10.06.06...Ahmedabad at Last!

So, after over 4ohrs of travel I made it here. The plane touched down just before 11pm last night.

I was promptly greeted by Surnish's parents once the transfer bus rolled up to the terminal.

I felt somewhat like a movie star with all of the fuss and men in uniforms there to guide me through.

More amazingly, my luggage was there to greet me moments after arriving.

We are staying at the Police Mess for a few days and visiting in Ahmedabad before returning to there main house in Gandhinagar.

This morning I woke to a lovely overcast sky and the sound of the commuter trains rolling across the bridge over the Sabarmati river. This river, by the way, is the same one that the Gandhi Ashram is set by. So as I stood performing my morning yoga routine along the same banks as Gandhi-ji had in days gone by, I was humbled.

This was only a brief stop to the cyber cafe and I apologize for no snaps at this time.

Wishing you all well!

A Pink American

10.05.06...Sionara Singapore, it was a fun blur

I'm am getting ready to board my plane after this lovely 8 hour blur which was Singapore.

I was able to shower and get a delightful foot massage before checking out the shops and riding the bus around town.

Two comments about the airport:

1) Very, VERY commercial.
2) A world unto itself.

Neither is meant to be mean, they just happen to describe my perceptions precisely.

The blur of this comes from having about 7 hours of sleep out of the last 44 hours (I did the math starting at 6am Tuesday morning). I'm super tired but I'm trooping along.

While on the city tour I saw some very interesting sights. Let's review:

We first came upon Chinatown, as I recall. I opted for the "cultural tour" rather than the colonial, so I got to see the "ethnic" side of Singapore rather than the British hangover.

This gated entrance area was especially decorated for some local festivals for this time of year.



This next snap is a of a random side street. it helps you feel the grit of the city. Can I really call it that?

After Chinatown we moved across this river/bridge. Not sure what its name is, but the "village" as the guide referred to it as, reminded me of Denmark's brightly colored houses.

We moved along next to Little India. I thought that was cute. They were all decked out for Divali.

There were a number of mosques and a number of Hindu temples...I thought this one was of particular note.

I just wanted provide this quick pictorial update of the jaunt so far.

I'm about to pack up to go through the gate security and board the plane.

"See" you in Ahmedabad!

A Pink American

10.05.06...The Singapore Sling

Well I have made it this far! Singapore for about 8 hours then the last 5 1/2hr leg of my journey by air (only minimal time spent on the road once in Ahmedabad).

I watched 4 movies so far...I have to say Singapore Airlines is the BEST!

One of those was a Hindi film called Malamaal Weekly...very funny stuff.

Just a quick plug for the film India is entering for an Oscar run...Rang de Basanti. As most of you have not seen it I highly recommend checking it out. English subtitles will do you right and the movie is REALLY good by any standards...just a little long.

I am off to explore Singapore for a few precious hours and will post back later...hopefully with snaps too!

Peace

A Pink American