Sari, Not Sorry

Well, I'm significantly behind on life updates.

Here is a picture of me in a red sari which was a gift from some of the teachers of the Village of Pudupkkam. I think it is the greatest gift I have ever gotten and I was welling up with emotion when they presented it to me.

 

And this is a picture of Namada & I after she helped me put on this "junk sari". Apparently she thought it was too cheap and didn't fit me right.. sorry girl, I'm on a budget. Anyways, In that pic I'm looking like a true South Indian girl, rocking the flowers in the hair.

But, let it be known to the world that sari's are the biggest pain in the butt. You think they would be nice and cool considering that basically your entire mid drift is exposed, but my God those things are ridiculously hot. Not to mention, IMPOSSIBLE to walk in. Bonus points to Edward for dealing with me as I trudged along in the heat of the day in the red sari on our 2 km walk back to WIN.

Well this does not make up for the fact that I have left the last month of my life a complete mystery... sorry guys it will probably remain that way.
I will be taking a trip to Thailand next week and then will be left with 5 more days in India... so sad :(
However, I'll be gearing up for my next adventure... details to come soon!

Until then!

xoxo,
Becca

Agra: OMG, It's the Taj Mahal!

After spending two days in Delhi we hoped in the car and took a 6 hour road trip to Agra. Now, 6 hours in the car just sucks no matter what. But in my opinion in India with the bumpy roads, honking, stop & go traffic... it was a lot worse. I spent the last 3 hours of the trip in misery as I was having stomach issues and a fever. A trip to McDonalds rendered useless because I was unable to eat... (Now I am determined to find & eat at a Micky D's in Chennai). I spent the first day in Agra delusional in my bed missing out on a chance to see the Agra Fort. I'm sure it was great, but there was no way I was moving from my bed. The next day we departed from the hotel room at 6:20 am. I was a straight up mess, but I was not missing my chance to see the Taj Mahal.

What can I say about the Taj Mahal, it was beautiful but strangely overrated. I think I had it so hyped up in my mind that once I saw it I had that feeling that was like.... that was it?

For the history buffs:

The Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan as a memorial to one of his many wives Mumtaz. Mumtaz is considered to be his most loved wife. She died while giving birth to the emperors 14th son... 14th! Anyways, the Taj Mahal consists of the main tomb, a mosque, a guest house, main gate, and gardens.

Interesting Facts:
* It took 22 years to build
* Over 1,000 elephants were employed to carry construction materials
* Depending on the time of day/ if there is a full moon the Taj appears to be different colors
* During the Indian Rebellion in 1857 many of the semi-precious stones were ripped off the walls of the Taj Mahal by the British.

I only know all of this because I did a presentation of the Taj Mahal 3 weeks ago to gear up for the trip.

As you can see, besides the fact that I was horribly sick, I managed to get some pretty good pictures. However, at one point I swear to God I was going to throw up all over the beautiful white marble. Those jumping pictures were not easy but they were so worth it! Also, as much as it sucked getting up so early I think that this is the best time to see the Taj Mahal. It was not crowded and the lighting was picture perfect.

Jumping for joy, finally made it!

View from the Taj looking out on the gardens

Onion dome

So peaceful, no crowds!

Intricate detail, it is verses from the Qur'an

xoxo,
Becca

Delhi: Old Places

WHEW. Last post on Delhi, I promise.

Jama Masjid

While in Delhi we went to Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. It can house 25,000 worshipers! Crazy, right? Anyways, the mosque was actually built by the same guy who built the Taj Mahal (Shah Jahan) and the place has a few cool relics including a copy of the Qur'an on deer skin. I wanted to see this put apparently it is locked up and hidden.. bummer. It definitely was an interesting visit and yet again we got to rock some modest clothing.  Anyways, the highlight of the visit was most likely taking awkward pictures with one woman's baby. Yeah, people will come up to you and beg for pictures with their children, babies especially. We were in a good mood so it wasn't a problem. I don't have the pictures but lets just say I was being ridiculous and the baby was unimpressed...

Qutub Minar

Check out that detail

On our last day in Delhi we visited Qutub Minar, a world heritage site. Surprisingly, this place is India's most visited monument... step aside Taj Mahal! The Minar was constructed in 1192 and is considered one of the greatest works of Mugal architecture. This monument is supposed to symbolize the power of Islam along with calling people to prayer to a nearby mosque. The giant pole in the picture = the Qutub Minar. The pole is inscribed with verses from the Qur'an and actually has some beautiful detail. Besides just a giant pole, the place is surrounded by nice gardens and buildings that are now ruins. There was also a tomb there, but I can't remember who it belonged to.... oh well.
 
Enough with the history, here are some pictures!

oOoOo look at how artistic I am.....

xoxo,
Becca