Golden Temple and much more

Golden Temple - Amritsar, North India right on the Pakistan border. The 4 arches from each side of the temple welcome all faiths and casts.
When you are traveling tea time is much appreciated the masala tea is delicious. I think is has replaced Starbucks!
We traveled the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains to Kasauli , a small village were Jovan, Zafar's sister attends a private catholic school.
Viewing Hindu Temples and surrounding districts were much of our days as we experienced the agriculture area of India.

India is thankful to the British for two things: the canals they built and the railway system.

Building in India is everywhere the country is booming. This is a new culture centre.

Most of the work is done by cheap labour!

Sad (because of the discrimination) but women are best workers and the cheapest.

Punjab & Northern India

We toured Punjab area and North India for 10 days with this group, Bittu (Narinder's nephew far left), Sukhwinder (Bittu's wife next to Jan), Zafar (Bittu's son centre), Happy ,our driver (behind Zafar), (Sukhwinder's Brother far back), Narinder ( next to me), and Padam, our chief cook and bottle washer. They were such wonderful hosts and we had a wonderful time.


One of the things that is hard when you are traveling is missing your family and I miss my Grandkids so much, but God is so good he knows how to help you. This is Zafar, my constant companion for 10 days. If he wasn't hanging from my neck wanting a horse ride, it was wanting to ride the motorcycle (2 games we played together).


When we were not playing games you could catch us walking hand in hand as we toured North India and the Punjab. A note for Dad's and Grandpa's: Hug your kids & tell them you love them as much as possible because it is so important for them at a young age!

We were invited to a wedding party at the home of the bride the night before the wedding. Note the Punjabi suit on Jan!

The Black Taj and The Baby Taj

The Black Taj was named for the Emperor as a monument for himself. It looks across the river to the tomb of his wife, Taj Mahal. The Emperor's son stopped the building because of the huge expense at the time people were very much in need. This site and ruins of the foundation have been preserved today as a park.
"Lunch time for some of the workers who tend the park." We needed to give them some money to take the picture; as is only natural in India.
The Baby Taj (as it is called) is built on the left bank of the Yamuna River, across from the Taj. The marble work is just as beautiful with very few people visiting. The gardens are gorgeous and peaceful.
Amazing stone work done on this ceiling
Tile work on the walls to match the ceiling it is incredible.

More of the Taj

We did not think we gave you enough of the Taj so a few more if you are interested. Built by Emperor Shahjahan for his favorite wife Mumtaj Mahal, the construction started in 1631 and took 22 years with 20,000 workers. (Completely made of white marble with inlaid precious and semi- precious stones). It is set in a formal garden.
The intricate work done with stones from all over the world is amazing - lapis cornelian, jasper, malachite, choral, mother of pearl, agate, emeralds and topaz.

The marble is also amazing; the way it is cut and fitted into place.The government has made this area a "pollution free area" as the marble has been yellowing through the years and on Fridays many craftsmen work on the restoration as it is closed to the public. We have to smile as there are NO areas in India that are pollution free!

Many lives were sacrificed to build this in 22 years for a mausoleum.

On Route

Traveling from Agra (home of the Taj Mahal) to Ludhiana is a distance of 528Km. The trains were booked solid; standing room only. The planes schedules required a stop over in New Delhi so the only other choice was a car and driver. That way we get to see some country side. Let me try to describe the 12 hr trip. You have to try and imagine a highway that has many modes of transportation; pedestrians, (buffalo, horses, oxen, camels - these four are pulling carts) farm tractors, farm trucks, bicycles, scooters, motorcycles, three wheeled taxi's, small cars, crv trucks, small buses, big buses, 1-ton trucks, 3-ton trucks, and semi trailers. Now put some sheep, dogs, cows an the road sides and creating 6 lanes on a 2 lane highway. During this trip we saw three trucks over turned because of top heavy loads. Traveling through Delhi, a motorcycle ran into another motorcycle right behind us. A woman and child (no helmets) riding on one of the bikes ended up on the medium (amazingly unhurt). North of Delhi (about 3hrs) as we sitting waiting for the stop light, a car rear ended another car next to us. ( It turned out the driver of the car that ran into the back end of the other car was drunk). It is amazing that the mother with her 9 month old child on her lap were not hurt. I am sure that none of the people were wearing seat belts. The good Lord protected us again on this adventure and we saw some beautiful agricultural countryside and arrived safely.

Taj Mahal - Agra

They say the Taj is for lovers as the king built this for his wife. I am not able to afford a Taj so traveling the world together will have to be my gift for my wife.
Fort Agra.
The Sari wash day - as they are laid out on the side of the road or fields to dry.
As we visit the handicraft industries, it is fascinating to see how the products are all hand made. These bins of wool are combined in color lots for bails and distributed to individual homes for the craftsman to complete. Most of the rugs are woven by women.
Pulling the individual fibers will make the pattern more intense and distinct. The work is so incredibly beautiful.

Pots are displayed in every country. Local handicrafts are along the roadside as locals pray for their "lucky" sale.

The Charminar

The Charminar was built in 1591 and leads to a bazaar area.
149 spiral steps lead to the top.
From the top you can view the Mecca Masjid.
Mezer, our 10 year old private guide was very concerned that "Madam" be careful. He helped us through the bazaar and pointed out who was to be trusted. I'm sure he knew greetings in a dozen languages and wanted to know how he could get to Canada with us.

Sites of Hyderabad

One of the means of transportation in India.
Spices and herbs are sold in the bazaar.
The markets are full of fresh fruits and vegetables. Pomegranates are very popular.
Pots,pots and more pots but very different from the one we saw in other countries.
In the middle of poverty, dirt and garbage there are areas that are decorated with fresh flowers are garlands. It is a glimpse of the beauty in this country.

Cyber Towers is an example of India's leading edge in I.T.

Mother Teresa and some of our new friends

The alley to the Nun's house where Mother Teresa lived is very inconspicuous and unimposing.
Standing at the entrance to the house.
Inside the court yard of the Nun's residence.
A tribute to a committed lady.
Two new friends Joseph & Hailey from Seattle Wash.
Mrs H Buntain. What a privilege to meet this incredible women as she and her husband set a foundation for an amazing ministry in Calcutta. I urge you read all about it on there website it will stir your heart as it has ours. We heard of this ministry over 20 years ago through the church but didn't realize that they worked so closely with Mother Teresa's Ministry.

Feeding program

Mercy ministries have a feeding program set in place to feed thousands of the poorest of poor within Calcutta and the outlying areas. At 6am we set out to an outlying area approx 45-60mins from the Hospital to feed groups of people. We made 5 different stops. Mostly women and children come out to the truck for food. This morning a father and his son came which is very rare.
Feeding these children is a very humbling and emotional work. It really touched our hearts as this may be the only food they have for the day.
365 days a year this food ( rice, lentils, and vegetables) are served to these people.
After receiving the first bowel of food they wait in line to receive any left overs from the first serving.
It tares your heart out to see the children!
This time of the year (Feb) it is very cool for them +or- 65F 17C. They are used to 40C-50C or over 100f in Spring and Summer.

They are very special people and this bowel will be taken home to feed as many as 6-8 family members.