|
Gandhi's ashram and other local sightsNov 15, 2004
|
|
| Today we did some sight-seeing. We had a driver and Jay,Jetna, Kaka, Dashna, Mit (a great little boy) Sarita and I drove off to see the local area. Frist we visited a Hindu temple, a complex build by a certain Hindu sect which I understand is quite popular in Gujerat. There was a huge golden Buddha-like figure in the main hall and there were plenty of Indian pilgrims there to visit and take advantage of the Diwali holidays. Afterwards, we drove to Gandhi's ashram and saw where he lived and met visiting dignitaries - all very simple and humble - quite a contrast to the previous temple. There was also a display of his life which I am now quite familiar with after reading a biography. I walked around with Mit quite a lot - he seems in need of male companionship as his father has been in the US for the past 7 years - it must be hard and he is such a good kid. In the afternoon, we drove to Jay's family's home village. It was quite quaint although his family have built a modern house on their plot. After a good cup of very sweet masala chai - we headed back to Anand. It was a long drive back but nice to watch the Gujerati countryside, quite green with plenty of farmland and trees. Beside the ubiquitous cows, you see the odd camel pulling a cart or donkeys grazing by the side of the road. Sarita and I are getting a little concerned about organizing a car for our tour of Rajasthan so will be focussed on this for the next few days as well as calling to reserve hotel rooms. See - there is some work involved in travel! |
Advertisement 
|
