Tag Archives: India

Reblogged: Weekend in the Village (Part 1 – A day in the Life)

Reblogged is a series of blog posts on my life in India coming from the weblogs I set-up. It’s an attempt to put the stories all in one place! The post Weekend in the Village (Part 1 – A Day in the Life…) was originally posted on May 9, 2013 via the Project365: Volunteers for Change weblog I set-up with my VSO volunteer batch. I spent a weekend with the family of my colleague and friend Charu at her mother’s hometown in Taloshi, Mahad, Maharashtra. This is a two-part story for the events and scenes from May 4-8.

Early morning trek into the mountains

Many volunteers here in India are based in rural areas, if not in State capitals that would seem laid back if compared to the fast-paced life in mega cities. I am among the few who are based in mega cities like Delhi and, in my case, Mumbai. Well, technically, I am based in Navi Mumbai, more or less 30 minutes outside Mumbai. In any case, what I am driving at is I live in the city where everything is available–running hot and cold water, air conditioner, cold filtered water, English-style T&B (a necessity for most volunteers), internet, cable TV, restaurants, supermarkets, cinemas, etc. In short, one may say that I have no right to complain about my placement in terms of location. Continue reading Reblogged: Weekend in the Village (Part 1 – A day in the Life)

#100Days Photo 22: Dona Paula Bay, Goa, India

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A Portuguese aristocrat girl falling madly in love with a local  Goa fisherman (a love story), then choosing to take her own life by jumping from a cliff when their relationship was forbidden (a tragedy), and centuries after mesmerizing, or haunting, tourists or locals as she emerges from the sea amidst the moonlit waves, wearing nothing but a pearl necklace (a myth) — this is the story of Dona Paula. Well, at least the version that adds a romantic flair to its namesake scenic tourist destination in the suburban district of the capital city Panaji (or Panjim) in Goa, West India. I never really saw the statue of Dona Paula when I arrived at Ashwin and Aki’s place along the Dona Paula Bay with my VSO co-vol/CS buddy Rajie and our Goan CS host Warren, nor did I hear the tale about the statues watching over the Mandori and Zuari Rivers as they unite with the Arabian Sea. However, even when there is already a proven historical account of the life and existence of Dona Paula Amaral Antonio de Souto Maior, I don’t fault the townsfolk or the tour guides if they choose to tell the romantic story instead. While the Dona Paula Bay and its natural beauty can’t be denied, a love story and a little mystery add to its charm, right? 🙂

Reblogged: Holiday Vacay Round-up: New Year in New Delhi

Reblogged is a series of blog posts on my life in India coming from the weblogs I set-up. It’s an attempt to put the stories all in one place! The post Holiday Vacay Round-up: New Year in New Delhi was originally posted on January 12, 2013. I spent the New Year celebrations in Delhi with VSO co-volunteers, the welcoming family of Tito Ben and Tita Agnes, and friends. This was part of my south-to-north holiday vacation from December 23, 2012 to January 7, 2013.

This is a part of the Holiday Vacay Round-up Series. For Goa, the Christmas destination, click here.

After spending Christmas in Goa with co-vols Sue and Rosie, and her twin Penny and Pen’s BF Tom, and my friend Leah and fellow CouchSurfer Sumin (who were both hosted by my former CS host Warren), I proceeded to New Delhi, where I’ll celebrate the coming of 2013 with fellow Filipinos and VSO volunteers! Plus the wedding of Minrose and Shishir (which provided an opportunity for us to wear sarees!) and Rajie and Pras’ housewarming party!

 

But before that, I had to take a 43-hour train ride first from Madgaon in south Goa to H Nizamuddin in New Delhi! It was supposedly just a 38-hour journey but due to the fog in the capital of India, we were delayed for 5 hours! This train ride with Goa Express is the longest I have taken, beating the 36-hour journey from Bhubaneswar to Mumbai last October!

Continue reading Reblogged: Holiday Vacay Round-up: New Year in New Delhi

Reblogged: Safdarjang Tomb – from mistake to majesty

Reblogged is a series of blog posts on my life in India coming from the weblogs I set-up. It’s an attempt to put the stories all in one place! The post Safdarjang Tomb: from Mistake to Majesty was originally posted on April 6, 2012. I visited Safdarjang Tomb with my VSO co-volunteerJulie on March 17, 2012.

It’s Saturday! Yey! I’ve been waiting for Saturday to arrive since I planned on going around Delhi, or at least being able to be at another tourist spot or two! Julie, a co-volunteer asked the day before (was it?!) if I would mind if she’d come along. Of course, I said not! It was actually better to have someone with me, walking around in a foreign city!

Look, it’s the entrance!!!

Continue reading Reblogged: Safdarjang Tomb – from mistake to majesty

#100Days Photo 18: Kundalika River, Kolad, Maharashtra, West India

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Monsoon season in Maharashtra is said to be one of the best times for this West India state, primarily because it is gifted with natural beauty that comes alive and vibrant during the months of June to September. Marathi monsoon masti is [my] catchphrase for rainy season fun in Maharashtra. Together with some couchsurfers, I organized a river rafting trip to Kundalika River, about 2 hours or so from Mumbai. One couchsurfer had a car while Sravan, my neighbor couchsurfing friend, brought his bike, with me as its passenger most of the time. I can’t remember how long the river rafting ride was exactly but it’s a long river trail. Kundalika River, at least the water rafting part, would be longer than the Davao river rafting section, where I did water rafting for the first time. I think Kundalika River will have between class 3 to class 4 rapids — which means, get ready for a fun ride! 🙂 Don’t worry, actually falling into the water while paddling your way out of a whirlpool is a legit excuse to bathe into Kundalika River’s waters! And if you missed that chance, you can always go in at the calm section of the river. Best to go during rainy season as the water levels at Kundalika River will be higher and, if you’re lucky, rains add up to the fun and excitement of river rafting!>