Off to Mombai

We just spent two days in Delhi. The contrast between Bhutan and India is mind boggling. In Bhutan the harmony between people and nature, the influence of Buddist philosophy, the respect for all life,nature and human, permeated every moment of our day and night. There is plenty of room for everyone to live in harmony. Delhi, on the other hand, is the most overpopulated city we have ever experienced. People, cars,motorbikes, rickshaws competed for every inch of space. The city is preparing for the commonwealth games next month and hence everything is in a state of destruction/construction I.e. a mess. One can't walk anywhere easily as open holes for new metros, and sewerage are everywhere. The commonwealth games are in 43 days and the stadium is not yet built. Between the beggars, the construction without safety considerations, the lack of traffic rules, and the density of people, crossing a street was an adventure. Nevertheless we managed to buy silver at great prices, to see old and new Delhi, visit the Ghandi museum, the bazaars, and even a modern mall. We had adventures buying glasses (frames were 30/40 $! And simple lens 9$! Rachel found out thru an eye exam ( 2$) that she needs glasses, so we got several stylish pairs. At 50$ a pair it was worth the risk, even if we need to change the lenses the frames are great.We were lucky with the rains. It poured every time we were in a car or rickshaw and miraculously stopped raining when we started to walk! The roads were mudslides, our shoes destroyed, but it was like being kids again walking in mud.
Another contrast in Delhi almost no ATM worked, in Bhutan there was not an atm.
We are on the plane enroute to Mombai, our last leg. It has been a trip of a lifetime, strenuous, full,rich in experiences, bonding of love and respect for each other's anxieties, needs, loves. We both love a good adventure and we have had a lifetime full. There is so much to process,so many photos to look at, so many laughs, as many oh my gods. We contrasted and compared religions , traditions, values, foods, and both agree that we are glad to be American where a
Although things are far from perfect , at least there is clean water, clean air,
Lots of choices, and our friends and family.
Love, Barbara and Rachel


From Barbara and Rachel's Ipad