An Introduction to India

I returned to Islamabad a few days ago and I’m already thinking about my next holiday. The following are an assortment of experiences and observations from my one-week visit to India:

· The small portion of India that I saw was a frantic array of people, colours, sounds, smells, animals, wealth, poverty, tradition and western influence. Compared to Pakistan this place seemed down-right normal.

· Although the total flying time from Islamabad to Delhi is only two-hours, a lengthy layover at Lahore made for a long travel day. While hanging-out at the Allama Iqbal International Airport I noted that international departures were leaving that day for Delhi (India), Dubai (UAE), the Kingdom of Bahrain, Tehran (Iran), Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), Singapore and Glasgow.

· I was very impressed with both the Red Fort in Delhi and the Agra Fort. However, having now seem these two in addition to the Lahore Fort I think its safe to say that I don’t need to see any more forts for a while.

· After a hot day of touring around Delhi, Parveen, my first driver, thought I should visit at least one gift shop. We debated this for quite some time as I explained that I am a total non-shopper. Finally I agreed to take a look, but told him not to venture too far from the car as I might only stay for five minutes. I lasted for three.

· I sought refuge at a McDonald’s in Old Delhi for lunch. I was dumfounded to discover that they did not serve Big Macs or any other beef burgers. I contemplated this mystery while munching on a Filet-o-Fish and watched a cow outside meander through traffic.

· At an altitude of 2,000 metres, the hill station town of Mussoorie was literally cool. For the first time in months I was able to sleep without an air-conditioner, fan, or great discomfort. Most of my time there was spent in the clouds, which was fine with me.

· Parveen advised me that by washing myself in the Ganges River at Haridwar I would rinse away memories of past mistakes. I contemplated spending an extra day there.

· Rishikesh is apparently a major centre for yoga and meditation and is picturesquely located in the mountains on the Ganges River. I saw a lot of young western hippie types riding on motorbikes or looking bored at restaurants. I didn’t actually see anyone meditating.

· The Taj Mahal was very nice, but to me it wasn’t as awe inspiring as the Pyramids in Egypt, the Vatican in Rome, the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, or the Forum in Montreal.