Delhi - Lodi Gardens

Delhi - Lodi Gardens
Originally uploaded by mischamac.

On our third day in Delhi we found a peaceful spot. Lodi Gardens is a public park and to our surprise had some beautiful tombs.

Delhi

After a long couple of flights, we arrived in Delhi at about midnight two nights ago. It only takes about a minute from the time you leave the customs area at the airport before you are thrown into the world of India.

And what a world it is. For a first time visitor to India, Delhi is an absolute full-on assault on the senses. Just walking a few blocks outside our guesthouse provides an array of sights and smells that are completely new to me. The density of people, cars, rickshaws, cows, buildings, trash, etc. is probably the most intense element. Since we're staying in a touristy area of a big city, touts constantly approach offering rides or something for sale, or some shady offer in order to steer you into their travel agency or other business. Its a bit overwhelming at first, but I'm sure we'll settle into the groove soon.

After a few days in Delhi, our plan is to take an overnight train to a desert city called Udaipur. Its on a lake and supposed to be totally enchanting.

Going Away Party

Eric and Anita
Originally uploaded by mischamac.

We had a marvelous time getting together with our friends for bon-voyage drinks at Patio in Park Slope. Thanks to everyone who was able to make it...and cheers to Patio for the $2 beers!

Trip Prep...

DSC00042
Originally uploaded by mischamac.

Its down to the last few days before we leave - with lots of trip preperations still to take care of.

Master Itinerary

25Jul
NY - Delhi, via Amsterdam (KLM 642 and KLM 871)

17Aug
Delhi - Mauritius (MK 745)

25Aug
Mauritius - Nairobi (MK 534)

15Sep
Nairobi - NY, via Amsterdam (KLM 4324 and KLM 657)

Why Kenya

The primary reason we are going to Kenya is to visit my father-in-law Dr. Robert Mambo. My wife Anita was born in Kenya, but hasn't been back since she left with her mother and siblings when she was 10 years old. Through Anita's dad, we are hoping to be able to visit his people - the Chikambe - who live in a rural village outside of Mombasa.

Beyond my desire to experience my wife's heritage and connect with my father-in-law, there are two other influences in my interest in Kenya and Africa at large...

In '93 when I was in college I read the book - "The Power of One" by Bryce Courtenay. The author is Australian, but the book takes place in South Africa and follows a fictional South African boy's inspirational life. This book made a huge impact on me and my perception of African culture. The main character is white, but because he is of English decent in the 1940's-50's he is subject to tremendous racism from the Afrikans. He therefore grows up with a sensitivity to the plight of oppressed black South Africans, and is able to bridge the gap between white and black - finding incredible beauty and power all around him.

Recently I read Barack Obama's autobiography which follows his story of growing up with a Kenyan father and a white American mother. So much about his background is extremely similar to Anita's. His father separated from the family and returned to Kenya when Barack was still a kid. Later, as an adult, he returns to Kenya to meet his father's Kenyan family and learn about his heritage.

These stories have instilled in me a curiosity about Africa that in a small way helped inspire this trip.

Sai Baba

Why India

A few words on why we've chosen to go to India:

India has always held a certain fascination for me. Maybe it started when I was a kid and my mom started to follow an Indian religious leader called Sai Baba. She kept pictures of him; picture a pudgy middle-aged Indian man with a stylin fro and a flowing orange robe, throughout the house.

At the time I was horrified of what my friends might think, but I later came to respect what this religion gave to my mom. Ever since that time I've admired Indian culture from afar - classical and bhangra music, bollywood, cricket, the train system, the booming technology industry, the harmony between life and death, etc. I never fully appreciated how good Indian food is until Anita introduced me to several dishes that I've grown to love.

Anita is similarly interested in the culture, party based on her Kenyan roots, so it all just seemed to add up. Due to the time of year that we'll be there (Aug), it isn't practical to go to southern Indian. So we're going to focus on the northern state of Rajasthan - which is home to Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and countless other fascinating places.

Just Getting Started

For my first posting I thought I'd summarize how Anita and I arrived at our decision to shake up our lives and hit the road for a few months...

Both of us have previously had the opportunity to do some long-term traveling, but not with eachother. We've always talked about how we'd love to share a travel experience together. But when? Recently Anita was accepted to a 2-year post graduate training course which starts Fall '06, and we're hoping to start a family at some point in the near future. So we suddenly realized - it had to be now, or who-knows-when...maybe never?

After a solid couple weeks of pro's/con's lists, budget calculations and some serious soul searching we finally made our decision to go for it. The next day we both found ourselves facing the reality of our decision by officially resigning from our jobs.

So now we are working hard to tie up loose ends and getting ready to backpack through Northern India, Mauritius and Kenya for the next 2 months. Its a big world out there! Can't wait!