Tuesday, February 22, 2011

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.

13 comments:

Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage Designs said...

Gina ~
Ohhhh how awesome to be
able to visit other countries ~
My mom went on a missions trip
to India and wanted to bring all of the little children on the streets home ~
It was very hard for her to see
the poverty they live in ~
I have a friend who lives there
6 months out of the year to help the children who are sex
slaves ~
They all love the precious
people there ~

I would love to go sometime
with them !

I hope you found some cool treasures !!

xoxo
Lori

Amber Orosco said...

Great pics, I almost felt I was there for a minute! The children are lovely and it was so nice what you did I'm sure they will also remember your kindness for many years! Look forward to more pic's from your trip.

Anonymous said...

Gina....I don't know how I found your blog a few weeks ago but I am addicted to it! I was so happy to see a post with your most recent travel stories!! Keep them coming!!!

I mentioned your address on my last blog post...and I added you to my sidebar! You are fabulous!!

Enjoy the rest of your amazing adventure!!

Anonymous said...

Very moving post, Gina...
And what an experience! I can't imagine the tug your heartstrings must've felt.

Sandi said...

Hi Gina,
What an interesting trip that must have been. I can't imagine. My hubby has been on several mission trips and I think I would want to bring every child home with me if I went. So very thankful for what I do have!
Blessings~

Cathy said...

What a great post, and wonderful way to start the day!!! Loved your pictures and in reading your words, it just reminds me of how blessed I am! Thanks for sharing!
Cathy aka GGJ

Ido said...

You brought tears to my eyes, seriously! and yes we don't know sometimes how lucky we are to live in a wonderful country like this, and have it all. Thank you for sharing your trip to India with us. Hope you can post pictures of all the goodies you bought there.
Enjoy the rest of your trip

Bohemian said...

Oh Gina, what an amazing Post, an amazing trip and such incredible words of Truth... Your story brought tears to my eyes... of Joy that you were able to capture the Spirit and Love of the People of India in your words and photos. Mother Teresa once said that America had the greatest poverty... of loneliness. I have found in traveling the world that many impoverished countries are rich in tradition, culture and community closeness. We are Blessed materially in our great Country, but we can learn much from other cultures who have different priorities, greet visitors warmly with kind, gentle Spirits and the Gift of Hospitality...

Dawn... The Bohemian

Anonymous said...

I made one trip to India to the textile factories up in Panipat..it is a trip I will never forget! What an amazing place; would love to go back some day again.
Look forward to hearing, and seeing, more of your trip!

Lilmidgestuff said...

Thank you for sharing these great experiences, Gina. Bless you - Dawn

mitchiesmom said...

What a great trip!!! I feel like I am there with you - your descriptions are superb!! I'm a new reader to your blog and am a fan on Facebook. I will be back to read all about it!!!

Colleen said...

OK, when I grow up, I've decided I want to be you! You are so fortunate to have such a fairy-tale life, I am green (or, perhaps, a muted red) with envy! :) I'd like to know where the non-wholesaler can purchase your items? Your blog says to contact you for local dealers. I'm in the Northern panhandle of West Virginia. I can reach out and touch eastern Ohio on one hand and western PA on the other side(Pittsburgh area). Are there outlets for Peacock Park designs anywhere near me? Thanks! Colleen

Just a bed of roses said...

Just a bed of roses in Utah loves carrying Peacock park designs! It was a pleasure to talk with you at market and we have received our products and they have wings! yes, flying out the door!
Why Not!
Love Love Love your trip to India.
That's just down to earth Gina!
Don't hesitate to share more adventures of Gina in that way.
Inspiring.
P.S...your show room in Atlanta is beyond spectacular! BEYOND!

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