Well, the final four finally made it to India, Wayne & Jennifer Webb, Jim Ferguson and myself made it to Delhi. After the cancelled flights in Newark, we were rerouted to London the next evening and then onto Delhi. Once at the Delhi Airport we had the chore of trying to find our luggage as it was not on our plane. Fortunately Continental Airlines sent it over on the direct flight (the one we couldn't get on). It was nice to see Menish, a familiar and welcome face. It was now 2:30am and by the time we got to the hotel and showered (we were all pretty ripe) it was nearly 4am. It was a tie for which felt better; a hot shower or a bed. Two others from District 7610; Tom Bowman and James Rohrbaugh arrived only an hour before us.
The group met up at 10:00, those who arrived on Thursday did go to the Polio Plus Office and World Health Organization to get the update on the Polio situation in India and particularly where were will be administering the drops. They also picked up the hats, vests and printed materials for those not yet in.
So out we went first to the Red Fort, built in the 17th century is a popular tourist site, women must wear a robe when in the temple and no shoes for anyone.
The Banga Sahib Guradwara is the most prominent Sikh house of worship, very recognizable by it's gold dome and tall flagpole Nishan Sahib, painted bright orange in honor the god of fire. We wore orange head coverings in order to enter the temple. Walking up to the temple we washed our feet and maintained quiet while in the temple. It is an amazing experience, listening to the music chants and prayers. Outside we could talk and take pictures. They serve free community meals and on Sundays receive up to 10,000 visitors to eat a vegetarian meal of lentils, rice and naan. This was my favorite sight in Delhi last year and I was thrilled to come again. I wish I had a free day to volunteer here. The meal is the best way to get a taste of Sikh hospitality.
Lunch was a typical Indian fare of Chicken in some type of red sauce (not spicy) naan, rice and soup. all very good. On leaving we watched a very young girl dance and do gymnastic flips for tips, she was very endearing. Then a stop to shop at Delhi Haat, I was able to get another Sari, that was made for me and ready to wear (so that I don't have to do the wrapping). The India Gate was the last stop, this beautiful Arch is dedicated to war veterans and is where the locals like to picnic or just hang out.
The group met up at 10:00, those who arrived on Thursday did go to the Polio Plus Office and World Health Organization to get the update on the Polio situation in India and particularly where were will be administering the drops. They also picked up the hats, vests and printed materials for those not yet in.
So out we went first to the Red Fort, built in the 17th century is a popular tourist site, women must wear a robe when in the temple and no shoes for anyone.
The Banga Sahib Guradwara is the most prominent Sikh house of worship, very recognizable by it's gold dome and tall flagpole Nishan Sahib, painted bright orange in honor the god of fire. We wore orange head coverings in order to enter the temple. Walking up to the temple we washed our feet and maintained quiet while in the temple. It is an amazing experience, listening to the music chants and prayers. Outside we could talk and take pictures. They serve free community meals and on Sundays receive up to 10,000 visitors to eat a vegetarian meal of lentils, rice and naan. This was my favorite sight in Delhi last year and I was thrilled to come again. I wish I had a free day to volunteer here. The meal is the best way to get a taste of Sikh hospitality.
Lunch was a typical Indian fare of Chicken in some type of red sauce (not spicy) naan, rice and soup. all very good. On leaving we watched a very young girl dance and do gymnastic flips for tips, she was very endearing. Then a stop to shop at Delhi Haat, I was able to get another Sari, that was made for me and ready to wear (so that I don't have to do the wrapping). The India Gate was the last stop, this beautiful Arch is dedicated to war veterans and is where the locals like to picnic or just hang out.
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