washed the supply of drawing water with a bucket full of hot water. That night Monika felt very bad after the local food because from now eat only cooked vegetables. I’m healthy but I have to take care of myself so as not to thwart the expedition. That evening we were very tired of Delhi and contact with rykszarzami so quickly went to sleep.

The next morning pospaliśmy longer because Monica still felt bad. Indian food gives her misery. After several surgeries and painful visits to the toilet went to the office to przerezerwować Emirates ticket. Monika was taken up to heaven, that the expedition will soon be over and will be able to return to their comfort and cleanliness. But first visited Pakistan and try to prepare her for this. But I canceled your date of return because he did not know how much longer I will take this trip yet. From there we went to the National Museum where we had a dilemma whether to enter, because the ticket for white people cost as much as 30 times more than for the Indians, or about three pounds. In England it’s here but I can pay for a couple of nights in a hotel. So I decided to play a comedy, which allowed me to save again.On either already in turn, try to buy a ticket for the price “for Hindus” I said to the usher: “Do you know how much my country gives money to your country?”. He said: “I do not know how much?”. I then: “I do not know exactly but certainly millions of dollars!” He thought it over for a moment and let us in for free. This conversation was better than the whole museum but inside was also interesting. The National Museum were rocks and sculptures in wood and paintings, masks and costumes of a secular and religious. Sculptures were especially noteworthy because the images were kept in the traditional style staroindyjskim, which means that almost all men were painted in profile. Comparing the play of European painting from the same period, European artists were incomparably more advanced.This museum was worth seeing and the same way I settled entrance made me visited by even better.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

With great satisfaction and good humor, after seeing the museum we went to see the symbolic gate to India. It is a great building in the shape of a triumphal arch in Paris, standing near the houses of parliament. The same is also in London and Laos. This is huge and was built of red sandstone. It includes up to 90 000 names of soldiers who died in the First World War. Around the park and was a big attraction houses of parliament but were sellers of kites and postcards. How could I expect to walk behind me pushing me long enough to force unnecessary things. In this way I had the opportunity to admire the Gate of India, at the same time testing each other mutual patience. Before we figured out darkness fell and we had to go back to the hotel. On the same day we were still in Connaught Place,which is part of the famous shopping and restaurants in the new part of town but I wanted to do it later and come here during the day. After returning to my district, I saw a dirty, it is finally a chance to eat meat. Around my hotel were bars on the street where the fried chicken on a large frying pan. When I asked why oil is so black, they told me that they add a special sauce and the oil is fresh because it is only four days. So I bought two portions and the last I ate.they told me that they add a special sauce and the oil is fresh because it is only four days. So I bought two portions and the last I ate.they told me that they add a special sauce and the oil is fresh because it is only four days. So I bought two portions and the last I ate.

Early the next morning I had had enough of dealing with rykszarzami because I took an organized tour visiting Delhi. This proved to be a good idea because it took us everywhere, I could see more than planned and saved money and nerves to rykszarzy. First we went to see the magnificent houses of the Indian Parliament where “danced” the cobra for us and then we saw a few temples. All were beautiful and built with marble, all also had great statues of elephants and of course we had before every take off your shoes. Interestingly, despite the fact that each of them was devoted to the same religion and had the same message, each was different and also beauty. Most of the day stuck in my memory and used to house the museum Indhiry Gandhi (nee Nehru). The museum was very interesting,It showed the political and private life of the Indian Prime Minister and unfortunately her death. It is in this museum in 1984, she was murdered by his political enemies. Indhira Ghandi traveled a lot and tried to establish peaceful relations with all the countries-also Polish. She met with Pope John Paul II and the Polish government received as a gift a plate with a white eagle emblems and Polish cities. In this museum was a lot of pictures of her with the leaders of other nations. On one photo from the 20’s (still as Indhira Nehru) was shown with Mahatmą Ghandi. They were shown the rooms where she worked, spent time with family and where she died. The museum was divided into two parts. Very large area was dedicated to her son-Rajivovi Ghandiemu,who was sworn in as Prime Minister of India in 1985 and was assassinated (as his mother) in 1991 by the explosion of a bomb. In both cases, they were shown the clothes that they wore on the day of the murder. The whole museum was very moving, and I could learn a lot about this very tragic period in Indian history. There were many pictures from space showing both the history of the world personalities. The selected part of the floor is also where the last time Indhira fell.The selected part of the floor is also where the last time Indhira fell.The selected part of the floor is also where the last time Indhira fell.

The funny part of our trip was dinner as we drove to the dirt rundown restaurant where the waiter was disgusting, big fat man, who had a stained apron and dirty hands. When I asked for a fork scraped the dirt with his fingernail and threw it to me on the table, then laughed at the whole pub. After dinner, I went up to him and also a loud voice I said that I believe it to be so beautiful that it wants to have a picture with him. He again laughed, hugged me and Monica immortalized the moment. I think that we were obviously highlight of the whole pub.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

A phenomenon seen yet in Delhi or architectural Community Haickiej temple, which was built in the shape of a lotus flower. So it nazywała- “Lotus Temple”. It was built on a large area and set up, surrounded by water and in the middle there was a lot of space. Irrespective of religion was for us something new and worth seeing. One of the highly recommended places in Delhi is also Qtab Minar, which is a collection of many ruins Moskow being the example of early Afghan architecture. The main tower was begun in 1193 and had a length of 73m. Around the tower is a lot of old Moskow and ruins that are remnants of the Afghan empire on the subcontinent. Many were beautifully carved pillars and although today not much has been preserved in its entirety, was still a remarkable object.Already I alluded to this period in history when I was in Mandu where he also survived Mośki the Afghan Empire.

Our last point was great, very high temple in honor of the Hare Krishna. From the outside, this temple was doing a great impression because it consisted not only of the great marble buildings but also with several tall and carved towers. In the midst of the people they enjoyed themselves in a circle and sang the same refrain: “Hare Krishna, a Hare Hare.” The central point was a large living room with marble and all around were the paintings and sculptures of Hindu gods. I became interested in a gallery of images showing their chief god Shiva. I noticed that every picture he was presented with a number of women who usługiwały him. Asystowały him in the bath and fed fruit. This can best be seen reflected in the lives of Indian families. I’ll be back here once again to arranged marriages, which makes a man can do what he wants,a woman has nothing to say and the children are the product and not the fruit of love, because those people who are said to have a sleep. I wonder how this country has improved since the basic cell of the social, which is the family’s socio-religious misunderstanding.

Some say that arranged marriages are good because they ensure the safety of the woman, but in my opinion, does not guarantee anything. I also noticed a few new things in the Indians. Many of them dyed hair red. Pencil mustache and the beard. In addition to the hideous habit of chewing tobacco, which have very bad teeth, often reddish-brown. Often when talking with me and I try to explain something politely, they turn their heads to spit back. Here is the habit of turning your head from side to side. It means “yes :,” no “or” I have no idea what you’re talking about “community this is probably the last one. The same gesture was also carried out in Nepal.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

Going back to my last temple, unfortunately our tour left us there without saying that depart. On top of this there Monika left his backpack with very important things. Very quickly we took autorykszę So, we called the office and to our hotel and after many long and complex adventures were able to recover the backpack and its contents. It would be a great loss because there were, for example, our pictures on the background of the panorama of Hong Kong at night. Hurrying to pick up the backpack we were unlucky because we took a rickshaw driver, who had just arrived in Delhi and did not know the city. Fortunately, everything ended well.

The next day we woke up later in Delhi to Monika alone could eat a light breakfast because it still hurt a little stomach. Then we went to the Pakistani embassy to pick up our visas. It was another exotic visa, which announced the next great adventure. I was happy and Monica are simply afraid. That day we still see the last thing that is the tomb of Mahatma Gandhi. Having had enough autorykszarzy, we began to travel the city’s bus and subway very modern which was big fun. Gandhi’s Tomb was built of black marble, housed in a large park far away from the center and there was a lot of visitors. Throughout the grave are fresh flowers and lit a flame, a sign that the father of the nation is still alive in the hearts of Indians.Before entering the place where he was buried Gandhi had to take off your shoes and then behaved quietly. You see, it was a very special place and the park itself was very well maintained. Poleżeliśmy a little on the grass and then returned to the local bus Paharganj.

After a few days we were tired of Delhi and I felt that I visited already what I was interested in and we could go on the journey. That same evening I went to eat chapatis and even drink when wireless and we had to take some time to prepare for departure. Our trip was very nervous, because we could not get out of our neighborhood near New Delhi station. But we train from the Old Delhi where conajmiej journey takes half an hour and this evening was a big traffic jam. I found so mad autorykszarza, who drove us there for five minutes before the departure of the train, all the time riding on the signal, and pushing out where and how random. This was our crazy driving in Delhi, which was unique and breakneck attraction of this city. When I got to the station,We departed from the first platform and stood until the seventeenth. Luckily we spotted a porter who took a very heavy suitcase Monica on your turban, and ran up the stairs, then over all seventeen platforms and again down, threw our luggage on the train at the time when he started he departed. Then I threw the moving train Monika and her big suitcase and a porter jumped behind me and demanded payment, but he was obviously not enough. Behind me, the Indians gave him 20 rupees because I had minor with Monika had not yet been any contact since after this rally has not yet been to each other. Then the porter jumped out as the train began to accelerate and I went to see the passengers as we were once again a major attraction of the whole car.who took a very heavy suitcase Monica on your turban, and ran up the stairs, then over all seventeen platforms and again down, threw our luggage on the train at the time when he started he departed. Then I threw the moving train Monika and her big suitcase and a porter jumped behind me and demanded payment, but he was obviously not enough. Behind me, the Indians gave him 20 rupees because I had minor with Monika had not yet been any contact since after this rally has not yet been to each other. Then the porter jumped out as the train began to accelerate and I went to see the passengers as we were once again a major attraction of the whole car.who took a very heavy suitcase Monica on your turban, and ran up the stairs, then over all seventeen platforms and again down, threw our luggage on the train at the time when he started he departed. Then I threw the moving train Monika and her big suitcase and a porter jumped behind me and demanded payment, but he was obviously not enough. Behind me, the Indians gave him 20 rupees because I had minor with Monika had not yet been any contact since after this rally has not yet been to each other. Then the porter jumped out as the train began to accelerate and I went to see the passengers as we were once again a major attraction of the whole car.He threw our luggage on the train at the time when he started he departed. Then I threw the moving train Monika and her big suitcase and a porter jumped behind me and demanded payment, but he was obviously not enough. Behind me, the Indians gave him 20 rupees because I had minor with Monika had not yet been any contact since after this rally has not yet been to each other. Then the porter jumped out as the train began to accelerate and I went to see the passengers as we were once again a major attraction of the whole car.He threw our luggage on the train at the time when he started he departed. Then I threw the moving train Monika and her big suitcase and a porter jumped behind me and demanded payment, but he was obviously not enough. Behind me, the Indians gave him 20 rupees because I had minor with Monika had not yet been any contact since after this rally has not yet been to each other. Then the porter jumped out as the train began to accelerate and I went to see the passengers as we were once again a major attraction of the whole car.Behind me, the Indians gave him 20 rupees because I had minor with Monika had not yet been any contact since after this rally has not yet been to each other. Then the porter jumped out as the train began to accelerate and I went to see the passengers as we were once again a major attraction of the whole car.Behind me, the Indians gave him 20 rupees because I had minor with Monika had not yet been any contact since after this rally has not yet been to each other. Then the porter jumped out as the train began to accelerate and I went to see the passengers as we were once again a major attraction of the whole car.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

A few days stay in the capital of this charming country was for me a very interesting experience. I liked the monuments and temples of Delhi but without a doubt I will be remembered most pleasant atmosphere of this city. Its chaos and dirt they added humor to the place, though, for the average Indian, they were a tragedy. Many travelers purposely avoids Delhi because they do not like big cities and do not want to spend even a few days in the polluted capital. However, this is a big mistake because Delhi offers a chance for a better understanding of India and its history. For me it was the first but not the last encounter with this city. On the way from Pakistan to come back I would have to set aside Monica Airport. So far, Delhi was a unique experience and I loved it.

Punjab and Haryana

Pathankot

This time we drove all night cold north-to Pathankot, where there is absolutely nothing. It is a town that is only used for changing trains from Delhi and the road was long and cold as it approached the Himalayas. It was evident that Pathankot was particularly poor because there was not the tourists who leave with their dollars. The streets were dark and very dirty and the people are extremely poor. Even in this cold climate bicycle rickshaw driver they had only flip flops on your feet and those who could afford it were also socks. From the station it took us a bicycle rickshaw driver, who was not on his rickshaw seats only plywood. Driving through Pathankot saw this miserable surroundings and the whole village eyes staring at us. Monika was already quite far expedition. In the end, when we arrived at the station I saw a rusty dingy buses standing in a swamp.So I missed the puddles and I put our suitcases inside. After a few minutes the bus coughed and slowly moved. This time were heading to the state of Himachal Pradesh, the towns of McLeod Ganj and Dharamsala. The journey there was always a hard and long but the views of the Himalayas although to a small extent compensated for the effort. Along the way, fortunately, we stopped several times when wireless and chapatis. Again it began to be beautiful and the air was crystal clear.Again it began to be beautiful and the air was crystal clear.Again it began to be beautiful and the air was crystal clear.

Himachal Pradesh

McLeod Ganj and Dharamsala

Dharamsala consists of two towns spaced a distance of about 4km mountains. It is McLoed Ganj and Dharamsala. Dharamsala is best known as the home of the Dalai Lama, but the interest in this city is rather small and the majority of tourists (we also) goes to McLoed Ganj. When in 1951 Chińska Republika Ludowa has conducted “cultural revolution” in Tibet (read, he invaded Tibet and murdered thousands of Tibetans and robbed the country and destroyed the good religious and national), that’s when many of them (the Dalai Lama) fled from Tibet to a small town in India-Dharamsala and asked for refugee status. Of course, many did not survive the journey through the icy Himalayas. There were many amputations because of frostbite and many died along the way.Now I do not want history to remind everyone exactly as told in my first reportage about Tibet.

McLoed Ganj we went to see where most traces of Tibetan culture and art. You can buy souvenirs and clothes modeled on Tibetan, there are many Buddhist monks and everything associated with Tibet. Lives are also a lot of Tibetan people and they have their shops and restaurants which makes it today is a very nice town but unfortunately very commercial. Both Dharamsala and McLoed Ganj are very small and consist only of a few streets. They are mounted on the edge of the mountains, where there is a nice view of the Himalayas and the eagles flying high.

When after many hours of driving through the icy Himalayas got to McLeod Ganj, we took our big suitcases and went to look for the hotel. We came across a fairly decent guest house but the inside was almost as cold as the outside. However, the host gave us more blankets and hot tea and it was fine although the night was so cold that we had to sleep in clothes and could not fall asleep right away. Of course, the hot water was not here the question. In McLeod Ganj, there are three places that I have left the most memory and that must-see. The first is very touching Tibet museum, which displays pictures and videos and interviews, when China had its march through Lhasa, the Potala Palace in the background when they beat Tibetans in Tibet and changed the state police, which is today. The whole thing was very moving for me especially,because a month ago I was in Tibet and Lhasa, and I could feel how Tibet is managed and what’s really going on. I drove from Lhasa, Tibet to the border with Nepal and have thus a broad picture of how the great harm done to the Chinese people there. Museum McLoed Ganj was a complement to everything and allowed me to have a closer look into this matter as in Tibet and throughout China’s history is falsified and the Tibetans are a minority in their own country.Museum McLoed Ganj was a complement to everything and allowed me to have a closer look into this matter as in Tibet and throughout China’s history is falsified and the Tibetans are a minority in their own country.Museum McLoed Ganj was a complement to everything and allowed me to have a closer look into this matter as in Tibet and throughout China’s history is falsified and the Tibetans are a minority in their own country.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

The second place is the Tibetan Government in Exile, which is a rather symbolic and consists of several small buildings and a temple styled on Tibetan architecture. To get there we had to go to Gangchen Kyishong located about two kilometers down between Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj. Also there is the Museum of Cultural Tibet, but other than that it is the last. Here they were shown the coins and stamps from the time when Tibet was free and coins, figurines and religious manuscripts, which could carry the monks from Tibet before the Chinese occupation. There is also a very interesting here in the library is a collection of Tibetan books and manuscripts translated into English and several other European languages. Let me remind you that the monks were able to save about 40% of its dzedzictwa cultural,including the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa. Next it was also interesting monastère Nechung constructed in typical manner Tibetan. It was small but it was a nice addition to the rest of the objects, and curiously looked at the background of mountains. When today send a postcard from Tibet, I have to buy a postage stamp from China and the postcard on the other hand is written “Tibet-beautiful province in the south-west part of China.” I send postcards from Tibet but each time on the back skreślałem “Chińska Republika Ludowa.” Houses of the Tibetan government were a nice place of a symbolic nature, showing that independent Tibet still exists somewhere. Just as the museum described at the beginning, it was a sad place. But he was a nice walk because we could walk in the mountains, meet some monks,see donkeys at work and eat a small snack Houses near the Tibetan Government. We also visited a few hours same Dharamsala but it was dirty and dull. We walked the main street and probably the only village and visited Kotwali bazaar, but I was not charmed. I think that is definitely interesting McLeod Ganj.

The third place was the official residence of the Dalai Lama. It was also a modest house but security guards. I read there that see with him is possible, but to do this you need to write an application at least one month in advance and provide the reason for the visit and the topic of conversation. Due to the very tight schedule of the Dalai Lama it is very difficult and many applications are rejected. In addition to the temples were Tsuglagkhang and Kalachakra, which is another great evidence of the strong presence of Tibetan culture in this small town. The first is the equivalent of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa and also the most important temple in McLeod Ganj.

McLoed Ganj and Dharamsala is not only a sad story. It is primarily a place where you can relax in the Himalayas, a breath of fresh air, eat well and look at the sky in search of eagles. The rest of our time here was spent wandering around the town. We went to several small temples, We were from the mountains and tried Tibetan food. I bought a goat cheese and homemade bread. On the street were pictures of the Dalai Lama and the local bazaar offer a range of attractions. Local shops were wonderfully stocked with handmade carpets, ornaments and much more.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

In McLeod Ganj also I met with Jamesa Bonda theme. Here is a restaurant where he ate and Pierce Brosnan hangs a poster where “the choice of Jamesa Bonda Pierce Brosnan-007.” The first time I met with this in Udaipur in Rajasthan state where the recorded fragments of the “Octopussy” with Roger Moore. On this occasion, every evening the movie was shown. The town and the surrounding area spent a couple of days, though, you can not stay here any longer because there are many things to do and thus a lot of money to spend. For example, there are courses in Tibetan language, Tibetan cooking as well as meditation and certainly many others. If someone did not want to walk alone in the mountains, then you can spend thousands of rupees and travel agency will certainly be able to help.

McLeod Ganj and all you saw on the way to Dharamsala was worth the long journey but it was also a good repetition of the sad history of Tibet. Although the whole area is in India with India, however, he has little in common. I would rather say that it is a Himalayan enclave of Tibet in Exile.

The road from McLeod Ganj to Amritsar – my sad observation

The next day I threw our heavy suitcases on the roof of the bus and left McLeod Ganj. For the second time we have had a long and cold ride through the Himalayas to finally get to Pathankot and finally stretch his legs. On the site I was able to forcibly push the box office and then spent another two hours in the cold and dark station. I tried several suspects dishes here Monika though, just in case she would not be tempted. Then rode the train or cell iron on iron wheels. We had to spend that night in the cold and wooden seats. When we got to the car I saw a dirty, everywhere that the hulls were nuts because they are the cheapest and people are often malnourished. For example, those who can not afford to assume warm shoes warm socks and flip-flops to go there for the winter.Being on the train saw the image of the Indian family. Married with three children, all patients inadequately dressed for the season and hungry. The children slept on the floor and coughed and parents did not care because we were in terrible condition. When we gave them paracetamol they did not know what it is. I see it all and I know that I can not change the world, even if I wanted to help each of them. All these very poor people riding with us, malnourished and dressed not the time of year will never be able to get out of here. I live near them, I travel with them and what they eat but this is just my own choice. At any time I can get out and stop this kind of life. However, they do not have that choice and will forever live in this way. That’s the difference. Eventually,tired but curious new experiences we arrived at Amritsar.

Punjab

Amritsar and the Golden Temple

After three hours of driving a train arrived at Amristar in Punjab state lying just 30km from the border with Pakistan. We were there around midnight so we took the first and the cheapest but good hotel. It was warmer than in Dharamsala, but it was not hot water. Fortunately, the next morning we got a bucket of boiling water and could wash up. Monika longer felt well and was happy again, though, as always, some complained.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

After leaving the city on the street did not look exceptional. It was just as dirty and crowded as everywhere else and sacred cows lay in the middle of the road and traffic stemmed. After a moment, he rode an old bicycle rickshaw driver with a long beard and a turban on the head of which we took to the city center. Skipping the sacred cows, and being an attraction for passers-by got to the place for which all lived in Amritsar. Amristar is a very famous city in India because there is a famous Golden Temple, which is the largest religious center of the Sikhs. Sikhism is a religion derived from the combination of Islam and Hinduism and is very widespread in the region. Golden Temple is a magical place and I think that spiritually there is a much better atmosphere than the Taj Mahal. The architecture is a combination of Islamic and Hindu temples.Golden temple is located on an island in the middle of a large body of water and around the water are other temples and palaces. It is a meeting place for many pilgrims from India, Pakistan and now even and Polish. For the construction of this temple was used until 750 kg of gold and is next to Taj Mahal one of the most important national heritages of India, although it is not so famous in the world.

Before entering the temple as always we had to take off your shoes here but we had a foot wash and wear scarves on their heads. When we first saw the Golden Temple were enthralled. Everywhere prayers being heard beautiful music and people walked around the pond where the center of the island became the Golden Temple. Some bathed, swam next big carp in one place was a concert followers of this religion which was not only beautiful and introducing into the mood of the place but also a stimulant to life. The way they sang and played the violin was unique, and I’m not able to determine. All the while in India I am experiencing wonderful moments, which are interwoven with those unpleasant and which can not be concealed. The highlight of course was the entrance to the Golden Temple.She stood there a long queue of people and obediently waited their turn. Before entering the queue each got a sweet dish on a plate with banana leaves and then we all sang denying their prayers, which were broadcast by megaphone. I felt great and the magic of the place, ie. People who are around me, praying, singing in front of me with a gold statue, people floating around in the lake-all it was like a different, better, fairy-tale world. When he finally walked in, there again, and played and sang in such a way that it was easy to shrug but for me it was not a religion but beautiful art. People brought gifts in decorative cloth and sang along with them. Golden Temple from the inside was even more beautiful. Every detail was meticulously executed,All decorations were like a beautiful mosaic issuing impossible to accomplish. Throughout the bearded Sikhs as a way to sing their prayers. When I left the Golden Temple was a gentle breeze at me a little awaked and allowed just think about what I witnessed. Taj Mahal was beautiful in every way, but also very commercial, but the Golden Temple was not only beautiful but also had a soul. It was really beautiful!

The second thing I saw was a park in Amritsar Jallianwala where in 1919 nearly 400 Indians were killed and about 1,500 were wounded. In the state of Punjab in India during the British military prison it has been given the right of Indians without a trial. It was then that peacefully 2000 people began to protest against this, as one British generals returned fire an unarmed and peaceful crowd set. Then Mahatma Ghandi said he did not want any more to negotiate and make peace agreements with the government as satanic as British. Today, this park stands a monument commemorating this event in some parts are still bullet holes. I also visited the gallery showing the event.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

In Amritsar we stay another night and this morning because I spent time writing and reportage on preparing for our trip to Pakistan. I also saw some interesting temples and dragged through the city because it always gives the most realistic picture of the surroundings. In the vicinity of the Golden Temple natrafłem a restaurant where the naan was the best since the Lhasa and sold next to probably the best ice cream on the subcontinent. After a day of sightseeing we came back to his cold room richer in new experiences.

Amritsar was very interesting because even without seeing the sights give you the opportunity to know the real image of India. This is the usual ordinary city, which gives poor people to feel what this country really is. Golden Temple but was by far one of the best experiences of my trip and mentally was the only of its kind. The very location of the city is also very convenient because it is located only 30km from Pakistan which is very positive, the last contact with India before entering a new country.

Attari Road to the border with Pakistan

The next morning we left our big luggage at the hotel, we took with him only a backpack and went to a local bus in the direction of the border. The bus, however, had the last stop in the town of Attari, a few kilometers before the border, and therefore there took rickshaw. This time we came across a young boy who pedaled very quickly and then very pleased with the tip. Coming to the border rickshaw I thought about everything I experienced so far in India. My life was like a dream adventure and wanted to continue. When we pulled up under his rickshaw abroad, restaurateurs actually seated at the table and began to offer food. I tried a few things but unfortunately this time though Luga were very nice and cheerful, the food was nasty. After a while we went through the Indian immigration office, and we were already in Pakistan.Border itself is the most spectacular and theatrical world, but what we offer and what happened to me there was no longer on the Pakistani side, so I’ll talk about this in the next reportage.

Summary of my first trip to India

It ended my first trip to India. I saw beautiful things, tragic and impossible to believe. I experienced culture shock, shrugged and nervous but each time it was a country worth every moment. I come back soon again to complete the rest of my trip, but it could be a completely different world as midnight can be very different from the south. Even in the north every state is different from each other almost as much as if it was a different country. The first month spent in India, I was able to ride without unpleasant experience and no food poisoning. Also, all the bad stories about the Indians turned out to be untrue or were greatly exaggerated. Despite the dirt and often difficult conditions in this country, every time I was charmed by everything around me. Temples, food, sacred cows, human beliefs,beautiful art and many other things made up the unique whole of this magical country.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

These reports of my trip to India concern the potentially most interesting, the best and most attractive places for the traveler in the northern part of the country in addition to Calcutta and its surroundings. This part of India, as well as southern India see after returning from Pakistan.

On the way to Calcutta

In this chapter I’m going to describe my adventures from the border with Pakistan until reaching Calcutta. This will be the story of the road, which begins in Attari through Amritsar and Delhi all the way to Calcutta.

After full of surprises Pakistan returned to the border in Attari. Onion supply was again and again hundreds of bearded Indians carried a big bags on their heads. Once officially I was in India, the same as the previous owner of the pub began to persuade me to eat but I had had enough of his specialties, and besides, I wanted at the time. It was unfortunately the last two days Monica and I had to deliver it to the airport in Delhi the next day. From the border we took a taxi to Amritsar to pick up luggage from the hostel and to bathe, eat, and repack. I also had to buy a ticket which was very difficult because all of us wanted to make a fortune. All tickets were sold out because of burden in a big panic, running around the bus companies I managed to buy the last two places. I was glad that I was able to because it meantMonika does not miss that flight. But then she could only sit with folded hands instead of acting. We walked for a moment that the last time to see the Golden Temple and then quickly had to leave Amritsar. I remember that riding a bicycle rickshaw to the bus, we drove up the hill and Monica with luggage sitting on a rickshaw while I was with the rickshaw driver were pushing forward ladyship. Monika was then worried that he might not make it to the flight but I made her laugh and get to the bus on time. We traveled all night by bus after potholed Indian roads and we were in Delhi at seven in the morning. Bus parked in Old Delhi so once again we saw Fort and Jama Masjid. Monika urged me, however, because they do not have the time and the airport was quite far away.So I finished his when wireless and immediately took autorykszę and then with all the luggage we went to the airport. There was considerable, but we were able to cap about half an hour before the gate closure. Since I was not allowed to enter the airport Monika went alone to give your luggage and then came back to me. Goodbye for a while and I said to have gone in the direction of the aircraft. That was the last time I saw her for the rest of the trip and I’ll be alone, as it alone started. I think I’m happy and Monica should be happy. I moved her safely through China, Tibet, Nepal, northern part of India and Pakistan. By countries that are beautiful and exotic but also very unstable and ryzykowałaby woman traveling here alone. I organized everything and really cared about her and saw a lot more than planned in the beginning.There were places where it was very hard for some time and she complained every day. I am glad that flew to London where he will be able to relax away from the poor developing countries, especially that imposed upon a fairly fast pace.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

From the airport by public bus I came back and lived in the same hotel as before. My plan was to spend one night only because I was in a hurry to Calcutta but unfortunately there were no seats on the train. So I bought a ticket for the next day to finally get to the other end of India. For nearly two days in Delhi, I not visited. Only lost nights sleep it off and I brought to order, also has endorsed, I read and slept again. Also I came after Paharganj and drinking in a local pub when wireless planning the rest of the expedition. I still have a lap of India and the limited time I had. I wanted to make good use of my last days in Delhi so I went to Government emporia or the luxury shopping of Indian art. They were near Paharganj and it was the most multi-storey houses “obciekające wealth.”In the middle were the most beautiful carpets, sculptures, jewelry, paintings, paintings on marble tiles and many other beautiful things. Unfortunately, the prices were very exorbitant and therefore did not buy anything. All the salons were also richly decorated and the seller really trying to sell me something. They did not know, however, that talking with a very economical tourist. Also I went to the famous bazaar street at Connaught Square where things were similar, but much cheaper. It was just in my style because I love art and at the same time I am very cheap. Anyway Emporia and Connaught Square was my last experience in Delhi. These two days were a time of rest, which I and Monika are desperately needed, but that was not given to us to have. The penultimate day of the year I got on the train at 7:30 in the morning, and this time I did not have to rush.The train was not a luxury but of course it was quite nice because I could relax again. I was also amused Muslims who prayed five times a day for voice, knelt touching foreheads to the floor and then sang aloud verses from the Koran. I conducted a long conversation with them about Islam and my trip but did not find much agreement. They tried to persuade me that I also converted to Islam but did not use this tempting offer. The next day at 6.30 am already Muslims began his concert. They sang for the rest of your prayers throat but still did not stop me in a dream. Finally, after 25 hours and one quarter of an hour the train arrived in Calcutta and I had to wake up. And finally, Muslims began to hug me and say how nice it was to meet me,and then I began my new adventure in Calcutta ………

West Bengal

Calcutta

(This article includes descriptions of the Mother Teresa’s Dying Home of Calcutta and describes terrible poverty.)

Calcutta is the former capital and played a huge role in the history of British India. The British built a mini London with cathedrals, churches and gardens on the banks of the river. Calcutta is the capital of the state of West Bengal and lived here more than 13 million people and the main language is Bengali and Hindi the national language. When the increased determination of independence, the British were forced to move to Delhi the capital of India in 1912. Today Kolkata is most often associated with suffering, because this city is so stylish especially by the Western media. Here most of his life working famous Mother Teresa z Kalkuty, who helped the poorest. Calcutta is not the only city suffering. It has to offer beautiful monuments left by the British colonization, gardens,temples and social life-as though I have not picked up. It is true that in Calcutta is very much crippled beggars, living on the streets and waiting to die. There are also pedophilia and borrowing dealings with slum children to beg on the streets and prostitution. This does not mean that it looks like the whole city, but misery (as everywhere in India) can be seen here at every step.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

After leaving the station I knew that Calcutta will be the only of its kind. I saw a huge crowd and queue yellow cabs and big shit. Even the air seemed gray with dirt. After wytargowaniu price for a taxi drove on Sudder Street street or cheap hotels where a lot of tourists. On the way I passed, among others, the 450 meters long Howrah Bridge, which is also the busiest bridge in the world. My yellow cab drove me straight on Sudder Street, full of cheap hotels, pubs and all kinds of cantors. This time I took a fabulously inexpensive room, which was up fifteen beds and one toilet with cold water and all the rest of it was very cheap. After checking out, I could not begin to organize your onward journey because it was New Year’s Eve and then New Year.So I went to eat something cheaper pub where the food was good but a little pervy waiters and the kitchen even scared me. Chefs have stains on their shirts unless all the dishes, then stink, steel barefoot in the mud and spit and paint the walls had not seen for ages. After a lovely breakfast we went to visit and first went to the grand palace built in honor of Queen Victoria, the former empress of India. The palace was converted into a museum and lay in the big garden. In the middle there were many monuments and sculptures of the British, who played an important role in the history of India and right at the entrance was a large statue of Queen Victoria. The palace was huge and impressive but not this got me thinking.The British were invaders in India and Indians received their independence but today stands a large statue of Queen Victoria and the palace is named after her. For comparison, I would not want to Warsaw erected a monument to Stalin. The object was curious, impressively built, and definitely worth a look. He was all white and covered with a high dome. I spent a good time walking around the gardens and the palace and the people sought contact with me and wished me a happy new year. So far, Calcutta liked though as usual it was a huge contrast between poverty and the beauty of the palace of Victoria.I spent a good time walking around the gardens and the palace and the people sought contact with me and wished me a happy new year. So far, Calcutta liked though as usual it was a huge contrast between poverty and the beauty of the palace of Victoria.I spent a good time walking around the gardens and the palace and the people sought contact with me and wished me a happy new year. So far, Calcutta liked though as usual it was a huge contrast between poverty and the beauty of the palace of Victoria.

Along the way, also I ascended to Eden or to a nice garden with a lake, where there was a pagoda from Burma, brought to Calcutta in 1856. I spent about half an hour but the park did not classify the historical place. Rather, it is quiet and clean and green traffic angle and dirty Calcutta.

From there I went underground to see another object. The same metro was very old and looked poorly but zawiozło me where I wanted to. After leaving the station and walked a few shabby streets got to the Marble Palace. Until the end I was not sure if I can go in there because it required permission from the Bengal Visitor Center. But I gave the guard a few rupees and was admitted to the center. The palace itself was very neglected garden was nice, but most importantly, in the garden was a small zoo where there were various species of hoofed mammals, and parrots. Unfortunately not let me in because it was too little too late. The area of ​​the Marble Palace was a nice place to rest but does not classify it to special attractions.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

One of the patients in The Mother Teresa’s Dying Home in Calcutta.

Very easy for me to move the Calcutta subway because it is fast. It is not as nice and new as in Delhi but fulfills its function. A very good means of transport are also yellow taxis. As in New York, only that they have 30 or more years. Even if you do not have to go anywhere, I think the big attraction is the ride and crazy taxi driver spitting out of the window, because the traffic here does not take prisoners. A taxi speeding through the streets of Calcutta is not always ignoring the lights or pedestrians and my driver, for example, do not always staring at the road. The most tragic mode of transport in Calcutta but rickshaws are powered by human strength. These rickshaws look like plows with seats in the back, which pulls very thin, usually old and barefoot rickshaw driver.All of them are very poor and very skinny because they can not afford good food, clothes and shoes which often is very sad. In India, old people do not have pensions and many work very hard until death or left to rot in the streets.

My intention in this city was also getting a visa to Bangladesh but because of the new year, everything was delayed. Calcutta is a city where, despite the noise and dirt can relax. This is where a lot of bars are sold juices and lassi (yogurt, fruit), you can eat fruit on plates with leaves and drink the juice of sugar cane (accurately described in my coverage of Cambodia). But every time you see the omnipresent misery. In the place where I live is a luxury hotel right in front of him sleeping beggars with their faces on the ground, hands-withdrawing after minor. Some sleep under the oilcloth supported sticks. Those who do not even have it, sleep on the ground and eat from time to time. There are also many cripples of all kinds. Last seen on the train “spider man”, because he had the legs limp and broken hips back so that his knees had the ears.He moves the scrubbing butt on the ground.

After the first part of the tour I went to the Kaligat station, to the famous temple in honor of the goddess Kali. Kali is Shiva’s first wife, and is the goddess of death. The temple itself was a temple of filth, people pushing without any flares and throwing flowers on the ugly figure of Kali. For them, it is a sacred place where the miserable. There is, of course, a bazaar where Kali portraits and the rest of the saints are sold and “sacred” sweets are made. I was glad when these poor candy salesmen gave me a “holy” candy. It can be seen that the sight of a white man makes them happy just as I am happy to be in their surroundings. Kaligat and the Temple of Kali are definitely crazy places to visit. Of course, before the entrance are the priests of the congregants who want to lead everywhere and explain everything for a tip – “bakshish.” The temple of Kali was a very good experience, but also the Nimal Hriday, the home of the dying Mother Teresa. I walked in and saw the poor, crippled people who had a place to hide or where to die. I also saw many portraits of Mother Teresa and the pictures on which she was with Pope John Paul II. The whole place was very tragic and the things that I saw were just an introduction to what I was going to see later. I asked one of my sisters if I could work as a volunteer until I left Calcutta for what she said I had to register at Mother’s House. I thanked and left with the intention of undertaking this work. It was late and I returned to the hotel. I had time for my thoughts after the first day of fascinating experiences with some banana drinks.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

The next day I hired a racer to drive me to register for the Mother House. I mean, the man who was not even standing on his shoes sat me on his rink, then grabbed her for two long balls and ran two kilometers in this way. For me it was a very unusual and tragic sight although in Calcutta it was on the agenda. On the way I saw many such; old, lean and barefoot, quickly pulling their ricks and fighting for survival. On the way I saw the sad realism of this city – the dirty and neglected streets and their countless poor people. People live in harmony here because there was a mosque and a Hindu temple while there were rubbish dumps next to the sacred cows. It takes only ten minutes to ride the rickshaw in the streets of Calcutta to realize how lucky it is that I’m a Pole. My ruler pulled me to my destination and gave him 50 rupees and he was happy. I visited the whole Mother’s House where was the tomb of Mother Teresa and the museum devoted to it. Here were also many photos of the Polish pope and others when he helped the poor. There were no dying people here although the house was very sad in its own way. In Calcutta there are many houses of Mother Teresa where sisters take care of the homeless, disabled, very often also children. As a curiosity I can add that Mother Teresa was not born in Calcutta, but she went there and stayed. She was born in 1910 in Albania, in the city of Skopje in today’s Macedonia. It turned out that there were a lot of young people from all over the world of all ages who wanted to offer their help to those who were not so lucky as they were. There were people from the USA, Korea, many from Italy, Australia and Germany and again only one from Poland. On the same day I came to the city to get to know them better. For example, when I was on the field, I saw children and older people playing cricket. But when they invited me to play, it did not last long because everyone started begging for money. I saw that although these children were not beggars every day, they were all opportunists and begged when they had the opportunity. The same was true in the countries of East Asia and it did not matter whether it was Cambodia or Sumatra. I had to leave the field quickly as a crowd of outstretched hands gathered.

In the evening I went to Millenium Park but again I was disappointed. The place itself was interesting, but I forgot that in Calcutta there are more than 13 million people. The park was so overcrowded that it was impossible to pass. There were boat trips on the river, but when I saw this nasty boat and the shore full of trash, I thought I was just going to walk. But the gate to the park was the best. Well before the entrance were the railway tracks where the trains normally run and although the barriers were deserted, people were still pushing. Among other things, there are so many amputations that are still visible in the streets and earlier in the house of the dying Mother Teresa. Here I was also not unnoticed because people wanted to take pictures with me. The next day I went to the Bangladesh consulate but there was a Muslim holiday and I was told to come the next day. I was disappointed because I wanted to go to a new place but unfortunately I could not do anything about it. On the way to the hotel I walked up to the famous Calcutta Park Street Cemetery where magnificent tombs even come from the late seventeenth century. It is a very historic place where people are buried directly influencing the colonization of India. Many monuments had a very massive, interesting shape which introduced into a specific mood. I think it is a very good graveyard of the colonial past of India. I wanted to have someone take a picture here but it took me a long time without a better result. Most of these people never even had a camera in their hands and did not know how it worked. Upon returning to my suburban hotel and after a short nap I went to the “dying house” of Mother Teresa. It was a shocking experience. I took care of people who were dying, crippled and had nothing, even their own clothes. Some were fed because they were not able to, others gave water and others threw themselves for biscuits. The worst thing is that all these tragedies would be avoided if they were not born in India. One man, for example, had a quarrel with his family, so they flattened him with gasoline and set fire to him. Another had amputated feet as the train passed over them. Feet was to save if he had money but he lived on the street. If he had access to medical care, he would have recovered, but he had only tucked them in a dirty cloth. Then came the plague and the feet had to be amputated. Before, I did not realize that the human body could be in such a terrible state. One man was paralyzed and for months he was lying on the same side. Because of that, the skin had no access to oxygen, and so terrible scorching was that the nurse with me had removed it with a scalpel so she could grow a new one. Physically it is light work but mentally it is a shocking experience. I could not take pictures but it did not work out. I did what I could to help. I fed a blind man who could not move himself and only opened his mouth when he felt food was coming. Now I know why this house is called the house of the dying. This is not to save someone because there is no chance of it. The main goal is to provide people with any conditions before they die. Only two people died during my change!

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

After work I went to the chapel to talk with other volunteers. We drank tea and came out with a mind full of new experiences. It’s different when I see these people in the street and otherwise when I am in a hospital where they are infirm and they die a moment. I thought if I could, I would come here before leaving. The next day I went to the Consulate of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to finally apply for a visa and pick it up the next day. It cost me only 10 pounds but the Americans pay as usual the most. This visa costs them as much as £ 60.

The next day in the afternoon I went to work for the “dying house”. This time it was even more dramatic than before. First, I helped knot the coffin with the corpse in the middle and then I helped her out. Then I fed those who were not able to eat and poured water and powdered water. The work was a lot because when I looked after one underside, the other was jerking me behind my pants because I wanted something too. I gave all the food and did everything that was in my power but here you can never do enough. I also realized that there was no longer a man I was feeding yesterday because today it was his coffin I knocked and then carried out. I had a moment of doubt about why I was doing it, and then all the time someone was dying. One day I care about them and I serve and the other I visit them in the dead room. For me it is not only the “house of the dying” but also the “home of the living dead” because so many people here look.Today I witnessed how very these people are paralyzed, frail and also unconscious and mentally ill. Many of them did not know why they had to take powders. I saw today a man who had an open wound on his foot but did not heal. He lived in a street where he wound a plastic bag and after two months spread the disease that the worms ate his leg. Today, the volunteers discovered that they had no longer had half their feet, and therefore their tweezers pulled dead meat from the worms. I joined myself, but after a short time I dug into the bone and I have to admit that drawing dead meat from someone else’s leg was the most abrasive thing I have ever done, even though traveling so long I have seen a great filth. Such and other stupid dramas are here on the agenda. It can not be stopped because in a world in which I am now no social help. These people have no conditions for life, education, medical and social care. I’m talking about the whole subcontinent now, and this hospital is just a show of how it really is. Last but not least, I did some pictures with the patients but only with those who were able to pick up. I thanked the sisters for their cooperation and left the “house of the dying”. I felt I had done something good and that I completed one of my expedition plans. I think every day in this place teaches me humility and respect for everything that surrounds me. Well, I was able to stand it because many mentally unable to cope. After finishing my work, I took the subway to the hotel, read and took care of myself with another banana drink.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

The next day I was happy to go get my visa to Bangladesh and as I predicted, I could not expect miracles in this extremely poor country. I received the visa only for a period of up to 10 days because I asked for it and the visa was in the form of a stamp on the whole page and not a nice sticker. (Not what in Laos – a poor country but a great visa!) The Bangladeshi Consulate also looked like a building intended for demolition or an old prison with bars rather than windows. After leaving this place I went to Indian tea and luscious local delicacies along the road and to St. Catharines. Paul. The cathedral was a remnant of the European colonialism. It was built in the first half of the nineteenth century and there are many sculptures and beautiful stained glass windows. It was rebuilt several times after several earthquakes. This cathedral was a typical Christian temple, tall with large windows and all white. Next to the cathedral was a planetarium, but unfortunately I was not able to enter because it was closed.

I noticed that on the street where I live now, they are always nice to me. Even drug dealers give me tea when I buy it from street vendors. You can see that maybe “everyone is human” and that everyone wants to earn some money. That same evening I bought the currency of Bangladesh and took care of myself.

This was my last evening in Calcutta, which I spent on Sudder Street surrounded by poor people of all kinds. I also spent New Years Eve here but although there were people around I felt alone. It was a very sad end of the year because I was surrounded mainly by vendors and lovers and sellers of fried rice.

I will always remember the city of Calcutta as the city of the suffering and the city of the poor. Staying in this city is an amazing experience as it opens your eyes to many tragic things. I spent many interesting times here and saw some interesting buildings but definitely the most interesting was the observation of the city and its people. Then I did not know that I would soon be back to Calcutta again two more times and experience new impressions.

Road to Bangladesh

The next day early in the morning I finally left Calcutta and was lucky because my ants were in my mattress. I was able to get to Daki (the capital of Bangladesh) organized a better class bus but chose a ridiculously cheap local transport and hoped I would not regret it. I went to one of the three train stations and took the train to the border. The train was late, but when he arrived, I headed straight for Bangladesh.The train looked like a long prison cell with bars in the windows and many sellers of things rather superfluous. Well, I was able to sit down because the plunger was terrible. After a while I thought so much that it did not come to me that I was already at the last station and that in a moment the train would return to Calcutta. Without realizing it, I asked someone on the side whether it was my station already, but it was already too late because the train was going back. Regardless, I threw my big suitcase out the door and then jumped out of the speeding train and landed happily. People on the platform beat me applause because I was a great attraction. Eventually they saw the white jumps out of the train. I got up from the ground (and I had to do it quickly because the next train was going) and then after the track I left the station to catch the rickshaw to the border. I took a bicycle rickshaw that led me through the path of beautiful palm trees and human settlements with their bamboo and clay houses. On the way I noticed that there were posters everywhere “stop aids, use condoms”. Apparently the Indian government is doing something about it. I ran my rickshaw through palm trees and lakes and watched the charming landscape.On both sides of the road grew banana trees and stood small barracks with tea time. It was the unmistakable calm I was looking for and the rickshaw ride to the border was one of the nicest I’ve had.After about half an hour drive I reached the place. There was a big crowd looking at the demonstration but everything was fine. Compared to the Mongol-Chinese border, this border was a pleasant walk. The Indian party quickly dealt with my immigration issues and from there I went straight to Bangladesh …….

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

Travel from Bangladesh to Siliguri

My experience in Bangladesh was very informative but I had to return to India to continue my trip. After crossing the border with India, I quickly settled my formalities, hired a bicycle rider and drove to the first railway station. Again I went the same way as before and again I could see beautiful views and the same pictures from the life of local people. When I got to the place I learned that unfortunately I had to go to Calcutta again to get to the north. The local train took 3.5 hours from the planned two and was very heavy.Most of the time I had to stand, and at every stop people were doing the scramble. I realized how hard life in India is. These people have to fight every day for the smallest thing. They have to fight for it to get on the train and then to get out of it. Life in India is hard!

Upon reaching the Calcutta railway station, I saw the familiar faces and familiar faces. The train stations were clogged up but it was not a problem for many as the peeing at the station on a white day. At the ticket offices I learned that the tickets to the place where I wanted to go had already been booked. But I could not waste more time and I wanted to get out of Kolkata. Fortunately, one nice lady in the window handled the ticket and I could go in about two hours. It was a time when I woke up at the station bazaar and ate breakfast at a local pub. As usual there was a unique filth but I was not poisoned. I also think that when traveling in India I increasingly began to fit into the environment as I was also not the first fresh and clean socks I ended up in Bangladesh. On the train I got my bed and finally I could rest on the roads in Bangladesh and the Indian local train. Transportation in both countries gave me a good impression. On the train I talked with the passengers and again I snacked because they are always full of sellers. I also took off shorts because it was so hot while the Indians were dressed for winter because they were a cool season. As it turned out it was getting colder as I was heading north to the West Bengal state and it was January. After a nice but slightly cool journey I reached Siliguri at around 5am.

Siliguri

In Siliguri there is nothing special but a very good place to go. The town is located in the north of the state of West Bengal and is a very good starting point for many directions. From here there are only 10 hours to Calcutta, four hours to China and three hours to East Nepal, Sikkim and northern Bangladesh. Upon arriving I bought a jeep seat and drove to Darjeeling, the Indian tea capital on the Himalayas. We were climbing all the way at night, but on the road and so was the traffic. During the ride, the jeeps are docked and they have been driving this way for some time. There was a tea break at the break, and once I played a badminton match with the kids. Finally, after a few hours I reached Darjeeling as the sun rose.

Traffic in India.

Traffic in India.

Darjeeling and tea fields

I arrived in Darjeeling early in the morning. My jeep parked at the clock tower and from there I went up to find a guest house and came across a very cheap room overlooking the mountains.

Darjeeling is a well known town in India primarily because of the tea fields. There is a beautiful Himalayan nature, and given the location of this small town, there are many Nepalese and Tibetan refugees and temples left behind. I noticed that every time I am in the Himalayas, I come back to Tibet, but in Darjeeling I wanted to focus on something else, especially since I was already in Tibet and in the previously described McLeod Ganj and Dharamsala. Darjeeling is a small, pleasant place where you can eat good momo dumplings, come to the mountains, watch Tibetan temples, take a mountain train or drink tea “straight from the bush”. The town itself was well prepared for the reception of tourists and therefore it is very commercial. There are shackles of shops and all kinds of travel agencies. I as usual like to organize everything myself and that is why I wanted to see Darjeeling on my own and see the things that interest me most. Firstly I went to the tea fields where there was also a tea factory. I’ve seen them in Bangladesh before, but those in Darjeeling have had a different effect as the climate was much colder. The man who worked there explained to me how tea is made. Now they first cut the leaves from the tops because they are the only ones. Then put 400kg of leaves into special wooden containers and treat them with hot air so that only about 40% of humidity is left. Then they are transferred to a rolling machine that binds them and makes them still dry as they turn brown. At the very end, they are transferred to other containers where they turn on the hot air again until it is 100% dry. The final process is slicing and class assignment since there are three classes of tea. After this lesson, I went to the house near where I prepared the tea that was produced there. She was good but I can not say she was better than Earl Gray. Either way, it was a very informative experience for me. Here I had theoretical knowledge and tasting, and in Bangladesh I saw the whole process in practice. I was also able to see people at work and helping them a little, I could see how hard it was to work. The presence here and the Himalayan walk between the tea bushes was very pleasant.(I’m sure the tea theme will return to me when I travel through India and Sri Lanka) Then walking through the busy and dirty town I walked to the local bazaar to eat delicious momo dumplings. I’ll add that they are Tibetan dumplings with vegetables and lots of spicy sauce and ginger. I sat in the attic in a wooden hut and the woman served hot dumplings and of course tea ripped from the bushes next door. Besides the delicious meal, the simplicity and simplicity of the place was the most beautiful. Whenever I try to stay in non-tourist places to have the most authentic experience of the area.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

Then I went higher up the mountain to get to the zoo built on the mountain. It was not a zoo because it represented the life of the Himalayan fauna and therefore there were only animals from these areas. The zoo was nicely situated on an uneven surface so that you had to climb all the way to see the animals. So actually I went there to see three species: snow leopard (irbisa), leoparda clouded and national bird of Nepal, although there were many other interesting species only from the Himalayas. This Zoo has several pairs of irises and other rare species. In particular, the number of irises has fallen sharply, because the species was hunted because of their beautiful fur. In this zoo though they were behind the bars, they had optimum conditions and were at least in the right climate. They looked good. I think the best contact I had with the parrots that allowed me to touch the agwarrow was repeating the melodies I whistled. All the zoos I have to date to one of the better. At the entrance we wanted to pay 10 times more than the Hindus but again I was able to enter for free.

Then I went to the natural history museum and there were only Himalayan species there. However, I like this museum as a museum of death because I prefer live animals. For the rest of the day I just enjoyed my surroundings. I walked on the tea mountains in Darjeeling, I thought about traveling further and I breathed pure Himalayan air, occasionally eating momo dumplings. In the evening I also wanted to use the internet but only for five minutes because there was a break in the electricity supply and it was obvious that everyone was used to it. Luckily, I had a flashlight. The next day I went to a higher part of the town where besides the shops stuffed with goods was a nice view of the Himalayas. Whole street and bazaar Chowk is a very good place to buy Tibetan carpets, jewelery, sculptures and other souvenirs. In the Tibetan laboratories, I saw, for example, how hand-woven carpets and other beautiful souvenirs were made. The Tibetans are eager to invite you in and they are very nice which makes it a lot of money to spend. There is always a lot of noise and interest, and the Himalayan air stimulates life. There was also a small horse farm and of course momo dumplings. Being at the bottom of town I wanted to ride a toy steam train but unfortunately all the tickets were bought out. But I saw some interesting Buddhist temples, which in Darjeeling is a lot because of the Tibetan presence. They looked familiar to me because they were typical Tibetan and the second one was Nepali. I have been in both these countries. One of them was Bhutia Busty Gompa, which served as an early observatory and was rebuilt from the nineteenth century. All the temples in Darjeeling or rather Ghoom were colorful and interesting but after seeing Lhasa and the Kathmandu valley did not make such an impression. I would advise first to come here and then to go to Tibet and Nepal.

Darjeeling will always be mentioned as a nice mountain station, which is more Tibetan and Nepali than Indian. There are many things to do but I came for tea fields, interesting zoo and beautiful mountains.Momo’s dumplings were flavored with pure, Himalayan air.

Jaigon

The next morning I left Darjeeling and drove for almost seven hours to Jaigon, a town bordering Bhutan. On a cheerful, colorful bus I stopped at the momo dumplings and there were only banana trees and tea fields outside the window. In the back people sang, they ate bananas and they talked to me. There was a Bhutanese man who told me many interesting things about his country, which made Bhutan even more interesting for me. At one stop, we stopped for dinner at a pub owned by Tibetans. Of course we talked about Tibet and my stay there. I told them I knew their story and expressed deep sympathy. They listened to me all the time and it was clear that what I said was fun. I told them that for me, Tibet is a separate country that has been attached to China and I hope it will be free. They were so happy that they gave me a Tibetan calendar for 2007 and did not want me to pay for the meal. After a few hours I reached Jaigon, checked in again at the cheapest hotel and waited for my welcome with Bhutan.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

I also realized that for some time I did not even have clean goats and started to gently stink. I think that as for the Indian conditions I was still very clean, but from Poland they could deport me for the stink. The problem is that I am traveling all the time and I have no conditions for doing laundry and I usually sleep in the most dangerous holes. Fortunately, when I was in Jaigon I ordered a bucket of hot water (for a fee of course) and I managed to bring cleanliness.

In Jaejoong there are no beautiful temples or anything that could delight. The only building worth noting is the border / gate to Bhutan, built in the form of a Buddhist monastery. Besides, it is a big bazaar with a sandy road and where there are asphalt roads, there are more holes than in Swiss cheese.
I felt I could not wait anymore and that was why I went to the border with Bhutan that evening. It turned out that although I could cross the border without a visa for a day, the rules changed because the king changed his mind. After long and sad conversations, people on the border pityed on me and let me illegally enter Bhutan for half an hour. (in my report about Bhutan).

The next day very disappointed and sad but still believing in myself went to the barber and then I ordered another bucket of hot water to wash to the store. Then I rode to a dirty bus station where I messed up with momo dumplings for consolation. Through the tea fields I returned to Siliguri to take a train to South India from there.

Road to the south of India and fight for the entrance to the bus in Calcutta

For the second time in my travel career I got to Siliguri, a transport hole in the West Bengal state. I wanted to go south to India but unfortunately tickets were sold out again and I could not go where I wanted. So I had to go back to Calcutta again and hopefully only for five minutes. In Siliguri I ran out of money too, so I had to go to the bank to clear the traveler’s checks. Although my plan was tense, this time I came across a bike rider who was not in a hurry at all. There were four people sitting in their seats and their big luggage, too, not too comfortable. At the turtle pace, the trainer drove with me through a long street where we often stood in traffic, and a cloud of dust hovered above us. Finally I deleted the checks and then I reached the station so fast that we had not crashed. This time I came across a road pirate pirate and for the first time in a row I’m in India from one extreme to another. When I reached the station I had some time so I sat down at the station’s pub and quietly ate a good, warm meal. I finally felt good. As for my trip to Calcutta this time I went all night in the classroom, in the cold and on the wooden seats. But I was able to sleep a little and was not as bad as I thought. In the morning I got to Calcutta and saw again the familiar squeaks, porters carrying burdens bigger than themselves, of course beggars and people sleeping on the platform. My plan was to get out of here. Unfortunately the tickets were not again and the train did not depart from that station I just arrived.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

Traffic in India.

I ate something in the train station and went to the ticket office for foreigners where I was able to buy one bed for the night. This solved my problem, but it meant I would have to spend all day in Calcutta. Even though I wanted to get out of here, I was glad that the fate had taken me to this unique city for the third time. I walked around the area, ate fruit salads on banana leaves and drank sugar cane juice. Walking through one of the poorest streets of the city, I noticed that the children intentionally spoiled the fire hydrant to wash. The young boys were running around, and in shorts they skipped rickshaws in the water.My last day in Calcutta was merry and peaceful, but for the time being. I went to the center by bus from the previous epoch but only got nervous. It turned out that in Calcutta buses do not stop at stops. You have to fight to get inside. The bus is only a little slower before a group of people, and I already care about whether or not I jump in time. It was only the third time that I was able to put my suitcase inside and run into an unfriendly crowd. Hurrah!!! I was able to hop on the bus. It may sound ridiculous but the entrance to the bus was unique in that it was not only stressful but risky. Conductors all the time reproached the customers (spitting out the spent snuff), though only the most innocent. Jumping to the bus in Calcutta took me about 20 minutes and I think it requires a prior training. On the other hand, it is an interesting type of sport, especially if the jumper has a big suitcase.

Morning was very busy and it was not the end of my adventure. Being a lucky owner of a ticket (I also have to win it) I reached the station and returned my luggage to the vault. I wanted to say goodbye to Calcutta, which for me would in some sense also be a “city of suffering.” I am sure that in retrospect, I will always remember this crazy city, even though it was not over yet. I returned to the place where I had lived previously to show the report and go to the bazaar near Sudder Street. As a souvenir I bought two figurines, one Mahatma Ghandi and the other Mother Teresa, which is the symbol of this city. Then I jumped on the bus the first time and returned to the station. In time I got on the train and finally left Calcutta and the state of West Bengal.

Orissa

Bhubaneswar

About six o’clock in the morning, by train from Kolkata I reached Bhubaneswar in the state of Orissa. My plan here will be to see this city and Puri and Konark, about which I will tell you later. I did not get off the station yet, and a few rickshaws ran up to me offering a hotel. After all night on the train I was not comfortable to talk so I let one of them take my luggage and take me to the hotel. The first four were full but finally succeeded. This time it was much more expensive than last but the room was nice and clean.The price was also a bucket of hot water on request. First I washed away the dirt and then finally, after many weeks I gave up laundry. One more day in these clothes and I could take part in the competition for the biggest sibyl and I would have a good chance to win. This time I gave myself a tour of myself and I went with an organized trip to visit Bhubaneswar. This city is called the city of beautiful temples and the whole state of Orissa is famous for it. But Bhubaneswar itself looks like a huge park and desert in which buildings are buried. In the day I did not see too many people here. It seemed that life was waking up in the evening when the lights were on. At first glance it was not bad but definitely lacking in grass. Bhubaneswar looked desert and asphalt road with buildings all around. As for my trip, the bus picked me up from under the hotel and the guide was nice enough to speak English although they were tourists themselves from India. First, we went to the Nandankanan Zoo but was upset when I had to pay the price of the white man again. This zoo was one of the better so far due to the conditions that were provided to the animals. There are several endangered species such as reptiles, rhinos, monkeys, Asian lions and white tigers. There was also a huge pond for hippopotamuses, plenty of elephants, and a huge outdoor avian for birds, so that even large specimens could fly freely over long distances. I was impressed by the joints. One of them was devoted to hippopotamus, which had almost as much space as the size of a half football field. They had great conditions, but unfortunately they were hard to notice because they only had ears. The second pond was used for the nearby birds but also for renting boats. In this pond I saw an elephant while bathing and washing him sitting on it. However, the zoo is mainly known for its collection of white tigers that are reproduced here and then sold to other gardens. This is one of the few zoos where animals are rarely kept behind the bars. They are usually replaced with moats and dungeons that do not give the impression that the animal is in jail. As for a developing country it is one of the better zoos and in terms of conditions the animals are better than many zoos in Europe. I regret the zoo here in Bangladesh where not all animals had such good conditions.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

From there we went to Orissa State Museum, which depicted the art and culture of the people living there.The museum contained a collection of weapons, musical instruments, sculptures and tools. Among the many exhibits, the most beautiful sculptures of gods and women stuck in my mind. Each dowry was different and made many materials. Definitely the art in this area is unique. I also remembered the statue of Ganesha, the elephant man, in Hindu son Shiva’s god. Interesting excavations of tools and clothes from this region. There were also some stuffed animals living in Orissa, but that was the exposure of my death. The whole thing I liked, especially since I saw something different than the last museum in Bangladesh. The statues were unique, but unfortunately I could not take pictures here.

I also saw some temples that, despite my journey through the world, were something new and beautiful to me. All were tall, massive and beautifully carved. Fragments of some of them were even 1400 years old.The main attraction is the Bindu Sagar, a water reservoir where there is supposedly water from every holy source in India, and there is a Lingaraj Mandir Temple complex around which there are about 50 temples.The highest of them was 54m. Unfortunately, these temples were only accessible to the Hindus, so I saw them from the outside, which was enough for me. The Hindu priests pointed me to the path where I could climb onto the platform and see the whole object from there. These temples were extremely massive and looked like chiseled rocks, decorated with beautiful sculptures of the gods and erotic art. Orissa is famous for its beautiful temples, which are very much here. The area before the temples was also very interesting.On the dusty, dirty street was a bazaar with souvenirs but mostly figurines of saints. It was a good opportunity to watch this part of India once again proved to be a good experience. To have a company with my tea I had painted and dressed in Indian turbine and sacred cows. I visited some other temples where I could go in and see how they were made whole. Some of them were the smaller copy of Lingaraj Mandir and those of unknown reason I could watch closely although I am not a Hindu. One of them was the Brahmeswar Mandir from the 9th century, standing in a nice garden and very well preserved. This temple was also beautifully carved into erotic art. I remembered Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh where I saw beautiful temples showing kamasutra. In general, all the temples in Orissa have combined the beauty and beauty of the bas-reliefs. I also saw the Dhauli stupa or the temple of peace. This was built in a completely different style. It’s also tall but set up so after taking my shoes off I went up the stairs of this tall white building. The temple of the room has a circular shape and the dome is a platform with sculptures of umbrellas. Going up on both sides I had sculptures of lions and in the upper part of the great statues of Buddha. There were four of them and each was directed to another part of the world. The great advantage was the beautiful view of the surrounding area, which is Daya River surrounded by trees. I felt good here because on the one hand I had Buddha’s monuments and on the other I could watch the unmistakable nature which was very reassuring. Dhauli Temple is a memorial to the Buddhist glory of India and the name “Temple of Peace” comes from one of the ancient rulers of this country, who after the great battle and the red river from the blood went to Buddhism, whose main law is the lack of violence.

After the temple I went to a nice looking restaurant where I was given a decent meal, but once again I saw the Hindus eat with bare hands. Everything would be good if they ate chapati but they took rice in hand and then mixed it with their hand in sharp sauce and then put it on their mouth and licked their fingers. It was disgusting to me and they did not understand what my problem was. They said that eating their hands was better for the taste of the dishes though I did not see them wash their hands. Looking at how I eat fork, they said that it was just because I grew up in a different culture.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

The last and beautiful object that I saw that day was the Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves. Both were on the opposite side of the street and in both there were plenty of monkeys. I saw that those who bought peanuts or bananas before entering, the monkeys did not give peace. The whole was a complex of caves from the 1st century BC Many were carved and were decorated in murals depicting scenes of fighting, animals, Hindu gods and women. One of them was a three-headed cobra and another tiger’s mouth. These caves are on different levels and so I could climb to the top from where I had a nice view of Bhubaneswar. The Society kept the monkeys looking for food and bearded Hindu meditating on rocks or rather asking for small ones. These rocks were not uniform. They looked like rock slices cut into thick slices and stacked on top of each other. I had a good time here, both watching caves and watching people. This was the last thing I saw that day in Bhubaneswar.

In the evening I bought a ticket at the train station which as usual was very difficult. There were no tickets for the next few days which meant I could stay here longer than I wanted. But I went to the manager of the station, who put me on the reserve list and got me a VIP ticket so I could leave in a few days. It cost me a lot of health as every attempt to buy a ticket is exactly in India. This time I was very lucky but not always so.The station itself was beautifully decorated with bas-reliefs, which are visible in the temples and from where it is also evident that the state of Orissa is a region of very rich art. Considering that I did not have much time, I decided I would see two more interesting towns in Orissa and then take the night train. As usual, I took my big suitcase with me, which saved me the hotel. I was pleased with my day because I saw many interesting things though as it is usually possible to stay here longer and see more. That evening I went out to dinner on the street and saw that Bhubaneswar was really waking up to life before dark. The street where I lived was many pubs serving Indian food and the tables were always busy. Also here the waiters were very young boys.

Pipli

The next day I went to the village Pipli, where I was only an hour. Pipli is on the way to the famous Konark and therefore all the buses have a stop here. This small town was one street full of shops with local products, which unfortunately I was not going to buy because I had no place for nothing. Many decorations were hung up to the walls of the shops, and every souvenir was so colorful that the whole street looked like a rainbow.

Pipli will always be associated with a monkey sitting in a store that sat down near me and then she hugged me and came to my head. It was a very nice experience because for a long time no one hugged me.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

Konark and the Sun Temple

From Pipli I went to the famous Konark where is the Temple of the Sun. Just like the Taj Mahal in Agra or the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the Temple of the Sun is one of the best known cultural treasures in India. It comes from XIII and it seems that the whole town of Konark exists and lives only for this one temple. At the entrance there is a long street, where the bazaar is of course and where souvenirs related to the temple are sold. The next step is the tour guides, who necessarily want to tour the property for a fee. I would gladly have used their help but the white people had to pay as much as 25 times more than the Hindus so I donated myself. The Temple of the Sun was great, very tall and very massive. It was built in honor of the Surya-god of the sun. The main entrance is decorated by great sculptures of lions and elephants and to get inside you have to climb the stairs. This temple was built in such a way that the sunrise illuminated it from the center, and on the walls there are stone reliefs of wheels symbolizing the hours of the day.Besides, it is decorated with many erotic reliefs, both couples and singles. Around the main site there are ruins of smaller temples with mainly elephants and horses with soldiers. The whole building was beautiful and definitely worth a look. As mentioned earlier, unfortunately here also foreigners had to pay 25 times more for what I decided not to pay. The Hindu did not think this time because the temple was surrounded by a wall but only about 15 meters away.

There were many people walking from this wall, and from there you could see everything very carefully.For me it was not enough, so I jumped off the wall quietly and looked at her beauty close up and then I was turned by the guards. The problem is that I want to pay but only as much as the Hindus pay – no more.Funny thing, the temple was closed and even those who paid could see it only from the outside. At its entrance stones were laid and scattered sand because in the second half of the nineteenth century part of the temple collapsed and to avoid another loss was decided to keep it from the center. The temple itself was beautiful and I ranked it as the best I have ever seen. However, I think that Angkor Wat in Cambodia is still unmatched. Outside the temple itself was also nice walk on the wall where I met many interesting, local people. Sitting in the shade of trees, I watched this beautiful building, and from time to time I made new contacts with exotic people.

Puri

After Konark I went to Puri, a small village on the Bay of Bengal famous for its beaches. The rest of the tour went to see the temples but I already had enough. Besides, I could not go inside as an innovator. Puri is a famous town among Indian pilgrims who come here for festivals and pray in many temples. One of them – Jagannath Mandir holds up to 20,000 worshipers and dates back to the 12th century. Unfortunately, this and other temples in Puri are closed to non-Hindus, though for foreigners Puri is still worth a visit even without going inside. When I came to this deserted city, as usual, I saw the traditional Indian atmosphere – syph, piston, sacred cows and big temple at the end of the street. I hired a bicycle rider with whom I toured the Jagannath Mandir Temple around and then drove me to the beach for many hours which was great. I was away from the noise of the city and tired of the autographs. Before me there was only sea, silence and peace. First I was swimming in the Bay of Bengal and then I was throwing myself in the high waves and playing great. Then I went to drink coconut milk and at the end, suddenly a camel kissed me and it was straight in my mouth. Being on the beach I felt very good and very relaxed and the camel and coconut added only charm to this place. I’ve had some time, spent my time splitting nuts, talking to locals and watching shells. It was very nice and stress free. After a certain time, I was picked up by the coach and after driving in beautiful landscapes, he took me to the train station in Bhubaneswar. This was unfortunately the end of my adventures in the beautiful state of Orissa. I got on the train to reach Hyderabad, capital of Andhra Pradesh after a 23 hour drive.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

Andhra Pradesh

Hyderabad – sad start

My 23 hour trip to Hyderabad was heavy. On the train I started to feel bad and the company with which I rode like a cattle, which further aggravated my headache. The next morning I was seriously ill, but after all I had to find a hotel. When I left the station in Hyderabad, I first drank tea and snacked and then went to buy a ticket for the next route but of course they were all sold out. The nearest was four days which meant a loss of time and another communication problem. It’s here every time and there’s nothing to count on booking a ticket. You have to go with a more expensive bus if there are places or by train in the regular class, but this is like transporting cattle and there is no guarantee that I will be able to push in through the enraged crowd. So I went to look for a hotel, and after leaving the station one of the rickshaws came to me and asked me to arrange a hotel. I had to be very unhappy for him to get away. Here the racers want a commission from the hotel for bringing in tourists, which means that my rate is increasing. Several hotels were full and others had no license to rent rooms to tourists as they were too cheap. The Hindus say they do not want me to go to Poland and say that hotels in India are bad so they want me to rent the better and more expensive. Of course this is a lie because most are so nasty. In the end I arranged a very cheap room without any commission next to Mahatma Ghandi Street, convenient because of the cheap hotels and the proximity of the bus station. As soon as I entered the room I immediately rushed to bed because after measuring the temperature I found that I had as many as 39.3 degrees fever. But I had to take care of myself. Unfortunately I could not find paracetamol so I took the Chinese production substitute. Then I ordered the tea but it turned out to be very tiring for me and made me feel even worse. I felt like I was surrounded by idiots because I ordered black tea with lemon and brought it to me only the third time. First they brought me coffee and then milk tea. In their mind, they do not fit in that the tea can be without milk and still with lemon. The hotel service was very cheeky as they wanted me to pay for the coffee and the first tea I did not want. I hid them non-mercifully still at 39.3 degrees. Even then they would not be able to give anything for free or even ask for money later. Soon I understood why this room was so cheap. He was facing the window to a very busy street so that I felt like outside and the noise even made me even more nervous. The window was broken and the mosquitoes got inside but the hotel had a license to accept foreigners. Fortunately, I had a mosquito net and earplugs. It saved me.
The next morning I wanted to start the tour but it was not possible because I nearly fell down the stairs. So I decided to rest and spend the day in the room. Again I also ordered my tea and this time they brought a flawlessly and even said please because they did not before.

My descriptions may look comical but the state in which I was was not funny and it was hard for me since I was quite alone. This day I spent very quietly, swallowing powders and ordering tea. I also tried to eat something but found it was too risky. Traveling in India and before China, I have already gained experience in food poisoning, and the best medicine is always the hot water to drink, and for the next few days only cooked rice and fruit. I would also advise to have a room as close to the toilet though in India there are rather no toilets. Here are the kibble. The next day I felt bad but it seemed to me that I could go outside because I could already stand on my feet.

I was still weak so I took an organized tour and went to explore the city. In Hyderabad there are some interesting facilities to watch but first I would like to say a few words about the city itself and its condition.WAndhra Pradesh has a large majority of Hindus, but this state and its capital Hyderabad have an Islamic past and so far there are many Muslim buildings. In this city there are many examples of Muslim art, although the Muslim population of this state is only 5%. Buddhists predominated here and perhaps Hyderabad has one of the largest monuments of the Buddha standing. It can be said that the city consists of two parts namely Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Both parts of the city are separated by Lake Hussain Sagar where the island has a statue of the great Buddha. The city, at first glance, does not look like it is driving the Indian economy, because computers are being produced here, which gives jobs to many people.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

Returning to my tour, we first went to a very new Hindu temple because it was built in 1976, Birla Mandir. It was an amazing building set on top and all made of white marble. There were also bridges and lawns with statues in the center. There was a large complex of rooms where the ceilings were set on carved pillars and the passage from one part to the other was the transition to another kind of temple. For example, a beautiful chapel where people prayed to a man with an elephant head (Ganesha) and next to him prayed to a man with a monkey assassin (Hanuman). There are many gods and although most are strange, it is evident that people deeply believe in supporting their culture and tradition. Birla Mandir was beautiful and inside there were many tall, beautifully decorated temples that consisted of one whole. From the top of the temple was a very good view of the city skyline.

Then I went to see the symbol of the city, Charminar. This mosque stands in the middle of a roundabout and was built in 1591. It has four mosques 56m high and is only 30m wide. It is a small mosque, tall but beautifully decorated and very old. You can go up the stairs to the top if you have a janitor 100 rupees, but I was not lucky. In the evening the whole building is still illuminated. Charminar is not only a symbol of the city but also a very large Muslim community living in Hyderabad. As far as India is concerned, next to it was a bazaar which is famous in the city of Laad Bazaar. You could buy many interesting things from perfume and materials to pearls.

Near the Charminar was the Mecca Masjid, one of the largest mosques in the world. It was completed in 1614 and houses as many as 10,000 followers. Mosk was impressed because it was huge although I have seen many other great mosques before in Delhi and Lahore. As I was told, this was special because a few bricks over the main gate were made of earth from Mecca (hence the name). From there I went to the Salar Jung Museum where there were exhibits from all over the world. These included stone and wood sculptures, paintings and things related to the art of war. They were quite interesting to me, nice exhibits, but also just another museum in my life. I write this way because after seeing so many countries and after counting so many museums all become similar.

Hyderabad – my nasty experience with Indian cuisine

Then came lunch and how often in my case it turned out to be a catastrophe. They mainly serve vegetarian dishes and say that for religious reasons but I think that also for financial reasons. My guide told me where I can eat the meat dish and as it turned out, it was better that I never went there. When I found this cafeteria, proudly named Grand Hotel, I ordered the goat meat with rice and salad and tea. It was not even five seconds and they handed me a ready dish. It was a pile of rice and in the middle there were bones from the goat. There was not even a single piece of meat, only bones from which I could not bite anything.When it comes to salads I got two slices of onion. Tea was, however, the worst. She had a strange color and tasted so much that I spat it on the floor. Then the head of the pub stopped picking on his nose and asked me: “What tea does not fit?” I do not and I want to go out but earlier I had to pay those pesky pennies and I was still hungry and even more upset. The toilets on the spot did not even have it, even taking into account that after that rice chased at the same time. If anyone wants to come to Hyderabad to eat well then this is a rather bad idea. Everything looks ridiculous but only for those who read this report but not for me because I have to go through it all.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

Hyderabad – Lumbini Zoo and Park

I got on the bus and drove to the next place ie the Nehru-one of the largest in India. I was happy to be there, but unfortunately we did not have enough time. So I left the tour and stayed in the zoo until the evening. My trip went to see the garden of Indira Ghandi and the Golconda fort but I still felt bad and did not want to hurry. Besides the forts, I’ve seen probably 50 more gardens. So I stayed in the zoo and wanted to enjoy the rest of the day. Just in front of the entrance was the children who wanted to sell me something to eat from my pedestrian stall. They surrounded me and were exceptionally stubborn but very cheerful, so I bought a bottle of water from them because I only had confidence in them. I sat down with them on the wall and after a short time improved my mood, although I still felt bad. Then I paid only 10 rupees and got in. At first I saw a gigantic turtle from the Galapagos and then a herd of monkeys and white tigers. This zoo was beautiful because it was not as depressing as the rest. Animals did not live in cages but in open spaces. They were only separated by a wall in front of which was most often a hill or a moat and in some places there was not even this. In the part intended for some ungulates, deer lived on their territory without any gratings. Deer ran slowly, so they happened to run before me. In the zoo, water tanks of all harmless animals were used, as all water-turtles were swimming. I loved it. I walked around watching the animals and it would be all right if it were not for my stomach that did not give me peace. I cursed Indian food so much that my curses ran out, and each time I ended up in one of the hideous, crooked cats. At the entrance to each of them, they torn the paper out of the newspaper and held out their hands for a single rupee although they tried to pull on more. The zoo was beautiful but the day turned out to be very hard for me. On the way back I hired a rickshawer who was kind enough to show me the highest court and the main hospital, which are some of the most beautiful buildings in Hyderabad. Same as sick as in the morning I reached the room and instead of the bed, I threw straight to the toilet. On the same day I went out for a walk and used the internet. On the way back, one Indian took me to the hotel on my scooter and drove so fast that I was afraid of life. He did not slow down or respond to the lights. He pushed between two buses but fortunately I got all.

The next day and the last day I wanted to see something else, so I took a bus to Lumbini Park to see the largest Buddha in India. I had a problem with transport as in Calcutta, there are no stops here and you have to throw at the bus door to jump on it. The first three escaped me because the risk was too big to jump and the angry mob rushed to the same door of the next bus. People gripped the bars in the windows and slowly walked in. I also did it. While driving, I had the opportunity to see the streets of a gray town where the traffic consisted mainly of very old buses, autors and even wooden carts harnessed in large buffalo.Then I jumped out of the bus and reached Lumbini Park. The name itself is very characteristic of Buddhism because Lumbini is a town in Nepal where Buddha was born. (Full description of Lumbini in my reportage on Nepal). This park was a very pleasant, peaceful place where you could relax on the lake. It is one of the few secluded places in Hyderabad, which is worth visiting for even that reason. Lumbini Park and Lake Hussain Sagar are located here, separated by Hyderabad from Secunderabad. I had a great fortune here because I was finally able to eat boiled potatoes and carrots without any spices. The Indians wanted to give me chilli because they could not understand that I could eat without spices. But for my stomach it was very good and for the Indians without masks and tikki was worthless because they did not even want money.

Then I went on a 30 minute cruise to the island where the largest Buddha in India was. It was 17.5 m high and weighed 350 tons. It was large and looked impressive, though it did not compare to the largest Buddha in the world in China, in Leshan (the exact description in my report about China). The trip itself was very pleasant and I was happy even though I was still sick. On the way back I jumped on the bus and came to the hotel. I took my big suitcase and walked down the dirty, dark street, I reached the bus station. But nobody was able to explain to me from which platform the bus departed and I realized five minutes before departure. For every question I asked, the Indians used their gesture to shake their head, which could mean anything. I felt that I had some things I had enough and that this trip was getting a little tired. To the extent that I was sick. However, I managed to get on the bus and leave the city.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

Gauntlet at the zoo in Hyderabad.

Hyderabad will always be mentioned as a city where I was sick of Indian food although there are a lot of interesting things to see. Due to its history there are many interesting mosques and colonial buildings left by Europeans. I would personally recommend Charminar and the surrounding bazaar but if one is already tired of the big, loud and how it is in a dirty city in India I would recommend the beautiful zoo and Lumbini park – necessarily with a cruise to the great Buddha. Pleasure also made me roam around the city and eating fruit from street vendors. Unfortunately when it comes to food I was not impressed but sometimes you can not have everything.

Karnataka

Hospet

The ride was nice because the bus was good but when I got to Hospet at 5am, I felt terrible because I was still sick. At the station I saw a crowd of people sleeping on the floor and in the newspapers. I was also looking for a place to sleep even though it was not the end of my ride. But first I drank and looked around at this pathetic mourning. I was going to Hampi, one of the most beautiful, picturesque places in India (but about that later). While still at Hospet I handed my big suitcase to the vault and slept there between luggage for about an hour which made me feel a little better. After some time the guy from the luggage store started to crouch me (because that was how it looked) then I got on the bus to Hampi and left.

Hospet is a typical transport hole where there is no point in staying longer than necessary. Unfortunately you have to stop here on your way to or from Hampi.

Hampi

Being in the spot, I immediately saw that it would be one of the most beautiful places on earth. Hampi is a land of huge rocks arranged like blocks and besides there are very picturesque lakes and large palm trees and banana fields. This is a real natural paradise on earth but there is one more thing that attracts so much.These are beautiful temples and ruins that date back to the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries. They are located in this beautiful town in the area of ​​many kilometers. At first glance Hampi seemed to be a desert but dramatic-looking mountains hid behind the river and a beautiful oasis.

When I got off the bus in Hampi, I saw that the rickshaws rushed to one white girl offering her hotels and tours. I also saw that she was very pretty and she was alone. She only looked at my side for help. So I snapped between the rickshaws, took my rucksack and threw it into a pub near her. Then I introduced myself and sat down to have a drink. I saw that my reaction liked her, especially since she was not able to handle herself anymore. The girl was named Tanya and was from a German-speaking part of Switzerland.She was traveling alone and she was only 19 years old. Well, we talked together, wanted to know more about my travels, and more and asked if I wanted to see the temples with her. After finishing, I took a rickshaw and drove to a nice hostel where I bargained her a good price. I also told her that I would probably be in Hampi only a few days and she would have me think about it and if I want to sleep I can sleep in her room because there are two beds anyway. It was very nice of her, but I had to consider what she would say “a friend whom she usually stays at night”. Traveling around the world, I meet a lot of different women, and I noticed something in them that was unreadable. Well, I never ask them anything, or I do not suggest anything, and they either do me a photo and they want me for the night or they have a maternal instinct. The same was true of Mongolia with girls from France and Slovakia. They took me to the yurt, they made tea and even smoked in the oven.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

Returning to Hampi, we first went through the local bazaar where the social life of the village centered.Then we went to the nearby Virupaksha Temple, which was located on the rocks like the whole area. This temple was built in the 15th century and was characteristic of southern India. It was a huge, tapering building, where there were many sculptures of Indian gods. In the middle there were many smaller temples where prayers were being performed and some monkeys were running around us. Tanya managed to make some photos (so that no one saw it because it was paid) and then we walked inside the temple photographing each other against the background of the object. In addition to the main temple, up to 52 meters, there were also small ones in the middle. Many of them were upheld by elaborately carved pillars and the fact that the whole facility was under the open sky made all the elements well-lit and allowed the presence of monkeys. I thought that architectural art from the 15th century was astonishing, since at that time people were able to build such magnificent buildings. I also noticed something unusual inside the temple. There was a police station where there was a rich gallery of all thieves from Hampi.

Then we went to the nearby Hemakuta hill where the early ruins of the Jain temples were located. The whole hill was a large rock with irregular shapes, on which were beautifully carved ruins. From there I saw the charming Hampi landscape, the high Virupaksha temple in the foreground, and the whole town with its bazaar. There were also mountains that looked like huge, huge rocks embedded on top of each other.Around me were cacti and scattered rocks where sometimes one was supported by the other. There were also children picked up for Hanuman (god with monkey face) posing for photos and monkeys of course. On our way we met some interesting Indians in the turban and saw another temple. It was also supported by carved pillars and in the middle was a statue of Ganeshy-god of the elephant. All Hampi was fabulous and this was just the beginning. It was a place where you can stay long and just enjoy life. In addition to great cultural heritage and beautiful nature, Hampi also had a lot of restaurants where you could eat lying down (like in Laos).

Then we went to the bank, which was also made of ruins. Here my case has prolonged and therefore I parted with my colleague. For her it was not a problem and she could wait but the matter at the bank took me about an hour so I did not want to waste her time. After clearing the traveler’s check, I followed the trail along the river, meeting the local people who were riding the buffalo. I went to the small caves to go further and then rested by the river against the beautiful mountains. The children rushed to me to sell me sugar cane drink, I drank as much as I could and then fell asleep in the temples near the river. I strolled through this beautiful corner of India, slept where I wanted and when I wanted to drink ran with a fan of drinks. All the time there were beautiful views and wonderful nature. I once rested in the ruins of the temple, once on the rocks beside the river, another time under the trees on the sand. All the time I went through the ruins of temples scattered throughout the area and although most were free, some had to be paid for. As a white man I had to pay as much as 25 times more than Hindus and therefore I found a way to circumvent these rules. I just jumped over the wall and walked all the sights in the middle. At first I did not know which temple I entered because I was so absorbed in the beauty surrounding me. But I was lucky because I entered the 16th century Vittala Temple, which is one of Hampi’s greatest attractions. The temple was well preserved because all the sculptures on the pillars were very well visible.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

Beautifully sculpted was the main part, ie a thick structure tapering upwards and decorated with bas-reliefs of the gods. Next to it was my favorite building, a small, carved temple on stone wheels, which was pulled by a pair of small elephants. My free tour of this place was nice but only for the time since unfortunately the guards caught me at the end. Then they led me out and told me to pay. I said I could pay as much as the Indians but they said I had to pay the price of the foreigner and if they did not take my passport number and they would call the police. It seems to me that generally all Hindus are very jealous of tourists’ money. I did not like their behavior and threats and to avoid paying I behaved like a rag doll. I pushed them, spat in their direction (they were doing it all the time just spit snuff), showed my middle finger and left. I just do not agree with their law that white people have to pay a lot more and I’m not going to respect it. They could only deport me what they would not do anyway because too much would have cost them. Then I went to admire the ruins and enjoy the beautiful view.

On the way back, walking through the fields of banana trees again saw the misery, which in Hampi is no stranger. The children caught me by the hand and begged for anything, but the most troubled woman was the one who was no longer able to beg. She was only lying on the sand with her head in the sun and she was not able to move although I could see she was breathing. So I stood beside her, giving her some shade, and then gently began to water. After a moment she started to move, she folded her hands and I poured her water which brought her back to life. I just pushed her into the shadows and left. What more can I do? Around there were people (also selling water) but the anesthesia is so great that someone can die in the street and nobody touches it.

The darkness was approaching, and I was still walking alone and visiting. I was still in the neighborhood but in the evening a few times the light came out in the whole village. I wanted to stay here one more day and that’s why I went to rent a room. Almost all of them were occupied and were only the most expensive. I also asked where I was in the morning and there were free rooms but the Indians knew my situation raised the price. But I did not want to give them this satisfaction and went to sleep on the rocks by the river. I just stuck the sticks into the four holes and hooked them up against the mosquitoes. In this way, with the stars above me and paying nothing for peace, I fell asleep at the sound of the river.

The next day I washed in the river, dried out the sun, and continued to visit Hampi. I saw more or less the same thing, but it was better. I walked in the mountains and enjoyed the beautiful surroundings, occasionally encountering new ruins. I was so carefree and the cold sugar cane juice tasted so good that I let myself leave two paid temples. In the evening I started to head towards the last bus.

It was a beautiful, magical time, beautiful open air and a meeting with history. Although in Hampi there are all conditions to stay long, on the other hand I wanted to continue my journey. When I left Hampi again, I had to argue with the rickshaws (which is already tiresome in my country) and then I took a local bus and returned to Hospet. From there I boarded the next local bus, where in the Spartan conditions I rode all night to my next destination, the capital of the state of Karnataka-Bangalore.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

Bangalore

My dear bus from Hospet to charming Hampi was heavy. I was traveling by local bus and I think I fell asleep on someone but I do not remember because I was so unconscious. When I arrived in Bangalore, the capital of the state of Karnataka, at the same time, I was struck by autographs. Before I started talking to them first, I called several hotels and everything was busy letting the trainer drive me to the hotel, although I did not like the idea from the beginning. The trainer wanted me very little, but he only drove me to those hotels he wanted, because of the commission. I often stopped him when I saw a hotel because he did not see any. I told him to stop and when I walked into the hotel, it turned out that after so many misfires finally this one was free and very cheap. So I took my luggage, paid the racer and went upstairs. The trainer, however, began to argue and shouted that he wanted a commission, otherwise there would be no peace.The room cost only 110 rupees per night, but the rickshawer demanded that I pay 200 rupees otherwise the room would not be there and started making a fuss as if it were his thing. So I pushed him out of the hotel and then threatened to call the police. Fortunately, the police are almost always here on the foreign side, and the appearance of it means trouble for the Indians and additional costs. That way I got rid of the racer once and for all. I have to admit that I have become very direct towards them, because they are the people who feed on every human being, the least chance. I got a small, uncomfortable room but very cheap and without commission and that was what I meant.

Bangalore is a large and rapidly growing city. Many say it is the capital of southern India. Many say it is the capital of southern India. As everywhere in India there is a lot of misery as I have seen many beggars sleeping in the streets when I returned to the hotel in the evening. The development of this city can be seen in beautiful government buildings and some magnificent, clean streets and a show of modernity, Mahatma Ghandi’s street. It is a large, colorful, tourist and social center. Bangalore is polluted but it is also called the city of parks, which is pretty much here. On the first day I went to Lalbagh botanical gardens.This is a large green area with a large greenhouse where all kinds of flowers are kept. There are many species of tropical trees and flowers and a vegetable clock, also covered with flowers. It was a very nice place I needed. All the more, I did not feel the best of Indian food. Being here I met a boy who just came back from school and probably wanted to practice his English. He led me through the park, said some interesting things and led to the pond where large carps were swimming and high palm trees grew around.It was hot and I felt that the more I drove down the southern subcontinent, the hotter it was. I also went to dinner but bad and then went to the famous street Mahatma Ghandi, where night was brighter than day and where was full of shops. At last I managed to eat something good, with real meat and no poisonous sauces.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

The lady on the left was on her way to the orthodontist.

The good thing about Bangalore is that they are selling fresh fruit juices and fruit salads everywhere. They were very cheap and delicious. When I finished eating and drinking one serving I started the next. The next day I went to Cubbon Park where it was more wild than in the botanical garden. This park looked like a tropical park, as bamboo and tall palm trees grew everywhere. I also visited the aquarium and several museums and galleries with state art of Karnataka. It was a very quiet place but being very poorly felt there. I was so bad that I fell asleep on the bench or on the grass in order to recover and then I felt bad.This is of course the fault of omnipresent syfu and dirty water. After leaving the park I went to a nearby high court building. It was a large red palace near the park and many fruit salad stands. On the other side of the street was the beautiful building of the Karnataka government (every state in India has its own government), which also looked like a grand, impressive palace with many domes. At the top of one of them was the Ashok Pillar – a great gold sculpture of four lions, looking at the four corners of the world. In front of both palaces I fell asleep for about three hours because I felt like I was about to faint. I did not have the strength and often had to rest. Last week was very hard for me and I learned to be extremely attentive to what is going on. In the evening I felt a bit better and that is why I walked by observing Bangalore, its traffic, disorder and typical southern Indian temples. These are high rise roofs, covered with magnificent, colorful sculptures of the Hindu gods and holy cows. There were only two on my street. At the end of the day I decided to try my luck and buy a bus ticket to get out of Bangalore. But it was the most chaotic station I had the pleasure of being. All the places were obviously sold out as one of the many Indian festivals was approaching and I was advised to go to platform 24 and buy a ticket there. Nobody knew where the platform was, and the people working there never heard of it. So I returned to the window where despite the fact that I reached the beginning of the queue and so I pushed about eight people. Also I pushed, a few elbow elbow and I was able to swap the word with the guy in the window, which at that moment closed and ordered to come after. So everyone ran to the window and the whole situation (with elbows too) repeated. It was written that the place could be booked up to 10 days in advance but no one wanted to sell the ticket and the window closed again. What surprised me, this time I was not nervous just decided to go back the next day. On the same day in the evening I drank several fruit juices and after a cold water bucket instead of a shower, I went to sleep. Of course I could go private, but the prices that day were astronomical.

Next morning (after a portion of fruit and juice) I went to the station. I was able to buy a ticket for the same evening, but I paid a lot. This time, however, I was driving in luxury. I was driving the Volvo with air conditioning and for the luxury you had to pay. Most importantly, I had a ticket and wasted no time.On the same day in the morning and last in Bangalore, I managed to find a pub where they served very good food and even a good cup of tea. Everything was as it should be at the Hyderabad was a very nice change. While in Bangalore I wanted to see something else because the prices wytargowaniu autorykszarzem, I went to the Sultan’s Palace. At the entrance I was able to pay as much as what Indians pay very uszczęśliwiło me because I can not stand a lot of pay. Sultan Palace was built in 1537 and in the eighteenth century was built another fort, which was destroyed during the war against the British. The palace was very nice and very small-probably the smallest I’ve seen here. He lay in a small garden, and it was characterized by architecture consisting of columns and richly decorated ceilings under the arches.You could also go to the first floor to get a better view from there. It was a nice experience and a nice way to fill a good hour. At the gate I was obviously sold fruit, which I had the opportunity to try for the first time. Walking down the street from the palace, he stopped me rickshaw driver, who offered to do me a tour of the city for three hours for just 30 rupees. The offer was good but suspicious because the cheap. I said that I definitely will want powozić the luxury stores to get money for bringing the client. Rickshaw driver said honestly, but so that is why I pay so little. I agreed because I did not want to walk, and I thought that if I have to pay more for input because I’m white to let in stores now pay more for hosting the white man.As it turned out the tour was very nice and allowed me a very thorough tour of Bangalore. Of course, my rickshaw driver drove me to the best shops in the city and I had to show up and make a good impression for about 10 minutes, after which he got his fate and once even a new shirt. I did not have to buy, I just had to be there. How it works, although some shops rykszarzom pay only when a customer buys something.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

I was glad that I could help him that day because he had a great day’s work because of me and I’m pretty trip. Once at my request, he drove me to the bull temple. It was one of the strangest and oldest temples in Bangalore, as it came from the sixteenth century. The entrance was typical of the style of southern India and in the middle was a huge statue of the holy cow with painted horns and garlands of flowers around his neck. Everywhere were the incense, and the people who prayed to the statue of the great, artificial cow. I noticed that here the cow is of paramount importance and it is really treated like a sacred bull and the temple was for me a very funny and nice experience. Circle the temple was also high in the park where the trees hung huge bats. There it was hard not to notice them because they made a lot of noise and stretched his great black wings.We went to a pet store where the parrots were great, including macaws. I took one hand and started talking to her and stroke. She was beautiful and very sociable but soon parted with her as soon as you enter on my shoulder, took a pounding for the buttons of my shirt. At the end of my trip rickshaw driver drove me yet Bangalore Palace, built in 1880 and modeled on English fortified castle from the Middle Ages. It was interesting because it had towers and fortifications was inaccurate and a copy of Windsor Castle. After three hours my rickshaw driver drove me to the hotel and left me even 10 rupees for the whole course, because he earned so much money. Then I went to the same, a good restaurant and repeatedly corrected fresh juices and fruit salad with melons and watermelons. After another,already countless servings of fruit, I went to the bus station. I found the platform 24 without problem and got into the luxury Volvo with air conditioning, which in India is something which is worth mentioning. This time I was going so well that even I did not feel driving at night and woke up only after you reach your destination. It is a pity that my wallet felt the trip-but it’s hard, it was nice. In this case, I ask myself how much it would cost in Poland and I’m glad that here is still so cheap. Bangalore I loved staying here and I think it is successful, as well as throughout the state of Karnataka.I felt that not even driving at night and woke up only after you reach your destination. It is a pity that my wallet felt the trip-but it’s hard, it was nice. In this case, I ask myself how much it would cost in Poland and I’m glad that here is still so cheap. Bangalore I loved staying here and I think it is successful, as well as throughout the state of Karnataka.I felt that not even driving at night and woke up only after you reach your destination. It is a pity that my wallet felt the trip-but it’s hard, it was nice. In this case, I ask myself how much it would cost in Poland and I’m glad that here is still so cheap. Bangalore I loved staying here and I think it is successful, as well as throughout the state of Karnataka.

Tamil Nadu

Chennai (Madras)

Around 4.30 am I reached my next destination or to Chennai (Madras) in Tamil Nadu. Many people think that it is not in Chennai and Bangalore is undisputed capital of southern India. There is no such timeless landmarks, such as. In Delhi but this city has its own unique, pleasant climate, the sea breeze and the smell of fried fish. The name of the city was officially changed from Chennai at Chennai in 1997. I suppose that because of the Portuguese and Dutch colonization. I also noticed that the more I going south subcontinent is the more Catholic churches and more and more people are presented as followers of the Roman Catholic Church. You can see by the fact that the Portuguese left here subcontinent leaving behind a large part of their culture. Chennai is also the city in which the tsunami struck in 2004. At that time I was in Southeast Asia so just I was lucky because I was there a little longer then it would have to be after me. In the state of Tamil Nadu, the Tamil people speak the language, and as a curiosity to say that the same language also applies to northern Sri Lanka. Chennai is the fourth largest city in India, which, like Bangalore and Hyderabad also drive the economy of the country. There is, among others, the computer industry but also the Tamil film company which is competing with Bollywood in Mumbai (Bombay).Chennai is the fourth largest city in India, which, like Bangalore and Hyderabad also drive the economy of the country. There is, among others, the computer industry but also the Tamil film company which is competing with Bollywood in Mumbai (Bombay).Chennai is the fourth largest city in India, which, like Bangalore and Hyderabad also drive the economy of the country. There is, among others, the computer industry but also the Tamil film company which is competing with Bollywood in Mumbai (Bombay).

I came to Chennai on the fourth morning and at the same time, of course, they got me rickshaw drivers. I vowed, however, that in this city will not use their services even once which was a lovely refreshing. I took a night, city bus and went to the hostel Salvation Army, who was also the cheapest in the whole Chennai. I had as many as 20 beds in a room and barely managed to hang my mosquito net. A few hours sleep it off, I bathed what you need to do in this climate as often as possible and I went to visit. At the beginning I went to the largest museum in the city for which, unfortunately, I had to pay the “price of the white man.” It was a government museum where they were, among others, part of the archaeological, natural history, national gallery and many more. Once again I saw the statues of Indian gods,several paintings and a museum of natural history, that made me shiver went after. It was a great museum where I saw the death of my beloved reptiles stuffed for museum. He was, for example, currently the largest living turtle, leatherback turtle. I liked the part where they were exposed dinosaur skeletons but also figures of Indian gods. The entire museum complex was definitely worth seeing as it was in several buildings after the British left. The only bad thing was the price of admission, and even absurd price for the use of the camera, though I did not pay. When it seemed to me that it would be quite monotonous day, it became something very unexpected. I met a friend from Holland, whom I met recently in Calcutta, just before my departure to Bangladesh. We sat down,We talked a while and has since traveled around Chennai have been together. He was a great enemy of autorykszy moved around constantly because only local transport. We went first to the Supreme Court to admire its beautiful architecture. This is a nice but rundown building with red brick and built in the late nineteenth century. Apparently it is the largest in the world after the court judgment in London. We walked around the whole area and we made a few pictures and then we took the city by train to the next object. This time it was a fort of St. George from 1653 years (the name says about the origin of the British), and although it was a nice place located in the green, there was not much to watch because the fort was destroyed many times.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

Starting from him, yet I saw St. Mary church built in 1680 and also left behind by the British. The whole time I was talking to my Dutch colleague about the world, politics, the Netherlands and Poland, the EU etc. Subjects were many and disagreed in a large majority. My Dutch friend was a nice companion to talk to and explore. After completing the main monuments and repeated when wireless drinking tea and eating fruit salad and drinking countless fresh fruit juices, we went to a place that is probably the best and most famous part of Chennai (Madras). We went to the lively Marina beach, where they sold all sorts of food and a lot of other things around . We sat next to a guy who fried fish and then tried several types. I picked myself, I wanted to fry and he with me.Beside him were selling drinks and fruit and it was so nice that I just wanted to eat and enjoy the seaside, soft wind. I also saw that they were set on the beach with a mock-up images of Indian life-size actors. Chennai is a competition for which the Indian Bollywood film studio located in Mumbai. Marina was very relaxed for a city beach where you just enjoyed the beautiful weather and fried fish. After a while I went to the sea to soak the feet but did not stop there because the waves were so intense that standing on the shore and so I was almost all wet. I noticed that the young Indians have a wonderful temperament. They seemed like dancing while throwing in the waves, and it was obvious that the truth really enjoyed the sea-the Bay of Bengal to be exact. After my first abundant experience in the day in Chennai, by including a few stalls with fruit and juice, I returned to my hostel where salvation army again took a shower, I spread the net against mosquitoes and went to sleep.

The next morning I went out with my Dutchman pulling into the station to try to buy a ticket. Amazingly I have two more but I thought I’d take a chance. I remembered that there were as many as 41 buses per day to my next destination so I decided to rely on luck. That first day we went to the temple Kapaleeshwarar, which is typical for southern India temple. Everything was very colorful and the entrance to the center require some kind of sacrifice which added the effect of this place. At the same time it was hot, people were selling coconuts and bananas, which were to be sacrificed to the gods and the temple was right next to an artificial pond where a stack prepared for cremation. This temple was beautiful and interesting but I think it was interesting to behave the same people which gave me further insight into the alien culture for me.Every Hindu faithful entered the temple with coconut and fruit in the middle of which were gifts for the gods. Just as in most of the south Indian temples they were also constructed in the form of high statues of Indian gods mounted on the roofs piled up. All were very well maintained, freshly painted and beautiful as always. That’s how it is, unfortunately, in India, the temples are monuments of money and people are dying in the streets from hunger and disease. It is very sad.that temples are monuments of money and people are dying in the streets from hunger and disease. It is very sad.that temples are monuments of money and people are dying in the streets from hunger and disease. It is very sad.

Nearby there was also another temple-Ramakrishna Mutt, kept in the same style as the previous one. Both the one and the other was a true oasis of peace where they could spend time in meditation and tourists like me in the exploration of these fascinating places. I think that we got to the temples of the urban transport of which we were very proud because we avoided contact with autorykszarzami. From there, we headed in the direction of the sea and on the way I saw the Cathedral of St. Thomas. This is probably the oldest Roman Catholic church since it was built in 1504 and was later rebuilt in neo-Gothic style in 1893. It is all white and in the middle is a high tower with a cross on top. From here to the sea because it was close again went to the beach Marina. Again I nibbled on fish, fruits and drinking juices.In addition I bathed and walked on the shore and it was just great. My goal was just to enjoy the sea, drinking juice and so I just passed until the end of the day. After enjoying the beach and all the delicacies, I returned to the hostel where he again took a shower and then went to the local bus station. This time the bus stopped what helped me a lot.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

Chennai, or Madras as if you will absolutely loved it. There are many colonial buildings, beautiful Hindu temples and Catholic churches dating back more than 500 years. The city itself also seemed as crowded as the rest of the great Indian cities. It was a definite plus in Chennai Marina beach on the Bay of Bengal where the social life flourished, trade, and fun at the same time and can eat fresh fish and seafood.

My unfortunate way to Madurai

Leaving Chennai was not as easy as I thought. As I mentioned earlier I had no ticket and so I had to rely on occasion. I had to enter the bus to “random” and after an hour it worked. Bus which was already the worst Grat what I saw, I was on the way to the famous town of Madurai in India, also in the state of Tamil Nadu. My dear, unfortunately, there was an unfortunate and inconvenient. I took the wooden seat and no longer endured in these conditions, I spread newspapers on the floor and dirty so slept in the doorway. Amazingly I slept well, but even by the time the conductor woke me poke his foot, saying that the bus had broken down and will not go any further. It was to be expected because the trash, which drove fit only for scrap, and it was strange that in general fired and moved out of place.So I was with the rest of the crowd on a dark, empty road at four in the morning. Suddenly, however, as the salvation drove even worse trash. When the door opened, the conductor began to shout that there is no place even as everyone pushed to inside for the next eight hours packed in like sardines to get to Madurai. Even I pushed with my large suitcase on wheels, and that there was no where to sit lay down on her. Morning suitcase grown to the shape of my body. Along the way were beautiful views. Everywhere palm trees, hills and ponds, but I think we were too exhausted to pay attention to it. Before the city we stopped at on when wireless awaked me a little. Finally, after a night of hellish ride in the morning, I managed to reach the Madurai-hurray!as salvation came up even worse trash. When the door opened, the conductor began to shout that there is no place even as everyone pushed to inside for the next eight hours packed in like sardines to get to Madurai. Even I pushed with my large suitcase on wheels, and that there was no where to sit lay down on her. Morning suitcase grown to the shape of my body. Along the way were beautiful views. Everywhere palm trees, hills and ponds, but I think we were too exhausted to pay attention to it. Before the city we stopped at on when wireless awaked me a little. Finally, after a night of hellish ride in the morning, I managed to reach the Madurai-hurray!as salvation came up even worse trash. When the door opened, the conductor began to shout that there is no place even as everyone pushed to inside for the next eight hours packed in like sardines to get to Madurai. Even I pushed with my large suitcase on wheels, and that there was no where to sit lay down on her. Morning suitcase grown to the shape of my body. Along the way were beautiful views. Everywhere palm trees, hills and ponds, but I think we were too exhausted to pay attention to it. Before the city we stopped at on when wireless awaked me a little. Finally, after a night of hellish ride in the morning, I managed to reach the Madurai-hurray!that there is no place even as everyone pushed to inside for the next eight hours packed in like sardines to get to Madurai. Even I pushed with my large suitcase on wheels, and that there was no where to sit lay down on her. Morning suitcase grown to the shape of my body. Along the way were beautiful views. Everywhere palm trees, hills and ponds, but I think we were too exhausted to pay attention to it. Before the city we stopped at on when wireless awaked me a little. Finally, after a night of hellish ride in the morning, I managed to reach the Madurai-hurray!that there is no place even as everyone pushed to inside for the next eight hours packed in like sardines to get to Madurai. Even I pushed with my large suitcase on wheels, and that there was no where to sit lay down on her. Morning suitcase grown to the shape of my body. Along the way were beautiful views. Everywhere palm trees, hills and ponds, but I think we were too exhausted to pay attention to it. Before the city we stopped at on when wireless awaked me a little. Finally, after a night of hellish ride in the morning, I managed to reach the Madurai-hurray!Everywhere palm trees, hills and ponds, but I think we were too exhausted to pay attention to it. Before the city we stopped at on when wireless awaked me a little. Finally, after a night of hellish ride in the morning, I managed to reach the Madurai-hurray!Everywhere palm trees, hills and ponds, but I think we were too exhausted to pay attention to it. Before the city we stopped at on when wireless awaked me a little. Finally, after a night of hellish ride in the morning, I managed to reach the Madurai-hurray!

Madurai

Madurai is a famous city in India because of the team the Sri Meenakshi temple, which looks like an animated demonstration of the gods on the temple 50m high and many sculptures and corridors inside. Madurai is also a city of many beggars, pilgrims, shops and unemployed autorykszarzy. It is a city that I think should be on the list of every traveler traversing southern India.

When at last I reached Madurai, the driver threw me one of the most stinking and filthy train I have seen and experienced in such places have been great. Everywhere were shops and bars where they sold omelettes and local products without keeping jakiejkolwiej hygiene. She was also very nasty toilet flush but men perfectly on the wall kucały and women on the other side to save one rupee or next to nothing. Right next to the pub where they were long since niegoleni niekąpani Hindus and fried omelets, in their black (previously white) T-shirts, spitting snuff sideways. Every time when I ask about the toilet in India, they show me a tree or a wall and say it’s India. I think that, especially at this station, had about 500 people came to shit, it would not make much of a difference.I’m not too attractive but compared with them constantly throw in the eyes as well-kept. I wear a shirt stretched, which in this heat is almost every hour to wash, wear trousers, which have long not seen water and washing powder but they are still the best we have because of the pockets. I wear my beautiful too flip, which I found in the collective bath in a small village in Mongolia, whose name I do not remember. I have long socks are over, and immediately after washing the hair is matted again as snot. All through the water and muck ubiquitous but can enjoy it and live very relaxed. Soon I will return to England, where I bet something clean and I hope that my friend will be able to domyć me because I do not know if I can handle alone.The longer travel to India more and more I like this play and the lives they lead here. I get up that I want and I do what I want. Even if you go dressed as a beggar and I’m always so elegant around me because there are so many beggars true, it’s not hard to look like “class”. With one hand, I hug sacred cows, beggars and the second I push yet to be handy to the third nokautowania autorykszarzy. My journey still continues, I plan lap subcontinent and bring your plan into action.My journey still continues, I plan lap subcontinent and bring your plan into action.My journey still continues, I plan lap subcontinent and bring your plan into action.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

After leaving the “beautiful way” station where banana and drank juice stomach reaction was immediate, I boarded the local bus and went to the center to see the famous Sri Meenakshi temple, designed in 1560. When I got there I saw something spectacular and I realized that the visit here was worth a lot of long hours in lousy bus and several unpleasant visits to the toilet. This temple was by far the most beautiful and the biggest we’ve seen so far. 50m high, tapering towards the top and rectangular, and on it was embedded splendor statues of Hindu gods and my favorite, sacred cows. They were both good and bad forms of Hinduism. Some had many heads and many hands and all were different in other colors. At night the whole building was also highlighted. I would say again,Agkor the temples Wat in Cambodia were beautiful but not this time. Sri Meenakshi was quite different. It was the other art representing different style and you can not compare them. The whole area was up 12 such temples and interior corridors and beautifully carved, massive pillars that supported the whole. I went inside the temple where there was a museum with a wealth of sculptures and admired the beautiful art. On the outside it was as beautiful but certainly different. There were a lot of pilgrims from India who filed coconuts and bananas in the sacrifice. They were also beggars and police, which did not like anything and everything that was one chaotic whole. Fortunately, I did a lot of pictures and postcards because I have the beauty of the Sri Meenakshi temple is indescribable. In this area there was also a lot of interesting and exotic dressed Indians,who represented to them a great addition. For the next hour I shook up the local bazaars where flowers were sold, for example, which are gifts to the temple and where he decided to pay a coconut. Split the spot it, then put into the straw and ready. It is an Indian, very healthy fast food. The whole setting and mood of the place would be unusual for everyone in Europe.

Then I hired a bicycle rickshaw driver who, despite his age (he was already 70 years) briskly obwiózł me around the city. First we went to the Tirumalai Nayak Palace, which was built in 1636 years and was unfortunately no roof and was only 1/12 of what once was. Anyway, it was impressive, beautifully carved building. To have survived all the pillars supporting the building and the arches connecting them to the part of the ceiling and paintings and sculptures throughout the grounds. After visiting the palace interesting my rickshaw driver drove me to the temple, which was built on the island and was surrounded by a large water reservoir. This was the area known as Mariamman Teppakkulam, which was built in 1646 and is connected to the river Vaigai through underground channels. When I reached the place, but the water was just learned that when it is gone,children do from this area to the cricket field. It was another interesting experience. Walking around the object stayed on fruit juices and the children returning from school stopped me to talk to me. Once also I saw two large buffaloes with painted horns, which dragged the car. This part of town gave me the best opportunity for contact with people in Madurai, which is also an important part of my expeditions. After all, my rickshaw driver even drove me to the center, and as usual, I had a minor clash with him the money because he wanted to deceive me. Then I went to an Indian dinner and this time I was able to eat chicken. Also in Madurai meat is not served everywhere. I shot even after the city until nightfall and then a local bus went to the same dirty station to pick up your luggage and go to the next place.As usual ride was not a pleasant but fortunately lasted only four hours. Approximately four AM got to Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin), also in Tamil Nadu.

Madurai was definitely worth the long and uncomfortable journey. The temple complex of Sri Meenakshi was a beautiful, unique and just like the Taj Mahal in Agra, Angkor Wat in Cambodia, the Royal Palace in Bangkok, the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the Great Wall of China and many others, should be on the list of every traveler. Also, this is a typical, pleasant but dirty Indian village where there are several other things to see. People are nice and some restaurants offer food not chasing immediately to the toilet.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin)

During this trip to India Kanyakumari it was not my destination but nevertheless decided to go there. Considering the geographical position is a very special place but the town is also an important direction of pilgrimage for Hindus. Kanyakumari or Cape Comorin is the southernmost part of India. Further south, the council can no longer drive, unless you would like to swim sail to Antarctica. Cape Comorin gave me a chance to watch the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean from the same place here because these three great elements come together. Kanyakumari was a beautiful place to visit and I’m glad I went there. It is a very small, quiet, fishing town with several attractions, the largest of which is the beautiful nature.There are only two main streets near where the scent of fish and fishermen solve the water network. There are, of course, souvenir shops, ice cream seller and pleasant, seaside pub. You can eat well with banana leaves, sipping when wireless. There is also a beautiful beach surrounded by cliffs which drop down to big waves and people enjoying all three elements simultaneously. I reached to Kanyakumari early morning and first sat in a roadside pub to drink when wireless and then set off in search of peace. In Kanyakumari is some good and expensive hotels but my choice was very simple because, as usual, only guided by the price. The room was dirty and there was nothing but a bed and a few junk, but nothing was able to beat this price-only 50 rupees per night.The first day I went to the beach just to come and I went outside the tourist zone to talk to the fishermen. Together with them I solved the network and I talked, we took some pictures and went to the great pier piled with rocks, about that forever broke the waves. Together with me went local students, who all the time have kept me company, they asked where I was from and whether I have a wife. They also said that study and that all are Catholics. In Kanyakumari There are many Catholic churches and one of the largest and most beautiful was in a very visible place. The town is the place where you can forget about the world. One could stay there a long time, eating fruits, walking along the beach and the rocks and then eat again and eat light meals with banana leaves. Sunset that night was also beautiful,especially when he is hiding the ocean and the sky gave red color.

The next day, after breakfast I did what previously enjoyed the life that is in one of the most beautiful parts of the world. Walking down the main street toward the ocean, on the right side of the statue of Gandhi had, which looked more like a temple than a monument. Once housed a portion of the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi before it was scattered into the ocean. It was an architecturally interesting building, but unfortunately my least favorite color or in pink. Also in close proximity to the beach it was Kanyakumari temple building that is typical for southern India, tapering towards the top, in all colors of the rainbow and the wealth of statues of Hindu gods. I also visited the Kumari Amman temple, which was about 1000 years old. The outside does not look appealing from the inside but had its own unique atmosphere.Before entering this time I had to remove not only shoes but also a shirt. He introduced me to the center of Indian girded only orange scarf and painted face that showed me everything in the middle and especially the statue of Devi. It is the goddess who supposedly defeated the demons and led peace on earth. Traveling around India I have already got used to the fact that I am constantly surprised because every little thing has its sacred legend and a very interesting setting. However, my favorite part of the day was a trip by ferry on two nearby islands of Cape Comorin. Ferries flowed regularly every half an hour so this time there was a risk that something I miss. On the first island we had several temples, which were built to commemorate Swami Vivekananda which is one of the most important religious explorers, who meditated in Kanyakumari in 1892.Both temples were built as an interesting combination of different styles were religious, but the most I liked what I saw off the island. The most beautiful was the same here sea crashing against the rocks, wind, sun and calm horizon. From there, it was evident the town of Kanyakumari, the church and the fishermen working on the networks. On this small island until I spent two hours walking around, laying on the ground and just observing nature and the landscape. Right next to the island it was different, on of which was a large, 40-meter statue of the Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar. The idea was introduced in the 70s, but the entire project was completed in 2000 and today it is the symbol of the city and at the same time a kind of Indian “Statue of Liberty”. Over the whole sculpture sculptors worked 5tys and the whole job took about 30 years. This is a big, massive and impressive building.In the middle of the stone stairs were a poet so I went inside to once again watch the beautiful horizon and Kanyakumari but this time with greater height.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

I made myself eggs for breakfast in the street but unfortunately my dear “towel head” added too much oil.

That same day I went to the main street yet to say goodbye to this beautiful corner of the world and then swam in the sea and przekąsiłem local delicacies. I played a football match with children fishermen. Kanyakumari was beautiful in every way. The next morning I said goodbye his “cute” little room, I took a local bus, and after drinking tea when wireless lassi and I went to my next destination. This time it was heading to the beach paradise and one of the most beautiful states of India. I was driving to the famous all over the world states of Kerala and Goa then.

Kerala

After my recent adventures and arrive until noon subcontinent, my journey began to take beautiful colors as it was heading now towards the fabulous beaches and the natural beauty of Kerala and Goa states. Immediately when I entered the state of Kerala, I noticed that everywhere were beautiful lake covered with water lilies, rose from the ground coconut palms and my bus was stopped by a group of often painted and dancing Keralczyków, thus celebrating their feast.

The state of Kerala is situated on the south west coast of India and was once colonized by the Arabs, who wanted to control the local spice market. Then came the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British, who then fought with each other to gain influence in the area. Today Kerala is a state that is famous for its natural beauty, exotic flora and fauna and tea plantations. Kerala is also the state in which the infant mortality rate is low and the level of illiteracy is the lowest in the country. As many as 91% of the population can read and write which improves the statistics of India. The people of Kerala speak Malayalam and for that of which I managed to learn a very small number of people able to speak the national language or Hindi. As before in the state of Tamil Nadu,just as in Kerala disputes percent are Catholics and apart from nature itself Keralczyków specialty is ayurveda massage.

Trivandrum

My first stop was the state capital Trivandrum or Kerala. It was a major city with a busy bus station and the street of Mahatma Gandhi and impurities, which made that did not stay here long. In Trivandrum parata only I ate the eggs and when wireless and took advantage of the internet. Then I was able to hop on a bus to the small town of unknown for me there to change the name of the next bus, which was to take me to Varkala. The whole ride lasted a little longer than I anticipated (which is normal in this country) but it did not last longer than four hours.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

Varkala

Varkala is known to every tourist spot because of the lovely beach under the cliff, idyllic atmosphere, beautiful nature and good sea food. This is what I like! After reaching Varkala met two Englishwomen because together we took a rickshaw and went to look for the hotel. At the end of autorykszarz he wanted to deceive us as it usually happens in India, but we did not give up. Varkala is not the cheapest places because after a few too expensive for me rooms (and all assumptions are too expensive), I found the house five minutes from the beach, which was owned by an American from Detroit. I felt safely and confidently talking with white face. He told me he has a bunk room in the attic and a bed costs only 75 rupees or about 80 pence per night. I did not think something like that in Varkala possible. Dorm was not disgusting.He was under the coconut trees and the open sky. It was wonderful and very cheap. I would wake up and fall asleep under the stars and palm trees. The American told me that he was in Warsaw when we threw the Polish Communists and the people were happy because remember Warsaw as a city of happy people. Darkness fell but not wasting a moment I went to the beach. It was a beautiful phenomenon since found myself on a big cliff, which was about 50m above the beach and in the bottom of the sea was beautiful and the Arab people bather. On the cliff were the restaurants with sea food and fruit juice shops and Indian art. She played music, were hung clothes for women and coconuts on the palm trees were like at your fingertips. Most remained in the memory of me, but big fish exposed in front of restaurants. Among them were barracudas,marlins and sharks, and many other colorful, exotic species. It was beautiful. First, I went to one of the restaurants on the juice and banana pancake, I sat high on the balcony under a palm tree, so that I saw the end of the cliff and the sea. Once I got food, I ate them probably in five minutes because it quickly ran to bathe in the sea. I felt the soft, warm sand under your feet and the warm, massaging me the sea. I walked for 10 minutes because it was already dark and I was probably two hours because I felt so wonderful there. The waves were strong and Bujały me in the back and forth, but I played great. After the bath pooglądałem even fish (some were bigger than me) and then after the evening tea, I went to my hotel under the stars and palm trees. It was a beautiful evening.Next time I just have to make sure that my dear friend rode in such places with me. Unfortunately, as has already happened, that instead of here, I took her to the cold of Tibet and the border with Afghanistan but it’s also had its own charm.

The next morning my paradise, I ran for breakfast ‘and then went straight to the beach. That day I spent most of the time on the beach bathing, tossing in the waves and just playing great. When I felt that I wanted to have a break, I went to the town of Varkala. Unfortunately, there was not anything interesting, and quickly returned. On the way to the city avoided paying rykszarzom because I was able to catch the bus for which he did not pay anything on the way back, young Indians took me driving force. I got as a third passenger and quickly took me to the beach. I liked that it was hot and the wind and the view of palm trees made it even better. I remembered then Vietnam where each and moped taxi was never a problem with transportation. I noticed that the people in southern India are different than those in the north. It seems to me,they are nicer and are not as pushy as the others. Do not try to force anything to sell and especially what you do not want. Too often they smile, even during operation. Educated here, for example, the profession of cutting banana leaves because the dishes are served just for them. Small tea rooms always have a great branches of bananas suspended by what look even more colorful, also taking into account that and so are always under the palm trees. When you got to the beach in Varkala and motorbike parked on a big cliff, between the palm trees and went back to the top I could see the beautiful sea. Not wasting a moment, I ran down to the bottom and threw in the waves which lasted so long that odmiękły until my fingers. It was wonderful. In the evening, I decided that this time I will invite to a delicious dinner at one of the restaurants on the cliff.I looked exactly the exhibition of large fish, including sharks and marlins and barracudas ordered fillet with chips, rice and salad. I was so impatient waiting for dinner again be bathed for about 20 minutes to sit down to dinner. The dish was delicious as barracuda was excellent and the service too bad. It is funny but I paid for everything less than two pounds. I was wondering about shark but I believe that this fish should not do but pick up on it research and develop tourism as a shark is so interesting (one of the themes of my thesis). After dinner I went to the shore yet, bathed and went to sleep in my bed under the stars and palm trees. In this way I spent a wonderful few days in Varkala, Kerala beach paradise.including sharks and marlin and ordered fillet barracuda chips, rice and salad. I was so impatient waiting for dinner again be bathed for about 20 minutes to sit down to dinner. The dish was delicious as barracuda was excellent and the service too bad. It is funny but I paid for everything less than two pounds. I was wondering about shark but I believe that this fish should not do but pick up on it research and develop tourism as a shark is so interesting (one of the themes of my thesis). After dinner I went to the shore yet, bathed and went to sleep in my bed under the stars and palm trees. In this way I spent a wonderful few days in Varkala, Kerala beach paradise.including sharks and marlin and ordered fillet barracuda chips, rice and salad. I was so impatient waiting for dinner again be bathed for about 20 minutes to sit down to dinner. The dish was delicious as barracuda was excellent and the service too bad. It is funny but I paid for everything less than two pounds. I was wondering about shark but I believe that this fish should not do but pick up on it research and develop tourism as a shark is so interesting (one of the themes of my thesis). After dinner I went to the shore yet, bathed and went to sleep in my bed under the stars and palm trees. In this way I spent a wonderful few days in Varkala, Kerala beach paradise.I was so impatient waiting for dinner again be bathed for about 20 minutes to sit down to dinner. The dish was delicious as barracuda was excellent and the service too bad. It is funny but I paid for everything less than two pounds. I was wondering about shark but I believe that this fish should not do but pick up on it research and develop tourism as a shark is so interesting (one of the themes of my thesis). After dinner I went to the shore yet, bathed and went to sleep in my bed under the stars and palm trees. In this way I spent a wonderful few days in Varkala, Kerala beach paradise.I was so impatient waiting for dinner again be bathed for about 20 minutes to sit down to dinner. The dish was delicious as barracuda was excellent and the service too bad. It is funny but I paid for everything less than two pounds. I was wondering about shark but I believe that this fish should not do but pick up on it research and develop tourism as a shark is so interesting (one of the themes of my thesis). After dinner I went to the shore yet, bathed and went to sleep in my bed under the stars and palm trees. In this way I spent a wonderful few days in Varkala, Kerala beach paradise.that this fish should not do but pick up on it research and develop tourism as a shark is so interesting (one of the themes of my thesis). After dinner I went to the shore yet, bathed and went to sleep in my bed under the stars and palm trees. In this way I spent a wonderful few days in Varkala, Kerala beach paradise.that this fish should not do but pick up on it research and develop tourism as a shark is so interesting (one of the themes of my thesis). After dinner I went to the shore yet, bathed and went to sleep in my bed under the stars and palm trees. In this way I spent a wonderful few days in Varkala, Kerala beach paradise.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

Kollam

Kollam to me is an interesting little town compared to others and I think that we should not stay here. But it is a base for very popular in Kerala boat trip on the inland lagoons. Kollam My stay was short. I waited an hour in a local pub and after the waiter gave me chapattis their dirty paws on a banana leaf, went in the direction of the boat. Besides, so I could not eat because the powders antymalaryjnych hell my throat.

Cruise

Soon I came to the boat and swam to the eight-hour tour of the inland lagoons of Kerala being one of the biggest attractions of this state. My boat was very basic which is the least expensive, which means that no problem was moving forward but there was no luxury. On the way I saw on this tour luxury boats with a straw roof that looked like an elegant cottage on the river and in the middle was the service, a windmill, a hammock, a masseur and a table with a white tablecloth. Fortunately, however, I made what is happening around me, and not in the middle. The whole area was surrounded by beautiful nature, various fowl, palm trees and people living on the edge in their huts. The tour was very informative. I admired nature, all the natural beauty that was all around me, and cormorants and eagles hunting fish.I saw eagles took out the fish from the water and cormorants dived like an arrow, emerging after a while the fish. It was one of the biggest attractions in the state of Kerala, which made me a good fun. On board I met a boy from Ireland I spoke first about the prose of life after returning from the trip but only for a moment because I do not have time to worry about such matters. We were too busy after his trip around the world. Irishman said he plans a two-year expedition on his motorcycle, from Ireland to Australia. It is going all the way to overcome the mainland and drive through Afghanistan, but there will have to take a police escort. I also met very interesting, an elderly couple from Holland. They said that they were in about 90 countries.Throughout his life traveling and have worked in countries such as Saudi Arabia and Namibia or Botswana. Very interesting to chat with and I also could tell them something from my travels. Around noon we reached the shore where the Indian ate dinner in a nice restaurant and, of course, where I was given the banana leaf. Then we sailed further and as before it was lovely. Just nature, palm trees, birds and sloth. It was very nice.

Around seven in the evening, after a finite cruise we reached the shore. I got to the village Allappuzha (Alleppey), which is the main base of the tour on the calm, beautiful waters.

Allappuzha (Alleppey)

In Alleppey I did not stay too long. I found a cheap hotel and stayed one night and the next day I went to the beach. Alleppey Beach was not as phenomenal as the one in Varkala but it was still nice. Sitting in water of about two hours, I ate ice cream and milk beverages Drunk fruit. Alleppey had its charm through a very peaceful lifestyle. The natives fried omelets on the street and his tea when wireless mortar in the vicinity of smoldering buses. He ran through the center of town on the river and its banks were monuments, also naked women. It was another town where the time passed very slowly, where he swam in the sea and spent time with the Indians when wireless sipping. Allepey is another ideal place for this to forget about the house, ie bills, taxes and all that I hate so much.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

Kochi (Cochin)

Late in the afternoon I went to Kochi, which is the next town in the state of Kerala, which was away from Alleppey only one and a half hour bus ride. In Kochin I had no problem finding the hotel. Just I got out of the station and the hotel already waiting for me. I took as usual, what was the cheapest and made oneself comfortable although I was not thrilled. The room was dingy and besides was a great breeding ground for mosquitoes, so I spread the net first and then went to town.

Kochin is the place to visit because of the historical buildings left here by the colonization of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British-in that order. Kochin location is quite unusual as it is situated on the islands. I lived on the mainland or Enarkulam and major tourist attractions are on the island of Fort Kochin. The next morning I went to look around and explore what I had planned. I took the ferry from Enarkulam and after 20 minutes I arrived at Fort Kochin. On the way I saw leaping dolphins that were so free, that allowed me that I saw them. It was a very nice experience because the last time I saw dolphins and other cetaceans on the coast of Iceland, they were so fast that it was impossible to look at them.The island on which I got very different from the mainland and it was a beautiful place to spend the day. There was a big fish market where they were very colorful, exotic fish (sharks as well) and right next to the fish stalls were restaurants where I could either choose to fry. Everything was situated on the beautiful sea, in the shade of palm trees and close to the centuries-old monuments.

Fishermen all the time fished using the Chinese networks. These are large network actually idea Chinese which are located at the edge of a rope is fixed by the four ends of a network, the mechanism of heavy wood, submerge them in water and then draw on the surface of fish. I went once to a place where I helped fishermen fishing. The process itself seems easy because you only need to dip the network and then remove them but the whole building design definitely requires a lot of work. By the way, I made a few interesting photos with the fishermen and the photos of me at work.

After my adventure with catching fish, I went for a history lesson. First I was in the church of St. Francis, which was built in 1503 and has been left there by the Portuguese. In this church he was once buried famous Portuguese navigator, explorer and navigator Vasco da Gama, but later his remains were transferred to Lisbon. I went to the Basilica of Santa Cruz, which also dates from that time and then the Dutch cemetery, which is a remnant of the next European colonization. On this island and throughout Kerala it is a lot of Catholic churches left the Europeans. In the Catholic Church in India are four periods: the Portuguese, the Dutch, the British and the Church of South India, which continues to this day as of independent India that is 1947.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

The entire island is a great display of natural beauty and a good lesson in history and architecture of the period. The island was divided into two parts. On the other side was a huge bazaar of souvenir which housed a synagogue and a Jewish city. The synagogue was shown the history of the Jewish people until the time of the pharaohs and the Jews sea voyage to South India. Hence their presence here and the monuments, which brought with them. Among other things, they were exposed millennial boards prayer, which no one could unfortunately take a look closely. I spent a little time, I saw the sights and went towards another object or the Dutch Palace. This I liked a lot more. He presented the Dutch masters from the period when they were in power, their costumes, weapons, paintings and so on.The whole I liked and did not look like a palace like a big, stately palace. It was a rather small one-storey house, in which there were Dutch souvenirs. Besides Kerala is much more expensive than northern India though, and so I bought a few things. They were coconut oils, which were quite cheap and the other (and there were many) were very expensive. I bought some spices also because I was invited to plant ginger. Here I could see how it really looks like and how hard people work in such places. It was a very nice day and remember him greatly. Isle of Fort Kochin I must stop for anyone visiting Kerala. Then the same way, after dark, I went back to my wretched mosquito hatchery or hotel near the station.It was a rather small one-storey house, in which there were Dutch souvenirs. Besides Kerala is much more expensive than northern India though, and so I bought a few things. They were coconut oils, which were quite cheap and the other (and there were many) were very expensive. I bought some spices also because I was invited to plant ginger. Here I could see how it really looks like and how hard people work in such places. It was a very nice day and remember him greatly. Isle of Fort Kochin I must stop for anyone visiting Kerala. Then the same way, after dark, I went back to my wretched mosquito hatchery or hotel near the station.It was a rather small one-storey house, in which there were Dutch souvenirs.

Besides Kerala is much more expensive than northern India though, and so I bought a few things. They were coconut oils, which were quite cheap and the other (and there were many) were very expensive. I bought some spices also because I was invited to plant ginger. Here I could see how it really looks like and how hard people work in such places. It was a very nice day and remember him greatly. Isle of Fort Kochin I must stop for anyone visiting Kerala. Then the same way, after dark, I went back to my wretched mosquito hatchery or hotel near the station.They were coconut oils, which were quite cheap and the other (and there were many) were very expensive. I bought some spices also because I was invited to plant ginger. Here I could see how it really looks like and how hard people work in such places. It was a very nice day and remember him greatly. Isle of Fort Kochin I must stop for anyone visiting Kerala. Then the same way, after dark, I went back to my wretched mosquito hatchery or hotel near the station.They were coconut oils, which were quite cheap and the other (and there were many) were very expensive. I bought some spices also because I was invited to plant ginger. Here I could see how it really looks like and how hard people work in such places. It was a very nice day and remember him greatly. Isle of Fort Kochin I must stop for anyone visiting Kerala. Then the same way, after dark, I went back to my wretched mosquito hatchery or hotel near the station.Isle of Fort Kochin I must stop for anyone visiting Kerala. Then the same way, after dark, I went back to my wretched mosquito hatchery or hotel near the station.Isle of Fort Kochin I must stop for anyone visiting Kerala. Then the same way, after dark, I went back to my wretched mosquito hatchery or hotel near the station.

The next day I woke up early in the morning because despite my mosquito nets, somehow caught up with me and then woke me praying Muslims, who began their prayers through loudspeakers already at 5.30 in the morning. When I finally fell asleep I slept until noon because then the Muslims began to pray again and again, of course, the entire city had to hear them. That day I went to practice and write a report. Also, I managed to find beef that made me very surprised. However, in the state where there are so many Catholics I could be expected. I walked through the streets of Kochin and said farewell with the city since that day I had to take the night train and go to the next mythical state of India, the world capital of paradisiacal beaches in Goa!Of course, this time all the tickets were sold out, but luckily the board in turn helps the tourists in India and they always tries to find a free space. I managed to get my ticket and leave happy beautiful Kochin.

Journey to the state of Goa

Often during my travels and I do not mean just in India that during transport experiencing a lot of interesting adventures and funny situations. This time I was in the south of India, and was on the train through the most beautiful and tropical corner of this country.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

People in the ginger factory on the island of Kochin.

On board the “iron cell on wheels” to get any sleep for all times and told the assembled Indians of all the countries I’ve been to and it was a very long story, and everyone listened with interest. I also met a Dutch couple who traveled to India with two small children and they said they were giving good handle them. I talked with one German, who, when he heard that I am a Pole immediately started talking to me in German because according to him, if I’m Polish that’s for sure and understand German. I understood only a part of when he spoke to me slowly. He said that he had used the company in Munich and employed Poles themselves. When I talk with the British and Irish are already talking in great detail where they are because they are confident that they know the country very well. Only the French say,the Poles with them in the country is very few because the difficulty is language. Travel has been successful in a very mixed company of people from India and Europe, and all we had fun, the window with tropical views. I’d be surprised if someone was sad. We headed to the beach after Palolem, which is among the best beaches in the world. In the interval I played so well that I almost missed my station, and again I had to jump out of a moving train. This is the second time during this expedition. A month earlier, bouncing out of the state of West Bengal was heading to Bangladesh. Finally, after 14h ride I got to the station in the state of Goa in Canacona and thus continued his adventure paradise.Travel has been successful in a very mixed company of people from India and Europe, and all we had fun, the window with tropical views. I’d be surprised if someone was sad. We headed to the beach after Palolem, which is among the best beaches in the world. In the interval I played so well that I almost missed my station, and again I had to jump out of a moving train. This is the second time during this expedition. A month earlier, bouncing out of the state of West Bengal was heading to Bangladesh. Finally, after 14h ride I got to the station in the state of Goa in Canacona and thus continued his adventure paradise.Travel has been successful in a very mixed company of people from India and Europe, and all we had fun, the window with tropical views. I’d be surprised if someone was sad. We headed to the beach after Palolem, which is among the best beaches in the world. In the interval I played so well that I almost missed my station, and again I had to jump out of a moving train. This is the second time during this expedition. A month earlier, bouncing out of the state of West Bengal was heading to Bangladesh. Finally, after 14h ride I got to the station in the state of Goa in Canacona and thus continued his adventure paradise.In the interval I played so well that I almost missed my station, and again I had to jump out of a moving train. This is the second time during this expedition. A month earlier, bouncing out of the state of West Bengal was heading to Bangladesh. Finally, after 14h ride I got to the station in the state of Goa in Canacona and thus continued his adventure paradise.In the interval I played so well that I almost missed my station, and again I had to jump out of a moving train. This is the second time during this expedition. A month earlier, bouncing out of the state of West Bengal was heading to Bangladesh. Finally, after 14h ride I got to the station in the state of Goa in Canacona and thus continued his adventure paradise.

Goa

I think that this is a condition which needs no introduction. Goa is well known as a state of beautiful beaches, palm trees, warm sea and coconuts. It is a landscape alive with colorful postcards taken from napisem- “so it looks like paradise and I was here.” However, in my reportage also I intend to show that Goa is not only a paradise beaches but also an interesting story. It is mainly the story in the form of churches and cathedrals which are a remnant of the Portuguese colonization. Goa today is often called “Little Portugal”. It is also the smallest state in India which allows you to see many things in a short time, not spending many hours on buses.

Palolem

When I jumped out of the moving train at the station Canacona, one Hindu picked me up on his motorcycle and drove straight to the hotel right next to the beach. It is strange that on a motorcycle even fit my luggage colossal but in India it is already so, that here anything would happen say “no problem”. I found a room at the seaside, on the most beautiful and the guides, the most fairy-tale beaches in the whole of India. I went in the best possible place to which Palolem. I lived in a nice location right on the seafront, where there were bamboo huts for tourists, many restaurants near the beach under palm trees and tranquil living conditions, the beautiful sea, palm trees, white sand and wonderful weather all year round. Yes, I’m in paradise. It is not only beautiful but also very cheap, and I still love cheap !!!Immediately after putting my big suitcase into the room and wskoczeniu in briefs, immediately I ran into the warm sea. The waves lifted me to the surface, dived and swam until boredom. It was fantastic, warm and sat in water for several hours. Then I climbed up on the palm because some of them are inclined towards the sea in such a way that they grow almost parallel to the beach. Sitting up there and watching the beautiful landscape, tablecloths reseller asked me to do some pictures. I noticed that on the beach in Palolem champagne were all in the mood and we all smiled to himself. I also met a few Poles as Goa and particularly Palolem is very popular among Polish tourists. That day I walked along the beach and from time to time, jumped into the sea to walk and then back again to bathe.I ate as lunch on the sea but in the interval between meals soaked in water. In the evening I went to only about three hours to the town of Canacona where there was no madness beach and where ordinary people lived.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

I went to see Canacona but also so cheap to eat, write a report and see how the area. Wygłaskałem sacred cows without rest, I drank some milk drinks and returned by local bus then again, immediately jumped into the sea. I noticed that not only did I love the sacred cows. Other tourists also often stroking them but I almost hug them. It was my first and extremely fabulous day in Palolem. After two days in spite of everything I wanted to leave because I was chased but time so I decided not to rush here and spend another unforgettable day. As it turned out it was worth it. When I got up around 9:30 am just I rubbed my eyes and immediately jumped into the sea and then not wiped out (because damage to this time) I ran along the beach and took the two-hour trip with the fishermen,who already had four tourists on board. First, we sailed a little further out to sea to watch the dolphins pop up around us. Sun beat waves were high and cast boat and dolphins emerged at the moment or leaped into the air. After this performance we sailed on two other beaches where again swam, dived and ran over the rocks. So far, I was alone but this time I was lucky because it was one girl from France, which has done me some good pictures. On the same day for the next few hours just swam and enjoyed life and to complete my happiness I sailed on another trip. It was a trip just for me. I lay down on a comfortable bed on the boat and in this position I and my guide, sailed out of the lagoon lying on the opposite side of the sea, to watch nature.It was beautifully spent time as I could observe many species of birds. I saw cormorants and jumping into the water emerging from the fish, brown and white eagles, which also hunted but the most liked kingfishers. I saw the usual variety and a very rare subspecies of black and white. Especially the birds were exceptionally beautiful. In a very slow pace, my boat rower got a long bamboo stick for me and watched for birds and monkeys in the trees quietly walking and watching us. At that time I was lying in the shade sipping juice and enjoyed a fairy-tale surroundings. It was lovely that day and did not regret even a single rupee spent on both trips. Then just after dark swam and I ate fish and watching the sea.I saw cormorants and jumping into the water emerging from the fish, brown and white eagles, which also hunted but the most liked kingfishers. I saw the usual variety and a very rare subspecies of black and white. Especially the birds were exceptionally beautiful. In a very slow pace, my boat rower got a long bamboo stick for me and watched for birds and monkeys in the trees quietly walking and watching us. At that time I was lying in the shade sipping juice and enjoyed a fairy-tale surroundings. It was lovely that day and did not regret even a single rupee spent on both trips. Then just after dark swam and I ate fish and watching the sea.I saw cormorants and jumping into the water emerging from the fish, brown and white eagles, which also hunted but the most liked kingfishers. I saw the usual variety and a very rare subspecies of black and white. Especially the birds were exceptionally beautiful. In a very slow pace, my boat rower got a long bamboo stick for me and watched for birds and monkeys in the trees quietly walking and watching us. At that time I was lying in the shade sipping juice and enjoyed a fairy-tale surroundings. It was lovely that day and did not regret even a single rupee spent on both trips. Then just after dark swam and I ate fish and watching the sea.Especially the birds were exceptionally beautiful. In a very slow pace, my boat rower got a long bamboo stick for me and watched for birds and monkeys in the trees quietly walking and watching us. At that time I was lying in the shade sipping juice and enjoyed a fairy-tale surroundings. It was lovely that day and did not regret even a single rupee spent on both trips. Then just after dark swam and I ate fish and watching the sea.Especially the birds were exceptionally beautiful. In a very slow pace, my boat rower got a long bamboo stick for me and watched for birds and monkeys in the trees quietly walking and watching us. At that time I was lying in the shade sipping juice and enjoyed a fairy-tale surroundings. It was lovely that day and did not regret even a single rupee spent on both trips. Then just after dark swam and I ate fish and watching the sea.Then just after dark swam and I ate fish and watching the sea.Then just after dark swam and I ate fish and watching the sea.

I also managed to find a typical non-touristy pub for locals where the prices were very low and the food and so very good. It was hard for me to part of the beach paradise of Goa but after almost three days spent here went from Palolem. I took a local bus from the hotel and went to Margao (about an hour) and there changed the next bus 45 minutes to get to a very small state capital of Panaji-Goa, also known as Panjim.

Margao (Madgaon)

Margao is an interesting little town, which is mainly used as a base interchange between eg. Palolem Beach and Panaji. There is a very busy bus station (dump junk) where I could inhale exhaust and tire noise. Fortunately, quickly I got on a bus to the capital of Goa.

Panaji (Panjim)

Panaji is very small capital of the smallest state in India since 1843, it is yet another reminder of the Portuguese colonialism, as evidenced by the current architecture. It is not as rich as in Macao but just as there are here a long, narrow streets and many Catholic churches. There are also only 3km to the nearest beach but not as beautiful as Palolem. Many tourists bypasses Panaji on the way to fabulous beaches but when it rode into the city, I realized that this could be a very good experience of my trip. I was driving along the coast, around the former colonial buildings and palm trees and other trees with lianas. The weather was beautiful as is usually the case in Goa. After a moment I jumped off the bus and walking through the small Portuguese market started to look for accommodation.Unfortunately, I had a little trouble finding the hotel because it was a festival, and almost everything was occupied and the most expensive so far, but I managed to find a very cheap room with private bathroom. I went to a hotel and when asked how much I can afford and see how I look (shorts, for example, I was already so dirty that you could see them all what I had so far), I took 160 rupees from his pocket and took me 150 I still had water. The room next door was up for 650 rupees for comparison. Satisfied with this beautiful prices first took a shower and then went straight to the ATM to get fresh cash.that you could see them all what I had so far), I took 160 rupees from his pocket and took me 150 I still have water. The room next door was up for 650 rupees for comparison. Satisfied with this beautiful prices first took a shower and then went straight to the ATM to get fresh cash.that you could see them all what I had so far), I took 160 rupees from his pocket and took me 150 I still have water. The room next door was up for 650 rupees for comparison. Satisfied with this beautiful prices first took a shower and then went straight to the ATM to get fresh cash.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

Throughout the day I walked around the city and I think that in about four hours walked them all. I saw an old Portuguese architecture, the temples and the river, but the heart and symbol of the town is the beautiful church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception. It was built in 1541 and is the place where Portuguese sailors first came after a happy flown to Goa from Lisbon. This church is quite small (like a whole city), is white in color and has been embedded in a small mountain. It is a beautiful place but also very well preserved for his age. Panaji the capital of Goa was officially in 1843, when the capital was transferred from the Old Goa due to the epidemic. It is worth mentioning that the language of the state of Goa is konkhani and Marathi and,despite the great historical wealth is left here especially the kingdom of Portugal, Goa is famous not because of this. Millions of people flock here to enjoy the paradise beaches, beautiful nature and low prices compared with Europe. Art and history are so far Goa in second place. I had a whole day in this interesting city and that is why I chose the classic walk in order to know the history and gain overall impression. From the aforementioned church I went east up the hill and after a short time I got to the chapel of St. Sebastian from around 1880. It is a small chapel but not to be missed is the large crucifix moved here from Old Goa. Along the way, I saw an interesting, colonial buildings, similar to that previously seen in Macau.Then the high stairs entered the temple area Maruti painted in pale pink color, and it was the first non-Catholic facility that I have seen here. Maruti temple was dedicated to the Hindu god Hanuman the monkey. Itself was not as impressive as those seen before but the location gave a nice view of the surrounding countryside and it was also a good place to rest. Then I walked in the higher part of the city until I came to the Bishop’s Palace, which is the residence of the Archbishop of Goa. It was a big, white building with the characteristic monument of Jesus painted in silver color. On the way down I passed a house near one of the most important ministers in Goa but compared to the archbishop, this building did not impress me.After a few minutes I finished my walk and I got to the starting point or to the church of the Immaculate Conception. For the rest of the day walking through Panaji, I drank juice from sugar cane, which he helped squeeze, ate a piece of fruit and went to dinner. Here, the waiter was so nice, he gave me a good measure of pig iron with bare feet. My hands dropped after washing the dirty kitchen counter rubs grabbed pig iron in hand and threw me on a plate. Sincerely while also he smiled because in his opinion gave me more of the goodness of their hearts. Then I feel that I am still in India but not in Portugal. The next day I had to leave Goa already but I wanted to how best to spend the day. In Panaji I saw what I should have because the last time on this trip I wanted to taste that of which Goa is famous for. So I got up early in the morning,I left my luggage at the hotel and went to one of the best beaches in Goa, the Anjuny.

By the way, I think Panaji was worth even one day of exploration as it gives you feel the history of this state.

Anjuna

Local bus ride lasted only an hour each way which was nice because even the driver turned on the music and I could observe nature and listen Indian songs. When I reached the place I realized that it was worth it because Anjuna Beach is another beautiful beach where tourists come from all over the world. Just as earlier in Varkala (Kerala), here he was also a high cliff and it was also a lot of shops and restaurants on the beach, mounted on tall bamboo stilts. Anjuna is also a popular shopping destination under the palm trees. These are mainly materials, clothing, jewelry and homemade although you can certainly find a veritable miracles here. After crossing the main street immediately I threw myself into the water and let the waves strong enough to relocate me on the sea. I jumped in the waves, diving and once again passed me so the next two hours.I ate a delicious breakfast ‘on the beach, the sea was right beside me and I thought, that this is the life I want (and who would not want to …).

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

While there I met an Englishman with whom talked to her a little bit about the labor market in England. We had a lot of the more common themes that I am a Pole and he’s from England and of course working with the Poles. I also noticed that young Germans and especially the German women are very nice to me. You can see that being so far from home and from the European culture, it’s nice to meet someone who at least looks like and comes from the neighboring country.

Being in Anjuna entered the water many times and leaving here with a very rocky beach, ate more fruit to your heart’s content. They were delicious and cheap because I ate all the time. In the meantime, I came around to watch the choppy Arabian Sea. Occasional entering the water was mild but often very rocky and had a red color. In addition to the sea and the Anjuna beach, it was also a beautiful nature. Especially with the cliff, sea, rocks, palm trees, a small chalet on big balls and exotic cacti were whole. Just a little spoiled my mood professional ear cleaners who would put me on the strength of sticks to the ears of them wydłubując sand and when I was not interested wanted to sell me drugs. Unfortunately, it is. Where there are tourists there is also a dark side of tourism.
After a beautifully spent the morning and afternoon, the same route back to Panaji to pick up my big luggage. Then I went to Old Goa where I had to take a train.

old Goa

Old Goa is a former capital of the state of the epidemic, but in 1635 moved to the capital Panaji in 1843. There are several impressive churches, cathedrals and museums that his time even posed for competition Lisbon splendor. Today, many objects are in a position intended for the repair and although the glory years of the Old Goa gone, it is still a place worth visiting.

Road to Old Goa was very picturesque. He led by a very narrow road where on the one hand and on the other ponds were small houses, palm trees, and every moment Catholic churches. The station itself was also very small, quiet and located in the middle of an orchard of banana plants. Unfortunately, before I bought the ticket I did not guarantee me a bed. I was only entered on the waiting list and that there were no places to go I had a general class, which I call “for transporting cattle class” because the conditions are similar.

I left the station and caught the first on the road motorcyclist, who took me to the center of a very small, Old Goa. Transport in Goa I like very much because they are always motorcycles. Just sit back and always arrive on. I know I already wrote about this but it reminds me of my unforgettable Vietnam, with which I have beautiful memories. When she alighted from the motorcycle first I went to see the largest cathedral in Old Goa, which began to build in 1562 but only completed in 1619. Noteworthy here altars completed until the mid-seventeenth century. And the great bell. This great Gothic building is impressive, especially considering the weight of its history. Next was a church of St. Francis of Assisi where noteworthy sculptures in wood and stone flooring and tombstone reliefs from the sixteenth century.Behind the altar there are also paintings depicting scenes from the life of St. Francis. It was next to the archaeological museum where there were paintings of Portuguese colonizers, Hindu temple sculptures and other exhibits from that period. I think that was my highlight of the visit to the Basilica of Bom Jesus where the body of St. Francis Xawery. Sam’s Basilica and St. corpse. Francis and the history associated with it is very interesting.that was my highlight of the visit to the Basilica of Bom Jesus where the body of St. Francis Xawery. Sam’s Basilica and St. corpse. Francis and the history associated with it is very interesting.that was my highlight of the visit to the Basilica of Bom Jesus where the body of St. Francis Xawery. Sam’s Basilica and St. corpse. Francis and the history associated with it is very interesting. St.Francis was to spread Christianity in the Portuguese colonies in the East, and his pilgrimage became legendary-especially considering the transportation of the period. Taking into account that he has traveled only about 11 years has done a lot since a large majority in the states of Goa and Kerala are Catholics. The biggest breakthrough came in 1552 when St. Francis died and when his body allegedly not rot for many years. This was considered a miracle and in 1622 he was canonized. Unfortunately, internal organs and even the holy one arm were was distributed around the world. Today, from the turn of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Basilica of Bom Jesus is very well known in the Catholic religion and already rotting corpse of St. Francis can be seen in a glass coffin.It was a learning experience though the view of almost 500 corpses summer gives food for thought as it will be with us. On the first floor there is also a picture gallery and a little reminder history of Goa which was a nice addition to the basilica. These were mainly religious paintings and the history of St. roads. Francis. I also visited St. Augustine and Cajetan and several others, and although all had several hundred years and are protected as cultural heritage of the world, I thought that day I had some pretty churches. After all, it was a learning experience and a nice time.Augustine and Cajetan and several others, and although all had several hundred years and are protected as cultural heritage of the world, I thought that day I had some pretty churches. After all, it was a learning experience and a nice time.Augustine and Cajetan and several others, and although all had several hundred years and are protected as cultural heritage of the world, I thought that day I had some pretty churches. After all, it was a learning experience and a nice time.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

The whole Old Goa is so small that it looks like a big banana, coconut orchard in the middle of summer are over 500 churches and ruins that are left here After the Portuguese. It was said once that Old Goa is a city that is architecturally superior to Lisbon, but I think that this is just a nice compliment. I think that Portugal was going to be my next destination because I was in several of its former colonies and not in Portugal alone. In comparison, for example, the Macao here is much poorer and otherwise mainly because here there is no gambling, which is famous for Macao. After visiting the important objects still came through the gardens, fruit eaten in the shade of palm trees and enjoyed my last hours in Goa. As it usually happens in India, I could not sit still in one place long as the seller carved elephants,beads and postcards did not give me peace. As before, so I got in the back seat of a motorcycle, and quickly rushed to the station. The ride was great, the banana trees and trumpeting us on buses. Again, I played very well and everyone who comes here would recommend this just transportation. Given that the train was late as usual, I had the opportunity to talk with one man from Goa, who said that the people of Goa Portuguese blood flowing, and that they are different than the Indians. He also said that Goa now is no longer the same place at once because it is a lot of newcomers from other states of India, who are ruining their reputation as a nice and honest people.Again, I played very well and everyone who comes here would recommend this just transportation. Given that the train was late as usual, I had the opportunity to talk with one man from Goa, who said that the people of Goa Portuguese blood flowing, and that they are different than the Indians. He also said that Goa now is no longer the same place at once because it is a lot of newcomers from other states of India, who are ruining their reputation as a nice and honest people.Again, I played very well and everyone who comes here would recommend this just transportation. Given that the train was late as usual, I had the opportunity to talk with one man from Goa, who said that the people of Goa Portuguese blood flowing, and that they are different than the Indians. He also said that Goa now is no longer the same place at once because it is a lot of newcomers from other states of India, who are ruining their reputation as a nice and honest people.now that Goa is no longer the same place at once because it is a lot of newcomers from other states of India, who are ruining their reputation as a nice and honest people.now that Goa is no longer the same place at once because it is a lot of newcomers from other states of India, who are ruining their reputation as a nice and honest people.

After about 40 minutes delay, the train boarded and proceeded toward Bombay, but about what happened when traveling in “class for cattle” tell the next coverage.

Goa – Summary

When I remember all the beautiful moments that I spent in the state of Kerala and Goa, I think it is very good that I end my trip with such a nice and calm accent. After the trip to the border with Afghanistan, the chaos of Bangladesh, the tragic Tibet, the often shocking northern India and Pakistan, the frost in the cold Mongolia desert and after putting the corpses in the coffins in Calcutta, I am glad that at the end I can relax more and just thus complete your great journey.

However, in every paradise, even such as this one, there is something I do not like, and they are always people. India is a very poor country and that is why corals have always been sold to us by sea. For them, only business matters and they think that if they only take a piece, the rest will grow back. However, the coral is a living organism, and if an infection is found after a piece is ripped off, it will all die, just like a human being. The second thing is shark fishing. Most often, very small animals are caught, but the shark reaches sexual maturity only after three years of life, so this species will not be able to regenerate if so many young animals are killed. In my master’s thesis, I wrote about shark tourism and this is how you could achieve an incomparably greater income. Most of the people I deal with here are simple enough that they don’t know how to press a button on a camera. Much of it is illiterate and most of them have not heard of Poland. When I say “I`m from Poland”, they keep saying “Holland” and it is common. Then they say it’s a nice country which I agree with but so few know where I really am. Sometimes I also say that Poland is a country near Germany and then I am a German for them. As a last resort, I noticed that it is best to say that I am from Europe because everyone knows it.

Many people are also very religious, which without access to education further deepens the ignorance. Well, it was beautiful and many things I just can’t influence. I will always remember the states of Kerala and Goa as the land of beautiful, even paradise beaches with an admixture of colonial architecture and tall and dense palm trees, which you never want to leave. It was beautiful.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

Road to Mumbai in a “cattle class”

After the paradise beaches in the states of Kerala and Goa boarded the train in Old Goa and went to Bombay. In front of me I was driving all night in “cattle class” because, as usual, all the tickets were sold out. I was still in a good position because I was able to sit in a big crush on a hard wooden bench. Other people slept sitting up and lying down on the floor. They slept well at malodorous kiblach one another because it was not provided for any conditions. For someone who came to India for the first time would be a shocking sight for sure. Just ride the train to see what state is this country and its people. There was no sleep because there was a crowd but it was fun though. I spoke with the young Indians, who gave me to listen to music from their phones and when someone fell asleep,immediately they would put his papers to his mouth and smeared it with toothpaste and took pictures. They made some very comical pictures and was very cheerful. We talked and laughed long and no longer stand it when we put together on one wooden bunk and fell asleep so. I slept only two hours that night and woke me when I was already in Mumbai. I had to be quick because once the train was going on, so I took her things and jumped out onto the platform. This time no bouncing out of a moving train as it was before entering Bangladesh but the general misery was shocking.I slept only two hours that night and woke me when I was already in Mumbai. I had to be quick because once the train was going on, so I took her things and jumped out onto the platform. This time no bouncing out of a moving train as it was before entering Bangladesh but the general misery was shocking.I slept only two hours that night and woke me when I was already in Mumbai. I had to be quick because once the train was going on, so I took her things and jumped out onto the platform. This time no bouncing out of a moving train as it was before entering Bangladesh but the general misery was shocking.

Maharashtra

Bombay (Mumbai)

Mumbai (Bombay) is the capital of Maharashtra and one of the three largest metropolis of India-Delhi and Calcutta next (I’ve been in all three). It is a big, 17 million inhabitants, very overcrowded and full of beautiful colonial architecture, which left the British. It is a city where nightlife flourishes and where Bollywood or Indian film company. Mumbai city is also driving the Indian economy. It is produced everything from cleaning products to computers. On the other hand, Mumbai (this is the new name of the city) is a collection of the biggest slums in Asia while next door people are dancing in the streets. In the state of Maharastra main languages ​​are Hindi (national language), but also Gujarati and Marathi. This is what I managed to learn from colleagues from the train,Some state languages ​​in India are similar to each other and Hindi, which facilitates communication, but some are different. I also noticed that in Mumbai, and in many other cities, many street names were changed with the English translation, the magnificent monuments left by the British. The main tourist center of Mumbai is a part called Colaba, which lies on the coast, and where there are the most beautiful buildings pobrytyjskie architecture. Bombay is also a city of many very good restaurants and cinemas. Once I went here for a pretty good restaurant where the prices are still incomparably lower than in London, but mainly I go to bars with typical Indian tea when wireless at the entrance. The cinemas are American films in the English version and a very colorful and cheerful, sometimes violent, but very naive,Bollywood movies from studios in Hindi. (More about Bollywood films I wrote in my coverage of Pakistan where Muslims entire bus looking at daring as the country scene).

I’ve always said that in Mumbai is best to take a taxi but after I get off the train, I took a local train and then the bus, and no problem, the cheapest possible cost came to the hostel. It was a salvation army hostel but it was full so I had to wait two hours until any vacant bed. Bombay is quite expensive when it comes to accommodation because traveling from half a year I wanted to stick to a budget. When the first bed I slept for a few hours in order to somehow operate and then took a shower but cold as usual. Then I went outside to finally begin to explore Bombay. First I went to the coast to see the movement in the sea, people, vendors of ice cream and peanuts and a few beggars, who are part of the landscape of this great city. The central point is a beautiful building that is entrance to Indiawhich is similar to the triumphal arch in Paris, though arches like that is littered all over the world. Entrance to India was built in 1924 but was boisterous opening until 24 years later when the last branch of the British troops was ceremoniously marched through the arch. The place is nicely situated on the green square and is one of the favorite meeting people. Here you can also go horse-drawn carriage and hire a photographer and certainly a lot of money to spend. Approaching the town could admire the beautiful colonial architecture. Many buildings in Mumbai looks like small castles or palaces, having high windows and massive construction of towers. Although the British colonized India, I believe that in terms of architecture made this country a big favor. Walking slowly and looking around,every now and then drinking the juice of sugar cane, eating fruit salad and drinking fruit drinks and of course when wireless Indian tea, I walked down the street where they were exhibited paintings, sculptures, which were sold the furniture of his own design, and where people in a cultural way to spend time. After my first few hours, I noticed that Mumbai is much more interesting city in comparison to the other and there’s always something going on. In the same place there were a few galleries where I went to see the paintings and sculptures by young artists.that Mumbai is much more interesting city in comparison to the other and there’s always something going on. In the same place there were a few galleries where I went to see the paintings and sculptures by young artists.that Mumbai is much more interesting city in comparison to the other and there’s always something going on. In the same place there were a few galleries where I went to see the paintings and sculptures by young artists.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

Also I went to the famous in the whole of India, Prince of Wales Museum. This is the old name is new because it is in Hindi. From the outside it looks like an old English castle in the middle of the dishes are porcelain, weapons, paintings rulers of India and the Prince of Wales. In this case, but not Prince Charles V. against George is a library, which also looks like a massive castle and was also built by the British. In this part of town there is a lot of galleries, shows and bazaars and interesting already mentioned, beautiful architecture. There are also some pretty churches and when I left the first time to explore the city, it looked like a great monument. Going further I saw an interesting fountain, which was decorated with sculptures of women. Next was the second most important object in Mumbai or pulling-station Victoria Terminus,from the name of Queen Victoria. Today, this property also has a different name but still it is better known under the name of English. Victoria Terminus is a great Gothic building, which looks like a palace than a Roman Catholic cathedral, or rather like pulling station. This station is interestingly decorated with carvings of peacocks, monkeys and lions, is of great dome on the roof and the stones with which it is built are beige and well designed with great pomp. Exactly in the same style they are built next two symbols of the city or the Supreme Court and the University of Mumbai. Both look more like the fifteenth century castles than the court and the university, and also remained after the British and also are beautifully carved. The University has a very high clock tower (80m), but it is not available for tourists. At the Supreme Court, for example, is carved eyed monkey,who holds in his hand a sign of the importance of justice. These are impressive Gothic buildings, and there are many more details that describe take longer. Across the street is very famous Oval Maidan in Mumbai where children and adults play cricket all day, their national game. Here it is also full of vendors and my favorite fruit, drinks with sugar cane. It is a very good place to spend additional time because you can see the other side of the supreme court and the university. From the Oval Maidan, I went to the coast where just filmed a video of Bollywood, which is why a large part of it was available. I looked around only because and so it got dark and the next day and so just going to see this part of the city. After nearly a day of walking back to the hostel, stopping only occasionally juices.After an eventful day I was tired and just wanted to sleep, but as it turned out it was impossible. Hostel was infested with worms that live in beds that night all terribly biting. Many times I changed the place, threw a mattress, I slept on the floor and then in the dining room but still biting. I could not stand it. Terribly bitten by a German and an Englishman next door but surprisingly only Jews do not pogryzło. In the morning, after a tiring night and nasty, hideous ate breakfast and then changed to another hostel, still for the same price. The new hostel was not like in India. It was run very professionally and was very clean, even though in the great room sleep unless 40 people. This morning, for the first time since I was in India was raining which made me very happy. The Indians were hiding but I ran out to get wet because I missed the English weather.For new hostel took with me also bitten colleagues (German and an Englishman) and we were all happy. Here at last we could not swim in the icy water and sleep in hygienic conditions. That day also had a few hours sleep off because after a night of worms I was not able to immediately go out.

After my nap, I forced first went to the Emirates office to change the return date on the ticket and then went to Chowpatty beach. It is very popular in Bombay, a meeting place where many families come, where there are plenty of bars with food and where you see a lot of begging children. This beach is a nice place and I’ve spent many hours walking around and talking to people, but unfortunately the water is too dirty to bathe. Despite this, there bathe children living in slums. Before the beach I saw whole families from slums, which together were doing washing in dirty water and then also there were bathing. I made some good pictures and ate a few local delicacies. Walking the banks and shaking his head “no” to the beach vendors and beggars, I thought about going home and all the important things that are going to do.I decided to also take care of himself because I went to the barber and hairdresser. In England it would cost 10GBP conajmiej and I would have to shave himself here for less than 50 pence I had done everything as it should be. Here hairdressers do not look like Europe. In India, these are people who happen this time sitting at the beach toilets, one with a razor and a towel and the other with scissors. Mirror hung on a tree together with a supply of combs. Barber was a professional. He shaved me very carefully and do not jam even once, then wypachnił me perfumes and local nasmarował something that was supposed to protect me from germs. Barber also my haircut, not worse than in England, and more than 20 times cheaper. The whole process was a lot of fun and everyone who chooses to India heartily recommend such treatments.Then I went to another suspicious snack and slowly went towards the hostel. The whole walk took me about two hours so that I could once again see a city. This time, after dark. As usual, also I stayed for drinks with sugar cane and tea when wireless. I went also with chapattis bread when wireless and fish. As usual, it gave me everything bare hands because hygiene is miserable here. At the end I got “Indian napkin” (they said) that is broken off a piece of newspaper I wiped his mouth after eating. After some time, however, can be used. When I got to the entrance to India that is the place where I always begin to walk there again I decided to invest in personal hygiene. After walking the coast with professional references (this was written on his business card) in the field of cleaning ears.Over my one ear spent about 5 minutes, many times changing swabs that making fun on a long metal clip, poured me some specifics to the ears, and once again I thoroughly messed with them. I paid 10 rupees which is next to nothing and the whole procedure ear cleaner asked me if I can hear better. I have, of course, because the image in the queue were a few people. We do not have such a service, and what I noticed here cares more about the customer than in Europe. The day finished when wireless a glass, then went to bed. That night there was no bugs and get any sleep very well.I have, of course, because the image in the queue were a few people. We do not have such a service, and what I noticed here cares more about the customer than in Europe. The day finished when wireless a glass, then went to bed. That night there was no bugs and get any sleep very well.I have, of course, because the image in the queue were a few people. We do not have such a service, and what I noticed here cares more about the customer than in Europe. The day finished when wireless a glass, then went to bed. That night there was no bugs and get any sleep very well.

Could they be the guitarists from ZZ Top?

Could they be the guitarists from ZZ Top?

Mumbai – Elephanta island and caves

The next day, right from the inputs to India took a boat and sailed to the island of Elephanta which is one of the biggest attractions in Mumbai. I swam there for about an hour, watching the sea and enjoying the cruise. I passed along the way, among other things quite interesting island Butchers. It was a small island surrounded by white walls, once used as a prison. On board I met a nice girl, who turned out to be one of the most official I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Both the welcome and goodbye shook my hand and talked to me as if she were in the office. When we finally got to the island, he said it would be boredom, and immediately got into the boat and returned to Mumbai. As it turned out, it was a lawyer from London, having to go soon for a contract to Warsaw.

According to me, the island was quite pretty and full of charming landscapes and the entrance up the hill was full of souvenir stands. However, one should be careful because the monkeys were everywhere, which snatched the food from your hands. Once one of them grabbed my camera and I had to chase it. On the island of Elephanta, in addition to nature are important to see the caves with sculptures in the middle of that arise (as is supposed) between the V and VIII century AD In the entire state of Maharashtra has many of the temples and the best of them still far from Mumbai, Ajanta and Ellora . And there were many caves were interesting. Especially one where it still very well preserved large statues carved in the rocks, usually calling for Shiva. This type of caves but perhaps with a slightly different theme I’ve seen a few before so this was not new to me but it was still worth seeing.Very fond memories of caves in Leshan (China) which is the world’s largest Buddha carved. Returning to the Elephanta caves, he was also a pleasant walk along the way because I had to walk on uneven terrain, the views were beautiful and once had a fight with a monkey on camera. For the entrance to the caves you had to pay as much as 25 times more than they pay the Indians again but I did not pay because the guards got through unnoticed which improved my mood. We had a nice time here, fed a few sacred cows and then in the company of seagulls came back the same route to Mumbai. After bottoming I walked to the edge even after the center and spent some time in the Indian pub.he was also a pleasant walk along the way because I had to walk on uneven terrain, the views were beautiful and once had a fight with a monkey on camera. For the entrance to the caves you had to pay as much as 25 times more than they pay the Indians again but I did not pay because the guards got through unnoticed which improved my mood. We had a nice time here, fed a few sacred cows and then in the company of seagulls came back the same route to Mumbai. After bottoming I walked to the edge even after the center and spent some time in the Indian pub.he was also a pleasant walk along the way because I had to walk on uneven terrain, the views were beautiful and once had a fight with a monkey on camera. For the entrance to the caves you had to pay as much as 25 times more than they pay the Indians again but I did not pay because the guards got through unnoticed which improved my mood. We had a nice time here, fed a few sacred cows and then in the company of seagulls came back the same route to Mumbai. After bottoming I walked to the edge even after the center and spent some time in the Indian pub.For the entrance to the caves you had to pay as much as 25 times more than they pay the Indians again but I did not pay because the guards got through unnoticed which improved my mood. We had a nice time here, fed a few sacred cows and then in the company of seagulls came back the same route to Mumbai. After bottoming I walked to the edge even after the center and spent some time in the Indian pub.For the entrance to the caves you had to pay as much as 25 times more than they pay the Indians again but I did not pay because the guards got through unnoticed which improved my mood. We had a nice time here, fed a few sacred cows and then in the company of seagulls came back the same route to Mumbai. After bottoming I walked to the edge even after the center and spent some time in the Indian pub.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

A poor child on a beach in Mumbai.

Sanjay Gandhi National Park

The next day I decided that I leave for Mumbai and that is why I went to, just over an hour away from the city, a national park. I boarded the train, who once again looked like a prison cell on iron wheels and after about 45 minutes I reached the spot. During the ride it was quite fun. People talked to me, then drank juice and went to walk to the park. It was quite nice but I think that this park is a little overrated. The biggest attraction here was the safari with lions and tigers. I boarded the bus armed with iron bars and went into the wilderness to go there to spot these big cats in the wild. I had actually seen a few white tigers and lions, but very disappointed in them. I will jump on your car, or at least be interested but they would not budge. They slept only on the road,They are basking in the sun and behaved as if they did not see us, and we drove right past them. People even shouted through the windows that cats stood up but unfortunately no one was able to wake them.

Fortunately, after leaving the parts for wild cats, I went to the playground, and there I saw a cobra. In these areas there is a lot of snakes, including cobras very much. People are not afraid, are rather interested. I chased one with a camera and tried to take pictures but she only wanted to leave the human terrain as quickly as possible and it was just as lions and tigers were not interested in us at all. It was after all an experience to see a cobra in natural conditions. Very nicely he stretched hood and crawling with me was different than those previously held hands. I think that my last day in India and on the last day of the long, six-month expedition, it was a very nice gift. The same way I got out of the park, stopping again for fruit and drinks with sugar cane,I took a fabulously cheap train and went back to Bombay. This time the ride was not as nice as before because it was a great crowd and I had to fight a real fight for the entrance to the center and then place on the desktop.

That same day I went to have dinner where I met with the Polish boy with whom I talked a long time and then took his huge luggage and drove to the airport. I could go there by taxi and pay quite a lot, but as usual, I saved. I went to the city by train almost for free. From there I took the next bus and thus I arrived at the airport without a problem. Up to a late hour, but as usual on board the Emirates great to me so welcome and gave me a very good dinner. I felt at that moment that it was my return to normality. I knew that when I go back, every meal should no longer be a risk. Finally I could take a hot bath and everything worked as it should be. Unfortunately, the end is my great adventure. When did reach the airport in Dubai,I had a brief but very intense sensations stomach because it was a reminder of my last meal in India. Then I got on the next plane where after a great meal and a private cinema, after seven hours of flight I arrived to London. My great expedition came to an end.

, Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

India – Summary

India spent two and a half months, and about four in the Indian subcontinent. India visited both northern and southern, and each time experiencing new and wonderful experiences. This huge, divided into the states of the country is the fabulous tourist destination and I would recommend it to anyone. Many people, however, a few weeks I advice process of adaptation to new conditions because it is a third world country and the living conditions are far from European. North is very different from the south. There are other temples, other people and other surroundings. Each state in India is different if it were a different country and every state is said to be a different language. In India, large number of full of unique experiences, flavors, spices, magnificent architecture, poverty, shitty toilets and sacred cows, you can be in the Himalayas in the tea plantations,the fabulous beaches, the desert, in the cities where you can learn about the culture and art of the region, and each time to see something for the first time and forever be surprised. I toured India in two and a half months, but you can spend even half a year, just traveling and exploring this whole new world. I managed to learn the art and culture, the people and the dark side of India that is terrible poverty. Twice seriously I poisoned nothing but try not to regret. I had to jump out of a moving train, packed bodies into coffins, stroked sacred cows, rode a camel in the desert, and drank tea in a lousy when wireless bars, which also had its own unique charm. Every time I felt great and every day was a lesson and pleasure. Unfortunately, you have to be hard here because this is also Indian life.One should even fight for the entrance and exit of the train, endure heavy transport and lack of hygiene, and avoid the sacred cows endure the sight of misery and death as well as tiring rickshaw drivers and many others. I think India can either love or hate, but there will always be an unforgettable experience. In India, seen as one of the finest monuments. A beautiful, centuries-old temples and fascinating art. I also saw the world famous Taj Mahal. I also saw the world famous Taj Mahal., Expedition to India 2006/2007, Compass Travel Guide

To all those who have enough energy, physical strength and mental resilience, enthusiasm, humor and high adaptive capacity, I sincerely recommend this beautiful and tragic country.

TAGS
RELATED POSTS
1 Comment
  1. Reply

    Palaces In india

    25 January 2020

    Really Very Helpful Articles For Every One,Thanks For Sharing Keep Up The Good Work

LEAVE A COMMENT

  • Animals
  • The beach files
  • Interesting people - unforgettable faces
  • Burma (Myanmar)
  • Armenia
  • Tadżykistan