Well we're back!! As of last Thursday morning actually. It's hard to believe it's been almost a week. Not sure many people will read this last post, but hopefully Praerna Kartha does because I promised her I would write when I got back! I think I went through a state of withdrawal on my last day before I had even left. I couldn't imagine being back in the US after such a long and amazing trip. For a second I thought "could we move here?" I mean, of course I hadn't run this by G and I have no idea what we would do there, but I just wasn't ready to leave! I had forgotten what life in the US was like. I'm pretty positive I could live in on the beach and run a yoga studio or something, but alas, my family would miss me too much.
As you can tell, my trip to India was absolutely unforgettable. Of course it won't be my last, but there is nothing like a first trip to a new land. I miss G's family already, we had so much fun and they were so amazing and welcoming. It's amazing how close his bonds are with these family members when they live so far apart. And I miss Father Joe too, I still can't get over how awesome it was to spend time with him in Kochi. I hope to be back and to drag my brother next time to see Father Joe! We might need to bring a cordless air conditioner for him to walk around with, but I think he'll survive :)
The rest of our time after the wedding went very quickly but we fit in a lot and had no shortage of fun. On Saturday we did some sight-seeing and saw some sweet sights. First we went to Humayun's tomb. Humayun was another member of the Monghul empire. I think I almost liked Humayan's tomb better then the Taj, but don't tell anyone. It was a mix of marble and sandstone and it was just a beautiful contrast. The grounds were also pristine and beautiful and had various other tombs and small mosques on it. After there we went to India Gate (an enormous marble gate that was a gift to the British for a visit by the Queen I think), drove past Parliament and the President's house, and had some kebabs. Our last stop was Qutub Minar which I thought was just a measly tower but happened to be the most ornate and beautiful tower I've ever seen. The grounds there were, full of ruins and other tombs. You could almost imagine it as it was in the 1500's.
Sunday was Holi, the festival of colors!!! Oh I forgot to mention, G will be posting pics of all this stuff since he's lacking on the blogging :) Apparently our celebrating was tame compared to what some others do, but I thought it was awesome! You just wear clothes you don't care about ruining, drink, and throw colors everywhere! It mostly in a powder form, but you can also dissolve it in water and use that for water guns. Insanely fun time. Other than that, we did some shopping in the markets and got some great souvenirs, and saw a LOT of Delhi just by driving. From one side of the city to the other to get from place to place. In sum, I am still reeling from our trip, I am sincerely grateful to Gautam for showing me his home country and sharing his family with me, and I can't wait to go back!!
Thanks so much to everyone who read and commented, we really appreciate it!!
Love,
Katie and G
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India. March. 2011. Kerala. Poovar. Cochin. Dosa. Kovalum. Malabari Fish. Monastery. Beach. Delhi. Agra. Shadi. Rajasthan. Pani Poori.
5 comments:
Welcome Home!
Gary Van Leeuwen
Katie and Gautam, thank you again for sharing your unforgettable trip with us. I have eagerly awaited each new blog and each new picture. Naturally, I especially loved the picture of you two with my brother, Fr. Joe. And, I wondered where Fr. Joe got that beautiful new, white shirt. Did you take it to him, or did Rich and Noreen send it to him for Christmas. Anyway, he, too, must have considered it a very special occasion. And, yes, Katie, I think you will miss the sound of his laughter, the kindness in his eyes and the feeling of peace when you are with him. Thanks, too, G, for the picture of the Swiss Cafe where Geemon works, and the pictures of your family. I hope to get to meet you and them someday. Love you both. Sis and Chuck
India Gate is more of a war memorial for soldiers who died during WWI I think. There's an eternal flame/Amar Jawan Jyoti that is guarded by an armed soldier(s) at all time.
The gift to the King was Gateway of India in Mumbai. Looks similar but not as impressive.
And Geeeeeee.. Upload pics. I know you always get lazy when you return home!!
Great work keep it coming, best blog on earth
generic paxil
Thanks for all the wonderful comments along the way! It's been on my list to check the blog again in case there were any final comments on the last blog. Gary, it was great to hear from a fellow Van Leeuwen (who I've yet to meet) and Sis and Chuck, thanks for reading so avidly. We didn't bring Father Joe that white shirt he must have gotten it himself. He actually has quite a collection of nice clothes! He does very well for himself in India and is very happy. Praerna, thanks for reading as well and commenting on almost all of our posts. I will get on G's case to post the pics!!
Love to you all, Katie
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