Amritsar - The Golden Temple

Local Transport -- Bus

Since I didn't plan on staying in Amritsar, I had limited choices about how and when I would move on to my next destination. For 140 Indian Rupees (about $3.50) I was able to take this lovely bus though Punjab and up to Dharamsala, which is a good 7 hour drive. I set my Ipod to shuffle, which seems like the appropriate soundtrack for all of India, and melted into my seat. It really wasn't that bad, except that once we got to the mountains the roads were really sketchy and I've already mentioned the driving here ;)

Local Transport - Rickshaw

What you can't see is that there are 3 of us with tons of luggage, which I am hanging on to, sitting on the backof a bike being driven through crazy streets as we rush to get to the bus station. I really find the driving situation here insane and impressive at the same time.

Local Transport - Trains

Here I am on the train settling in for a long night. I actually enjoy trains, not the trying to go the bathroom over a hole in the floor while speeding through countryside without falling or touching anything part, but you know, the way they sway like a boat only better. Maybe it's because I resent America's lack of a decent public transportation that makes me like trains so much. For those of you who know how clumsy I am, I did almost face-plant off the side of train going pretty fast.

The Bahai Temple, Delhi, India

Holy Crap, Holy Cow, Holy Chaos

I'm in Delhi and I am safe and being well looked after by my friend Guncha, to whom I will be eternally grateful. (Seriously, G your hospitality and generosity has been tremendous & I hope that you find the right person to share your lovely heart with.) This place is a pure madness of contradictions. Talk about the reconciliation of opposites. The driving must be some of the worst in the world, everyone is everywhere in spite of the lanes, and well the big bulls on the roads doesn't help matters. Oddly, I haven't seen an accident yet. The chaos is everywhere, but the intriguing thing is that somehow it just works. There is a flow and a rhythm to it all. I've already realized that one is wholly compelled to take India on her own terms. I have to remind myself to not resist it in order to maintain my sanity. The people are so kind and generous, which is truly a pleasure to find. They also seem to have such curiosity and fortitude. I haven't done or seen too much yet, since getting my traveler's checks cashed and getting a sim card became a 2 day mission. I think I'll be heading out of the city soon.

India

I have arrived safe and sound in India. I can already see that any hopes and expectations will only be met through nonresistance and effortless actions.
Happy Birthday to me! Technically it's tomorrow, but I like to start celebrating the night before ;)