Ahmednagar

We made it out of Varanasi and to Pune without much of an ordeal. The plane from Delhi to Pune was delayed several hours before we finally boarded and we still sat grounded for another hour an a half before takeoff. The only real culture clash was when the pilot kept announcing that they just need "another 5-10 minutes" to deal with "some technical problems". In my experience, pilots tell you nearly too much when you're delayed for takeoff.

(There are 30+ exemptions from the security check... all the way down to recipients of various Indian awards.)

The next morning we left for Ahmednagar. Right now we're staying at the Meher Baba Pilgrim Center. Roughly put, this is a dorm-style retreat center for those followers of the Indian spiritual leader, Meher Baba. This is where Gideon and his family would stay during their many visits to India.

It's kind of a trip, the people here are definitely a little whacky... but I think this place and this community in particular is conducive to, and is in fact a draw for, that. Mostly it's really relaxing, the food is great, you can drink the water, and going into town is hassle free. There are tons of westerners here so we're basically ignored by the locals unless we wander into a store. And the best part: all the rickshaw rates are pre negotiated.

(Gid: Since Erin is spending a lot of time with the Baums, she should experience The Crazy first-hand.)

Ahmednagar is more rural than any of the other cities we've been to, so the air is much clearer and there are far fewer people (though it still seems more crowded than any US city). No more diesel-related headaches. Some of the dogs here are kept as pets - so we've made a few canine friends.

(Gid: They're easier to deal with than the Baba lovers.)




We're both over our colds and my foot is healed... which is great since there's a lot of walking in Ahmednagar.


(Gid: On one hand, the Indian Government says, "No." On the other hand, they reserve the right to say, "I told you so." Government at its finest.)

Tomorrow we're headed to the Ellora Caves.

Wikipedia: The 34 "caves" – actually structures excavated out of the vertical face of the Charanandri hills – being Buddhist, Hindu and Jain rock cut temples and monasteries, were built between the 5th century and 10th century.

This will the my first chance to see some Hindu ruins. The Taj Mahal, the Red Fort and Fatehpur Sikri were built by Muslims.

(Gid: The caves are a personal favorite. Hopefully, we'll have some good shots.)

We leave on the 18th and head for Mumbai. It's the last leg of our journey and we've got Elephanta Island last on our list of things to see.