Saying goodbye to Kirsten, Eva, and Selah was awful. I didn't think Eva really understood; but I was wrong. I can't even write about it because it hurts so much.
CL and I left for Delhi on Thursday. We were supposed to have traveled by overnight train; however, our seats were never confirmed so we flew. We landed in Delhi and went straight to dinner at the Hard Rock. Our eyes were much bigger than our stomachs. We started out with nachos and then had 10 oz. hamburgers. I have had some good burgers in my life but this burger was the best ever. I was so hungry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
After Hard Rock, we got an auto rickshaw to our hotel. We had 4 nights and it only cost around $100. total. It actually was not bad and it was centrally located. CL and I were tired and we had a busy plan for Friday so we went to bed!
Friday morning we got up and hit the markets of Delhi. Things are cheap in India and I had a really good time shopping for birthday gifts and other fun stuff. Our driver Vijay took us to all the major markets and to lunch at The Big Chill. This Italian cafe was awesome. I saw lettuce for the first time in over 6 weeks. We stayed out all day.
Saturday morning we were up at 4:30 am. We took the fast train to Agra to see the Taj. When we left the train station we had an auto rickshaw driver offer to take us for 80 rupees to the Taj. That was a good deal. While driving there we realized we had found a gem of a driver and guide. We hired him for 400 rupees ($8.00) for the day. Khan took us to the Agra Fort, Baby Taz, the Taz Mahal and all the awesome shopping places including a marble factory and a handmade carpet place. We wanted to see the Taz at sunset. So did everyone else. CRAZY!!!!! We got back to the hotel around 11:30 pm.
Sunday we had a guided tour of Delhi. Rahul was our guide and he was very efficient and nice; however, Khan beat him hands down. Our first stop was Jama Masjid. Completed in 1656, it is the largest mosque in India. It took 6 years to build and cost around a million rupees. It was so interesting to see people going through their prayer ritual. Next we went to Red Fort. It was built in the 1600s and was the home to the emperor. India Gate was built in 1921. The monument was originally known as the All India War Memorial and was built to commemorate the 90,000 soldiers of the British Indian Army killed during World War I. The President's House is magnificent. I especially loved the elephants carved outside and the elephants cut from the bushes. One of my favorite places we went was where Gandhi lost his life. I was so taken by the many things he said (see pictures on FB). Even though he was not talking about God, I found myself reading his quotes and saying I could say this today and know I am talking about the One, true God. The Qutb Minar towers over southern India. It was being renovated so we only saw it from the street.
CL and I went back to the hotel. I showered and got ready to leave for the airport. I hated saying goodbye to my son. It was truly awful. I cried all the way to the airport. I arrived around 11:00 pm Sunday night. My flight was at 3:30 am Monday morning (5:00 pm Sunday here). I flew to London sandwiched in between 2 very large men. They never spoke a word to me. Boring! From London, I flew to Dallas sandwiched in between 2 men who spoke no English. Boring! I actually slept 5 hours on the 26 hour journey. From Dallas I flew into Jackson where my best buddy, Sara Snowden, was waiting on me with Diet Mt. Dew and fresh flowers.
Arriving at home was so special. The yard was beautiful. Thank you, Collin! You did a great job. I actually did kiss my front yard this morning. I am so blessed.
I weighed! I lost 12 lbs. I will never become a vegetarian. I love meat.
Now I am in the midst of two months of mail and dirty laundry; but I am happily going about getting things back in order.
I have already been asked if I would do it all again. YES! I was so sick for 2 weeks; but once I got over that I enjoyed the crazy life I lived in India. I have to say thank you, thank you, thank you to CL and Kirsten for all the love and grace they showed me early on. Kirsten is the picture of strength! I am so proud of her. No one will ever understand how they live until you experience it. My son goes shopping every day. With the power off so much you basically go and buy what you need for the day. It is a huge job considering you go to many stores and walk in 90+ degree temps with high humidity.
I know I have said this over and over; however, once again....I am blessed beyond measure. My life will never be the same. I am thankful for the opportunity. Thank you, Charlie for supporting me in this journey.
So what is next? Sleep, family, friends, food, Pinelake, Alabama/LSU football, and dreaming of my next adventure to Turkey and Greece.
Love you guys. Can't wait to visit with you all!
