#12: Walking Tour

A walking tour this weekend yielded much about India’s history and culture. Muslim invaders from Persia came in search of silks and spices during the 10th century. Upon conquering Qutab Complex, they destroyed the Hindu temples and erected this Tower of Victory. They ruled for 600 years.

Indians are grateful to the British who arrived in the 1600’s and chased off the Muslims. The British also were in search of spices, but unlike the Muslims, they preserved the local culture and religion.

A hot, crowded bus ride took us to the next location.

The Baha’i faith is an independent world religion focused on the oneness and wholeness of the entire human race. This Lotus Temple is one of only seven temples worldwide. Visitors to Wilmette, Illinois (north of Chicago), may be familiar with the Baha’i House of Worship along the shores of Lake Michigan.

This Persian-designed Tomb was commissioned by the wife of Emperor Humayun in 1570 as a gift to her husband. It’s dedicated to love and peace. Sixty years later, their grandson utilized this design to build the Taj Mahal some 200 kilometers away in Agra as a gift to his third wife. This Muslim mausoleum is known as the “Baby Taj.”

An auto rickshaw provided transportation to other sites around Delhi.

The India Gate was inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and was built by the British as tribute to the 90,000 Indians who died fighting for England in WW I.

This visit to the Hare Krishna temple was the highlight of my tour. ISKON is the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.

Hinduism is difficult to define by western standards. It’s an umbrella term encompassing a traditional way of life, which is broadly defined. Krishna, Sikh, Jain and Buddha all come under this Hindu umbrella. This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna who lived 5000 years ago.

Krishna is the Lord of practical values. His devotees follow the mantra: First deserve, then desire.

I enjoyed the Hare Krishna chant and found it very soothing and relaxing. This tour made me realize that India’s culture is completely centered around religion. Indians are humanitarians at their core. They are open and accepting to all people and all religions.

After the tour, I wandered into INA market.

This aisle leads to what I’ll call “Butcher’s Row.” Stop now if you have a weak stomach.

Although 25% of Hindus are vegetarian, that means 75% are not. These chicken are in a cue.

These chickens are going “behind the shed.”

This man is rearranging his fish display

There was a continual chopping sound at this counter.

And the final trims were skillfully managed with knife in toes.

Pork is also available.

That’s why these cows are smiling. The cow is an integral part of sustainability and is considered mother of life. The cow produces milk / butter and dung (for fuel). Cows are used to plow the field and their urine is prescribed as an antibiotic. Like the sun, you can’t live without the cow. Enjoy your week. ts

#11: US visit

 

This week took me to the US for my first home visit.  Air India flies direct from Delhi to JFK.  It’s a 15 hour, non-stop flight aboard a Boeing 777 (with only 2 engines).

 

My first impressions upon landing:  Everything is so green.  Also, people drive on the wrong side of the road.

 

It was very exciting to be reunited with my family. They will join me in July at the end of the school year. Meanwhile, my bathroom scale showed that I had lost 5 pounds over the last 2 ½ months on my chicken-only diet, but after one week in the US, I found most of them again.

 

Other US impressions:  The air is clean, I can drink tap water if I choose, and hot showers last more than 3 minutes.  As we did during our time in Munich, we will rent our house in NJ.  Please spread the word we’re looking for a tenant.

 

We spent a day in New York City which is absolutely beautiful.  I especially appreciated how clean, organized and efficient the city is. 

 

Here’s something you’d never see in India where the culture is very conservative. 

 

This is the cross roads of the world: Times Square, home of the annual Dick Clark’s New Years Rockin’ Eve.

 

Many people have asked me about the passing of Dick Clark this week.  He was a major influence in my life. Behind that affable television persona was a hard-driving businessman with an unstoppable work ethic.  He worked harder than any 10 men combined.  He was the master of common sense with bull dog tenacity.  Never say ‘no’ to Dick.  He’d find a way to make it happen. 

 

Leading by example was at the core of his DNA.  No task was too menial, and I witnessed the positive impact from his “roll up the sleeves” approach countless times. All of us who worked there called it Dick Clark University.  His mentorship was priceless.  (That’s me with Dick, his wife Kari and Jeff James from 1989).

 

He gave me countless opportunities throughout my 12 years of employment where he’d throw me into the deep end and was then patient enough while I learned to swim.  Mistakes were ok — learn from them and move on.  I have benefited greatly from his wisdom and will forever cherish the memories.  (In this 1988 photo, yes, Dick is wearing a name tag — always on the right lapel for alignment when shaking hands – just one of his many nuggets). 

 

Now it’s back to India where the return flight is taking us over Moscow, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and into Delhi.

 

This week went way too fast.  My apologies to all who I tried to visit but fell short of time.  My wife Lynda is a saint.  She’s holding down the fort alone and is doing an outstanding job juggling work, school, kid schedules, running the household and a huge bucket of ‘miscellaneous.”  I see a trip to Goa in her future where she can sleep as long as she wants. Enjoy your week.

#10: Mass Transit

It is suddenly HOT. Vegas hot. It’s now 101 degrees every day and getting hotter. It will be 113 by May.

Do pigs like mud? Yes, pigs do like mud as evidenced by these babies along the curb.

Learning to cross the street last week was a real game changer for me. I’m now more adventurous and stretching outside my comfort zone. Walking has opened new experiences, like access to mass transit. However, I’ve opted to avoid the bus.

On a crowded street corner, these men raced for an open rickshaw.

There doesn’t seem to be a maximum capacity.

A 30 minute walk brought me to a metro station…

…where I took the train to central Delhi.

It was standing room only, but not too crowded.

I went in search of a seat in this car, but quickly realized I was out of place. I’d stumbled into the “Women’s only” car and quickly retreated to where I belonged.

A 40 minute ride brought me to the Rajiv Chowk central station in Delhi, home of Connaught Place, a circular plaza built by the British. This is Central Park.

I took a ride around the area in an auto rickshaw.  A majority of the retail stores are international brands.  

This view from the train ride home shows there is so much more to explore.

Friday was Good Friday and a national holiday here. Imagine that. Next weekend I’m headed to the US for my first home visit. For the last 2 ½ months, I haven’t driven a car or eaten red meat, and I can’t say I’ve missed either one, however, I am anxious to see my family. Thanks for all your comments. It’s always good to hear from you. Happy Easter.  ts