Delhi – First day of Gate 1 tour

Posted on March 21, 2014 by Tim and Joanne Joseph

Wednesday, March 19th, Delhi, India

I am a little behind with my blog entries. Combining poor or expensive Internet service at our hotels, and jet lag still being an issue, getting some sleep won out.  I will attempt to get caught up as time permits.

After some frustration due to lack of follow-through by local store and several dropped phone calls, Tim was able to set up a mobile hot-spot and I now have much better Internet service.   Tim is my hero (for many reasons, but today for being my IT guru)

We have 28 people in our group.  The ages range from 10 years old (we have three youngsters) up to I’m guessing mid 70’s.  There are two family groups with six people.  The medical field is well represented with an ER doctor, an Anesthesiologist, a Neuropsychologist, and a Hematology/Oncology RN.  Our leader goes by the nickname VeeKay. Continue reading →

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Delhi ~ Contrasts are huge as we move to new hotel

Posted on March 18, 2014 by Tim and Joanne Joseph 
Tuesday, March 18th, Delhi, India

After breakfast it was time to say our goodbyes to Dick, Karen, Jan and Gary. We arranged a taxi through the Godwin Deluxe hotel to take us to our new home for the next two days, the Eros Hotel.

The Eros was about a 45 minute ride away and situated in Nehru Place, near the Lotus Temple.  The taxi ride cost 700 Rupees ($11.46 USD).

The contrast between the two areas is significant. Continue reading →

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Holi Festival and Street Walking at Night

Posted on March 17, 2014 by Tim and Joanne Joseph

Monday, March 17th, New Delhi, India

India is raw and colorful.  So far my impressions are mixed.  We have seen many smiling happy faces, kind people wishing us well.  We have also seen a seedier side of poverty, and too many hands out wanting our money.

I was really looking forward to seeing the Holi Festival.  In fact that is the main reason I chose to come to India at this time.  Sadly in recent years it has changed.   Continue reading →

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Swaminarayan Akshardham, Drinks and High Tea at the Imperial Hotel

Posted on March 16, 2014 by Tim and Joanne Joseph

Delhi, India ~ Sunday, March 16th

SWAMINARAYAN AKSHARDHAM

The morning was spent at Swaminarayan Akshardham. Opened in 2005, this modern day complex sits on a sprawling 100 acre site.

“Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi epitomises 10,000 years of Indian culture in all its breathtaking grandeur, beauty, wisdom and bliss. It brilliantly showcases the essence of India’s ancient architecture, traditions and timeless spiritual messages. The Akshardham experience is an enlightening journey through India’s glorious art, values and contributions for the progress, happiness and harmony of mankind.” ~ Akshardham.com

With rigid rules and tight security, they maintain a strict no photo policy.  Cameras, cell phones, purses, other bags and most personal items could either be checked or left in your vehicle. Continue reading →

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Delhi ~ Don’t stop and smell the roses. You will get run over!

Posted on March 15, 2014 by Tim and Joanne Joseph

Saturday – March 15th, Delhi, India

Streets of Delhi

Streets of Delhi

Feeling great, excited to be here but sleep deprived, the six of us debated whether or not to take the “hop-on, hop-off” sightseeing bus or hire a private car which the hotel was recommending.  The private car won out. For under $20/person we could have a private car (almost) large enough for the six of us, and a driver for two days that would take us where ever we wanted to go Continue reading →

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All six of us arrived safely in New Delhi

Posted on March 14, 2014 by Tim and Joanne Joseph

Just a quick note to let you know we arrived safely in India.  It was a LONG trip for us – 12 hour flight Los Angeles to Beijing, then a four-hour lay over followed by another 7 hour flight from Beijing to New Delhi.  I have a hard time sleeping on airplanes, but Tim managed to get quite a bit of shut-eye.  I had to nudge him every so often when his snoring got louder than the jet engines. Continue reading →

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Around the world in 7 months – the adventure starts today!

Posted on March 13, 2014 by Tim and Joanne Joseph

Well today our dream trip begins…

The entirety of our luggage, two carry on suitcases and two small backpacks

The entirety of our luggage, two carry on suitcases and two small backpacks

We are sitting in Air Canada’s club lounge at LAX waiting to go to our gate for our first flight. Today we take Air China from Los Angeles to Beijing, China.  After a 4 hour layover we continue on Air China from Beijing to New Delhi, India.

This trip has been a year and a half in the making Continue reading →

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20 Things I learned about Turkey and a Wrap-up

Posted on February 26, 2014 by Tim and Joanne Joseph
Harbor in Cammukale just before sunset

Harbor near the city of Troy in Canakkale just before sunset

Turkey is a land where many cultures have dominated, been overthrown, conquered, and deported.  It sits on the ancient Silk Road at the crossroad between East and West.

The amount of information gained and the variety of experiences on a trip like this is mind-boggling.

Just some of the highlights included visiting ruins that date back 3500 years, seeing naturally eroded rock formations that look like they belong on another planet, walking along the Aegean Sea at sunset, wading in travertine pools on the side of a cliff filled by natural hot springs, viewing frescos from the 10-12 century that are still vibrantly colored, seeing the glory that was Ephesus, being entranced by Whirling Dervishes, going up in a hot air balloon before dawn to float over fairy chimneys, entering an underground city built to house 60,000 people for three months, and exploring the sights of Istanbul including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar, Basilica Cistern, Spice Market, and walking on the Galata Bridge. Continue reading →

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Turkey ~ Long travel day back to Istanbul, Bosphorus Cruise, Spice Market

Posted on February 25, 2014 by Tim and Joanne Joseph

Saturday, February 22nd

Today will be our longest bus ride – six hours worth.  Broken up with a nice lunch stop I enjoyed seeing the fresh offerings at the salad bar.  The restaurant had an attached grocery store that was interesting to browse through.  Eggs were sold by the basket with 30 organic eggs going for 40 TL (about $20 US).

The weather today is noticeably colder and overcast.  A warm fire at the restaurant was inviting.

Nuts, cheese, dried fruits, olives and bread are staples at each meal
Fresh greens to make a salad
Eggs sold by the basketful, layered with straw
Pumpkins or squash
Tim warming up by a massive fireplace

Back in Istanbul Continue reading →

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Turkey – Ankara, Ataturk Mausoleum (Anitkabir), Hittite Museum (Museum of Anatolian Civilizations)

Posted on February 24, 2014 by Tim and Joanne Joseph

February 21st – Ankara

Driving from Cappadocia to Ankara today.  Our guide, Erdal, tells us more about Turkey, their culture, Ataturk, their war of independence, and the tax system.  Our weather is changing.  We have had beautiful blue skies since we arrived, but it is getting cooler.

Snow capped mountains on the drive toward Ankara

Snow capped mountains on the drive toward Ankara

En route we pass the Salt Lake which is the second largest lake in Turkey.  This is still farm land with the main crops being potatoes, apricots, grapes (table and wine) and squash grown for the seeds.  Other products include pottery and brick factories.  We see the occasional flock of sheep. Continue reading →

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