January was a busy month. Here we attended the launch of the new Rolls-Royce Ghost II.
Greg especially enjoyed all the gadgets.
Needless to say, it’s a huge thumbs up from this 13 year old.
January brings thick, heavy fog.
Visibility can be near zero.
January is also the coldest month of the year, and as Indian homes do not have heat, we utilize blankets and space heaters (which are only effective within a few inches).
But we cannot complain… others have less and burn anything available for heat.
This leads to a forecast of smoke which contributes to “Hazardous” levels on the air quality index in January (figures shown are Celsius).
Greg and I traveled to east Delhi…
…merged into traffic…
…and visited Akshardham. This is the Disney World of Hindu temples, complete with animatronics, “It’s a Small World”-style boat ride and an IMAX movie. This is an Internet photo as cameras are not permitted inside.
In late-January, we traveled to Mumbai (aka Bombay). Here is the iconic Gateway of India with the Taj Hotel in the background (focal point of the 26/11 terror attacks).
After a one-hour boat ride, we reached the Elephanta Caves. Everything you see was hand-carved into the side of this mountain between the 5th and 8th centuries.
There are two sets of caves, carved separately by Hindus and Buddhists.
The carvings are impressive and signify deep religious tribute.
There is good reason for this sign…
… as the island is overrun with monkeys poised for attack.
Only seconds before, this bottle of Coke was in Lynda’s hand. A monkey raced from behind, snatched it and scampered up this hill. She was quite proud (the monkey, that is).
Religious diversity is found throughout India, with Christianity imported here by the Portuguese many years ago.
We spotted several outwardly religious displays…
…including this Catholic church.
We also toured the Dharavi Slum in Mumbai, the most densely populated place on earth (featured in Slum Dog Millionaire).
Photos are not permitted at street level, so our only clicks come from this rooftop vantage point.
Industry thrives here, including bakeries, leather goods, pottery manufacturing and recycling. Slum is not a negative word to those who reside here – this is home.
The U.S. has been developing closer ties with India, primarily to counter the muscle flexed by China in the region.
On January 26, President Obama attended the annual Republic Day Parade in Delhi (we watched on TV).
The press created quite a buzz over Obama’s Cadillac “Beast,” with its 8-inch thick armor-plated doors. Meanwhile, Modi uses a bulletproof BMW 7 Series.
Upon our return from Mumbai that evening, we spotted Air Force One.
January 30 marks the sad anniversary of Mahatmas Gandhi’s assassination (Smriti means remembrance).
Known as the nation’s father, Gandhi spent his last days here in Delhi.
This Martyr’s Column marks the spot where he was gunned down in 1948 at age 78 by a Hindu nationalist. How would Gandhi react amidst today’s violence in the world? ts
Ukrainian Tom 