India. So many associations there are with this word from the childhood. Indian films, Indian women, Taj Mahal, Indian tea and Indian spices and their unique religion as Vladimir Vysotzky sang in one of his songs ..But for me India is first of all people. Happy people.
Indian people
Happy nation
I know no other country in the world where there are so many happy people. They are poor but happy. They always smile and are ready to help. Their religion, of course, plays not the last role in it ....but still. Practically all families have more than 2 children and more they have more happy they are. Children are treated with love and care even in poor families.
Indian baby
Between Delhi and Jaipur
Real India can be felt and seen not in the big cities. Moreover Delhi now is a very European town. But in villages and small towns authentic atmosphere is kept. Only there you can see people living in tents but smiling all day long. Cows go with people on the streets and nobody knows about traffic lights there: just put the arm to the left or to the right and that's it!
Somewhere near Jaipur
Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal is one of the world wonders. And so it is. But more unique thing about it is another issue. There you can find answer to all your problems. In the beginning I didn’t believe in it. But then I tried and it worked. So as people say, you come there with your question in your mind and while you are there an answer will come to you. And it works. Really. So, Taj Mahal works wonders.
Taj Mahal
Chandigarh, or Indian paradise
Once I happened to be in Chandigarh. This town is very interesting. The plan of this town was done by French designer, Le Corbusier. And it is felt. All streets are straight and all are numbered with figures. But the most wonderful thing about it is closeness to the mountains where fresh air is mixed with breathtaking views.
Monkeys
Monkeys are real residents of India. They are everywhere. At day time they are very cautious but in mountains and in villages they are very active Sometimes when you drive along the road between villages we can see them sitting along the road and eating bananas. They are not so nice as we are accustomed to see in the zoos. They live by what they find. It is very interesting to observe them.
And only after that you can understand why Indians are so much surprised at monkeys in our zoos.
Monkeys
Indian traffic
Indian traffic is awful and interesting at the same time. If you manage drive there you can drive in Moscow easily. Jams are all day long there. Everybody beep and beep and turn wherever he wants. If two cars touch each other, drivers stop, shout at each other and go. Nobody waits for police. Police can come if only cars are broken and there are victims. Almost all cars have scratches and dents. And nobody care about it. First I was very much afraid even to sit in the car, but then I get accustomed to it. It is thrilling and amazing.
Indian bus
Jaipur, or Jantar Mantar
Jaipur is the third city in India to be visited. For me the most interesting thing there is Jantar Mantar, or observatory. It includes nineteen instruments for measuring time, tracking locations of stars and detecting the celestial altitudes. It is very unique. Everything is very new and fascinating. It can be interesting not only for children but for adults as well.
At Jantar Mantar
So, India is different. It can be poor and rich, dirty and fresh, friendly and not.
India is different for everybody. You should go to India at least once to discover your India.
