Archive for December, 2008
Bhopal
By Tony on December 22, 2008 | No Comments »
On December 3, 1984, what is generally considered the world’s worst industrial accident took place in Bhopal, capital of the Indian state of Madya Pradesh. Tons of deadly methyl isocyanate gas leaked out of the American owned Union Carbide chemical plant and swept across the city killing an undetermined number of people. The initial official death toll was 3,828, however locals claim the number was much higher and that many bodies were secretly removed by the Indian government during the night. The continuing death toll has risen to over 20,000 and over half a million people suffer from illnesses related to the disaster.
The location of this terrible tragedy may seem an extremely unlikely tourist destination; however, Bhopal is quite an enjoyable city with what I have unofficially determined to be the best lassis in the country. (Definitely stop by the Manohar restaurant for a sweet lassi – and everything else.)
In addition to the creamiest lassis on the planet, there are tons of local attractions including two world heritage sites, the prehistoric rock paintings at Bhimbetka and the extraordinary Buddhist ruins at Sanchi. (One of my top goals in India was to visit the ruins at Sanchi.)
If you want to learn more about Bhopal and the long-term effects of the disaster check out www.bhopal.org.
Thick Air
By Thomas on December 21, 2008 | 2 Comments »
As we moved from Amritsar to Delhi, the region was experiencing record levels of pollution. These were some of the most nightmarish environmental conditions we have seen anywhere causing serious health issues and leaving us both completely nauseated and our lungs burning.
Anyone out there who still doubts humanity’s ability to impact the planet should be forced to live in these conditions for an extended period of time. That’ll teach you!
God Children
By Tony on December 19, 2008 | No Comments »
When you walk into a Hindu temple, you never know what the people will be worshipping inside. It might be a stone lingam or perhaps what looks like a silver Barbie Doll dressed up in her Gone with the Wind ball gown. It might be cows, monkeys or rats. Perhaps the people are praying to a spot on the ground where Sati’s left breast landed after she was consumed by flames in the heavens. Or, possibly, it’s where her nose landed. You never know. » Continue reading this post »
Golden Temple Amritsar
By Thomas on December 17, 2008 | 5 Comments »
We’ve heard a lot of people raving about the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the Sikh’s holiest shrine close to the Pakistani border. Of all the monuments in northern India travelers talk about, the Golden Temple is probably a close second to the Taj Mahal. But unlike the Taj, the Golden Temple is completely free of charge and welcomes everyone, even inviting people to eat free of charge in their massive communal kitchen. The kitchen is open 24 hours a day and there is no distinction between race or caste. Very cool.
Instead of putting up pictures, we decided to make a short video which conveys a lot more atmosphere. See for yourself the crowds of pilgrims walking around Hari Mandir Sahib (the main temple) and people bathing in the sacred pool, and listen to the continuous chanting of four priests inside the temple broadcast over loudspeakers.
What’s a Sikh?
By Tony on December 17, 2008 | 2 Comments »
Many of you have probably met Sikhs, seen their distinctive beards and turbans, but never really asked yourself what Sikhism is. Since we are in Amritsar, the center of Sikhism and the home of its holiest site, the Golden Temple, we thought we should give a brief intro.
Although Sikhs wear turbans, Sikhism is NOT an exotic offshoot of Islam as many might mistakenly believe.
Sikhism is a monotheistic religion developed in the 15th century based on the teachings of Guru Nanak and nine successor gurus. The religion is unique because » Continue reading this post »
