Arrival in India

We arrived safely in India. The plane was two hours delayed so it felt like the wee hours of the morning for us, but it was midnight here. We got a prepaid taxi to Baha'i House. Stepping out from the airport there were throngs of people waiting, shouting, laughing... We made our way to a taxi. They all look pretty much the same. They look like they stepped out of British India era! The driver wasn't quite sure where to go, but Nadim surprised us all, including himself, and was able to speak some Hindi and get his points across. The roads are bumpy, there are tons of strange little cars, everyone honks, and we all bounce along happily.

The rooms are simple in Baha'i House and we had a decent nights sleep. Then we went off to visit with Nadim's cousin Farida. We had some excellent chai with her and chatted about old times. We went off to lunch at an amazing vegetarian restaurant, little curries, warm bread (puri), everything was delicious. We did a little shopping at a state emporium and then hired an auto-rickshaw to the Baha'i Temple. I've a lovely photo that I'll post later, but we are not posting from our own computer. NOTE: see photo below (edited Jan 26).

The temple was beautiful. We arrived late afternoon and enjoyed the serenity and peacefulness of the grounds and temple. We said some prayers and on our way out met some volunteers from different countries that were helping out at the temple. We chatted with them and then made our way to the information centre. Beautiful displays and pictures. When we came out we were treated to more views of the temple, but this time at sunset and then after dark. Again, I'll post another gorgeous shot. NOTE: see photo below (edited Jan 26)

Farida met us at the temple, and we went to dinner with her and her husband Cyrus, and another distant cousin, Goli. Yes, another Goli! We had so many laughs over dinner and it made for a late night. Lots of stories about Nadim's dad going out to teach the Faith in an old jeep. Apparently it was known as Baha'u'llah's jeep to the villagers!

Today we are off to see a museum and then check out some of the bazaars. I'm not sure if we'll be posting regularly here because it is difficult to find Internet access.

CM & NM