In Search Of A Tiger...

February 9-11, 2014

Ranthambore National Park

A lovely lodge outside the game park with plentiful food (I will miss the nan bread and Kingfisher beer) and an affordable gift shop with lots of t-shirts and local art. We had two game drives, one in the morning and then another after lunch, and saw an array of animals; the peacocks were glorious and the monkeys....well, you can't beat their antics! Of course, our goal was a tiger sighting and I, along with our guide, was able to catch a quick view of the back of this elusive and majestic animal; I suppose a bit of stripes is better than none at all...and, for that, I was fortunate.

Visits to a local woman's art cooperative and a small school in Ram Singhpura followed by a walk throughout the village provided wonderful “cultural connections” and an opportunity to read with the children and visit with the townspeople.

                                                    

                                    

A Morning With The Taj Mahal...

February 6-9, 2014

Agra, India

The streets of Agra teem with people, cars, cycles, lots of honking horns, animals, and trash, but within the entrance gate and the walls surrounding the Taj, there is sheer beauty and calm (were it not for all the tourists). The sheer size of the tomb (a testament to the love of Royal Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal), the sculptured flowers, the absolute beauty of the marble inlays, the perfect symmetry...it is a wonder to behold. We arrived in a cool morning mist, but the sun came out an hour later, illuminating this indescribably beautiful monument in a golden glow.

Agra became prominent during the 16^th century reign of Akbar, builder of the Agra Fort, who made the city one of the mightiest and richest kingdoms. It was in the 17^th century, however, during the reign of his grandson, Shah Jahan, that Agra reached its architectural peak...it was an age of marble and splendor. 

After the death of his beloved wife in 1631 A.D., Shah Jahan began a two year period of intense mourning losing all interest in pleasure and the functions of his office. Legend has it that on her deathbed, Mumtaz Mahal expressed the wish that her husband build a monument over her grave that would be a testament to their inseparable love. It took twenty years to build and required twenty thousand laborers plus an additional two years was spent constructing surrounding buildings and the gardens. A fusion of Indian and Persian architecture, the Taj Mahal is at once dreamy, dazzling, and enchanting...it is magic, it is emotion, it is unlike anything else...

Exploring Agra...

February 6-9, 2014

Agra, India

A stellar day as we explored the Agra Fort, visited a marble inlay shop, had tea with a local family, and saw a mesmerizing live performance of theater and dance in preparation for tomorrow's visit to the Taj Mahal.

                                                       

Example of marble inlay

Home of our host and hostess

Shrine in the home for daily prayers

A gracious, lovely couple

A five minute walk from their home and place where fresh water buffalo milk is bought each morning.

On The Way To Agra...

February 6-9, 2014

Agra, India

A motor coach transfer and a train ride to Agra

Leaving Khajuraho and on the way to Agra...a long bus excursion through towns, one looking like the next. Trash was everywhere and cows had the right -of-way, not only on the streets, but on the railroad tracks as well! We stopped for a lovely lunch at what was once a grand villa; the walk through town after our meal was an opportunity to say hello to a warm and friendly community...so many smiles, waves, and  beautiful faces. And then there was a two hour train journey; the Jhansi station was crowded with people waiting for the train and others simply lying about on the platform...it was raw reality.

                                                       

 

Khajuraho - Religion And Sensuality In A Temple Complex...

February 4-6, 2014

Khajuraho, India

Another flight this morning and we arrived in Khajuraho, a small village in Madhya Pradesh in the heart of central India. The temple complex we explored here is, after the Taj Mahal, the most frequently visited monument in India; its Indo-Aryan architecture and very detailed, exquisite sculpture are known all over the world. The temples, built between the 9^th and 11^th centuries by warrior kings of the Chandela dynasty, were originally 85 in number, but, today, sadly, only 25 remain and these are in varying stages of decay/preservation.

The Khajuraho temples reflect both religious belief and raw sensuality as described in the Kamasutra; a “juxtaposition” of religion and sex. The reason why erotic and somewhat obscene figures were carved in a place of worship has been a source of interest as well as controversy. Were they carved to test the dedication and concentration of the devotees who came to worship or were they simply reflective of the ecstasy, beauty, and truth of life? Whatever the reasons, the temples and the sculptures decorating them are remarkable for their detail, beauty, quantity, and the sheer grandeur of the site.

                       

                       A Group of Pilgrims

                               A Bride and Groom come to pray

A Group of Visitors 

The Sweetest Visitor of All