Is there an ATM anywhere ???????

I am entering this post from my hotel in New Delhi India. By the miracle of technology I can take photos, and share them from half way around the world within minutes. It is amazing to me. Last night I went to where the locals go. I was definately sticking out like a sore thumb here, but this is where I ALWAYS like to go when I visit any new town ......I want to see the culture. And Yes....even in a culture that looks like there is absolutely NO american influence, there stands a McDonalds. The only difference is that their hamburgers are not beef. Beef is sacred here. So they are either veggie, or chicken.



I adored this bull. He was so gentle and sweet, I looked everywhere for some grass to feed him, but I had no luck, so just a scratch behind the ears was all he got from me.

If only I could have brought this sweet angel home. She followed me everywhere......her hair bleached from the sun, and feet filthy, she was still adorable and sweet. I bought all her beads, and then created a mob scene. They must have said, hey this crazy light haired woman loves beads.....soooooooo they came in droves.

I went into McDonalds, bought hamburgers Or...whateverburgers......as many as I could carry, loaded a bag and passed them out on the street. I dont know how they can eat them they are sooooo spicy. I couldnt even hardly swallow one piece and these little babies would eat it. I taught them the peace sign, and visited for a while, then had to move on. If I could have found an ATM I think I would come home BROKE. Next time I am coming loaded with treasure....toys, clothes, etc.

Look at this sweet angels face.....Oh, my goodness. I fell head over heals in love with the people. They are so grateful with whatever they have, it makes me feel so guilty that I complain of the "uncomfortable" ride in the long plane ride. These sweet people can only imagine what it is like to go into that giant metal bird in the sky.

This is street sweets.....It is kind of like our "elephant ears" dough fried out of a tube in grease and instead of sugar and cinnamon, it is almost like honey. It is really sweet, and greasy at the same time.

This is the local market, it webs for miles, and is crowded with people selling food, clothes, trims, wedding decorations, you name it.

Then I went to I think the most incredible restaurant I have ever been to in all my travels. The food was BEYOND amazing. It was in this retreat that is 200 years old, from some wealthy casonova cat that lived in Delhi some 200 years ago. This plaque describes a bit of his history, I nicknamed him JOHN BOOBY....of course not pronounced this way, but this guy seemed like a real "boob". I am going to google this guy and see if I can find what he really looked like. He did have good taste in retreats I might say. It is behind a big stone wall, and through a gate. Once you enter, it feels as though you have been transported to a magical place far from the dusty streets of Delhi.

This is the most incredible idea. Instead of the typical olive oil etc, for bread dipping , you are presented with this stone mortar and pedestal that is filled with oil herbs, red onions grilled.(The onions here in India are not left to grow large like we are accustomed to , they are pulled tiny)

This is the courtyard of the retreat. This is a banyan tree that is 175 years old. It is fantastic.

This is a mound of shoes of patrons entering the shop stall. The streets are very dusty so you leave your shoes at the door.

I can't interpret this sign, but it is a peaceful message from a wise old man. The people are gentle sweet and kind.

This is the entrance to a Temple. You must leave your shoes in a room , they wash your feet before entering....

Yeah, I know this is a wicked picture of me, but I wanted to show you, there is a basket of fabric and your head must be covered, so you pull one out and tie it on your head, then return it when you leave. Orange is DEFINATELY not my color.

This is the interior of the temple, it is solid real gold. The Preist is reciting from the "book". all messages of peace and love. This is a seik temple. The are the "defenders or warriors" of the people.

Here is the incredible thing about the temple. There is a large room in back, which is stricly volunteers, and anyone, I mean Anyone, any religoun can come and get a meal. It is a fantastic generous gesture. They feed so many people each and every day. When you go to the alter, you are given a blessed flower from the priest....usually a marigold, however, he gave me a "special " flower of a rose bud. A lot of meaning in a tiny bloom.

My trip to India has been wonderful and educational, I am so blessed to be able to see these different cultures, and experience the differences. It also makes me realize how incredibly lucky and blessed I am to live where I live, have a roof over my head, food at my disposal, and a warm clean bed each and every night. Those words we heard growing up when we didnt clean our plate ( do you know how many kids in India are starving?" Is truer than you can ever imagine, and are now a reality to me. Look around you today, and realize how incredibly lucky you are....there are thousands of people who feel blessed and thank god daily for what they have, and it is virtually nothing.