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Thursday, July 31 to Delhi

After an early rise at 6:15, we drove to the airport. Coffee first arrived there with Piet and Bep drunk and then went to the group. Pretty fun so check-in together, you talk all that together and you need not be in line for your boarding pass. Since boarding passes though we were all together regularly. Only smokers and latecomers are not. It looks like a nice group. In the plane is still only a western meal taken, the Oriental meal was vegetarian. During the trip when we were still almost at the destination storm and the snowy peaks of the Tibetan Himalayas seen beautiful sight there so high in the air. The care of the KLM was again in detail. More weather they came to drink. Upon arrival, customs was not disappointing, we were through it and the bags so we could take. Money exchange U.S. $ 1 = 35.25 rupees is 1 rupee is 6 cents. The first drive through New Delhi was not too bad, but as Bram tour guide said that is the most western part. The hotel was good, according to Bram was the most luxurious hotel we would get. Collectively have an alcohol-free welcome drink of Djoser done, because they know no alcohol and that means a little while rehab. For two hours to bed, wake-up call at 8.30 am (it really is).


Friday, August 1 Dehli

Put alarm at quarter past seven, in case the wake-up call not came through. Breakfasted on toast with jam, tea and juice 123 rupees per person. Thus, India seems suddenly not so cheap. Then every 10 hours welcome meeting where Bram talks about Djoser and India. At that meeting it was agreed that a Djoser journal is created, where everyone contributes (On two people after). For 12 hours we headed. First at the bread shop had dinner (which makes it expensive Breakfast good weather) and then with a 6-seater rickshaw hum, or whatever those things may called, to the Red Fort. What a crazy traffic, and everything will pass through each other, they stop only at major intersections for each priority give. For 10 rupees per person we were there, we have about a half hours of effort, and have enough to exhaust the ingested whole vacation. Old Delhi is quite different from that New Delhi. A real mess with small streets, many people and moped and bicycle rickshaws. After visiting the Red Fort, who as a bottle of water 15 rupees and bought a lot of cases in the rain, we each cycle rickshaw (again 10 per person) to the largest mosque India gone. Those are very different in Turkey, many More as in Marrakech. Course again in the minaret climbed. A dark and narrow stairs even with oncoming traffic too. But again a fantastic view. Then we walk (just a bottle of water) to a large Sikh temple went through the main bazaar around. Luckily we were not alone and keep an eye on us Bram and together. What a mess in the narrow streets fool you do not you feel unsafe, you just get used to the stench and the mess on the street. In the Sikh temple praying 24 hours a day under supervision live music. He is also open to just anyone, as long the shoes, and a headscarf is worn also by the men. You can eat there, it costs nothing, just a donation. We have not done, even though we now are pulling received. The free food but to let the poor people we now have seen enough. Many begging children and a very few people who are maimed. We have in the course of a few days heavy rain had. At a quarter past five we were back at the hotel. Even in a 5 cm layer of water sitting (the pool was still empty) and showered. Then we left at 5 hours with the group for dinner. It was just delicious, and they gave it beer. They had vegetarian, chicken, beef and pork you eat here. According to Bram was here safe to eat meat and so we took Both chicken. Piet was not very tasty beer, maybe he still getting used to, it tasted good. In total, we (tip 60) lost 600 rupees. The price of a pint it was measured, 75 rupees for a bottle of 650 ml.


Saturday, August 2 to Jaipur

Aso said on there at a quarter to 5. To 5:30 we were picked up by bus to the station. We take the Train to Jaipur. It had rained terribly, the ramp the hotel was flooded and so we had already soaking wet feet before we were on the bus. At the station we had the hall. Everywhere people were asleep, am I glad I have a bag wheels, can I still carry him. This kind of stuff is not good for your mood. Anyway it's a different country and a Another way to travel. On the train we could get a breakfast. When the "steward" with for each net a thermos of tea biscuits and 2 dry-maria We arrived terrible laugh. Fortunately, this did not real breakfast, that was a while later. It was very separately: chips with peas, an Indian vegetarian snacks and 2 bread with jam. The train flew by. For 11 hours we arrived in Jaipur, here it is really bad. Bram had promised that at the dirtiest street in the city would lie, and it's true. Traffic is a mess, all kinds of animals walking on street and everyone but clatters on the ground that he no longer needed has. Pigs, cows and dogs eat them and then let their own waste are. And there is no man who cleans up. Arriving at our hotel, beautiful lobby and common areas and bedroom very special, something about Bram and Jaipur program. The next day we can sleep until 7:30, then it is almost every day early. For 12 hours we went with Emma and Jerome (mother and son) in boarded a taxi. Another 10 rupees per person. First to the Palace of Winds, very beautiful. The entrance fee was 2 rupees, did you take photos will cost 30 rupees per camera. There were at least we lost our guide here. But almost the camera stolen by a school boy of perhaps six years. You could rock a child still chop sell. Incidentally, a lot more beggars than Delhi. In the palace harem done what the ladies of the Maharaja very The day did: through the numerous windows at the people on the street look. Then we went to the observatory, entrance 2 rupees, Camera 50 rupees. That is not a relation, moreover, the outside, so we had no cameras. It is amazing that they centuries ago could make such a precise instrument. We have of course to make an impossible climb stairs enjoy the views. The last cultural event that day we went to the City palace. Very nice, with lots of money waiting to see if wanted put them in the picture. The entrance was up to 35 rupees (camera 50), but that is because there is a real museum in it. Very nice view of things, including clothing Maharaja and his family. It was in those days (at least for the rich) do not. Entire dress with gold filled embroidered. When we had everything we have seen a moped rickshaw went to the hotel. We were just in time, it began terrible to pour. After a moment on what to have room read was the crowning glory of the day: by foot to the Tiger Fort. The rain we were only five of us: Bram, Emma, Jeroen, Piet and me. First through a "normal" neighborhood. This is to believe, the goats loose bowels and legs were just street dogs and pigs and there were delicious to eat. When the mountain, what a feast. Along the way I have at least 4 times to stop the blood pressure normal level to get a little bit. Luckily it was dry, or not happy, we would not go. Up there with an almost exploding head enjoyed a truly amazing beautiful view of Jaipur. It was surely worth the vicious climb as Bram said. When we all sat for fifteen minutes there were some people from our group with a taxi to the top (SADLY!!). Helen was frightened to death of all my new complexion, while it was already in decline. The descent was a lot easier. Quickly in a (Cold) shower, then eat with the group. We continued this time in our own "palace" and had a buffet with soup, meat, beans, rice, potatoes and vegetables. Course the inevitable pancakes. All was very tasty. After dinner there was a dance show for us with much increased balance exercises and fire-breathing men. Of course the audience was invited to participate in the stick dance. Piet did good with it, I had (now that's a pity) for the Photos provide. The show and the buffet together cost 240 pp. After that We glued the cards and written. For 11 hours the light fell off and we go to sleep.


Sunday, August 3 Jaipur

Fortunately we did not so early. Only at half past seven. Shower did not, the water was cold. After breakfast, what do all a bit too much for the boys of the ministry, we the bus together to the Amber fort gone. From beneath the an elephant up hill. The four round trip for 250 rupees. We visited the Amber Fort in a guide for 20 rupees per person. The Maharaja the fort had no less than three palaces, summer, winter and a palace whose name I / function have misunderstood. On foot, we went back down, you crazy all those vendors. Photos of us bought the elephant, of course too paid. Then we went to the Rambagh Palace Hotel for a cup coffee, the rest, we do not, that's not paying. We were all a cake and some ice more than 2000 rupees lost, that is for a country like India is absurd expensive. Nevertheless, it did what, about a waiter dressed in the style of the former employees of the Maharajas. He was very nice. After the coffee we own somewhere halfway off the bus and drove we went self something. First to the Albert Hall, where we wanted a museum. We have since seen since a front line emergency people someone to a chair with a stick the most intrusive figures hit back .. So we're not, but not on Sunday we should go to a national museum. So at ease back to the hotel fell, a mess is still in the street, you always fall back on your roof. We wanted to Handicraft Emporium to buy souvenirs, but it was closed, it's finally Sunday. We were Morning even run across because we were not able issue. Tomorrow try one again. The wrong road exit taken. We arrived in a small street with an equally small shop where we bought cookies. As yet only one moped rickshaw taken to the hotel. It struck even the Indian people that I have a very red head. In the hotel I took a sandwich and a bottle of beer and then Piet we went shower. I was told that morning that we do not hot water in the room had. Unfortunately you need the hot water for a certain time order. They thought it was seven hours are, finally, luckily still five hours. After writing off the cards, yesterday fell from the light during writing, and we made an appointment with shower our "regular" taxi driver to go to the restaurant reserved driving. Some of the group had gone to the cinema, we did not feel like it. Because we were of course much too early, we went some run. Shopping could not, it was still Sunday. Along the way Piet was attacked by a bull, a seller was also very strongly Pedro's neighborhood waving a doll, the cow (or bull) found that apparently does the worth to begin her / his horns to work, but at the time jump the vendor and took away the beast Piet on the horns. Is that just scare, and then you can do anything these animals. Ultimately related to group well fed, it was a vegetable thali, the first in the series more for the coming weeks would eat. All in all for 200 rupees every meal. Another fact: it was the first day it was completely dry.


Monday, August 4 camel safari Jaipur

Finally I was able to issue, it was quite a pile. During dinner Karen got a call from the Netherlands her father a heart attack. She must now every day here call how it goes and maybe it does break trip. We wait and see. Part of the group went on camel safari. It was nice relax, get away from the filth and the bustle of Jaipur. Especially the dirt and the stench is heavy on me what my roof as I expected, I believe that here in India my first I suffered culture shock. But for now enjoy the alternate camel and the cart behind, we went to a village. There we visited the school and with equal pens, balloons, candy and a donation. After a tour of the village we left a camel to the residence of the Maharajah of our hotel in Jaipur for a delicious lunch and time to swim. The pool did not look so attractive, so we have kept at idle. Equipped we went to our next destination: the monkey temple. Many monkeys have we not seen, but very many people who came here to bathe. Men and women were in separate baths, it's wonderful to see how the women completely dressed in those beautiful, colorful clothes in the Water jumps .. The boys jumped from the top of the waterfall and had so much fun. When we had enough pictures we took the bus back to our hotel. There we heard that Henk had an epileptic fit, the doctor has been there and he has now fortunately medications. Throughout the afternoon he had slept, he is still here get used to these drugs. With the hum rickshaw we went to the city went into a fixed-price store to buy some souvenirs. Then we spent Niros together to eat. Finally some meat Tandoori chicken. Meat was a bit too much credit, it was bone with some, but not much going on. With a bicycle rickshaw back to the hotel, that is not handy during rush hour. At the crossroads I was always but my eyes shut. In the hotel we did but just a beer, because that pour in most restaurants are not (And thus not included in Niros). Afterwards, take across Saskia called to say that all is well. The price is only 65 rupees per minute not so very expensive. Soon a questionnaire on telephone office and filled biscuits and water for tomorrow purchased. After the clean laundry and picked up the suitcases packed again.


Tuesday, August 5 to Agra

Today we have a long day of travel by Bram bus. Because it rained so hard this week he finds it better to to leave an hour earlier. That means wake-up call to 5.30 and 6.00 o'clock. Along the way we have breakfast at half nine. All people in the bus are a little doze. After breakfast we had three minutes before we drove arrived at the Bird. Here we have a half hours to cycle around for a VIP rickshaw. The certificate VIP he deserved because there armrests on sat, what actually it was delicious. Our guide did a lot to tell and also saw many birds he proudly pointed out to us. The guide For example, Gerard was a lot less, which could only deaf and say that there was not much. After we returned from the stork colony, where really many, we are a giant leap with the bus. After not too long we arrived at the Abandoned City. There we were guided by a guide who really enthusiastic was. It was a pity that it is so terribly hot, and that some people very sick. Luckily we saw the guide it was hot and he always told his story in the shade. After visiting the impressive building complex we went to our next hotel in Agra. It is nice luxury. We have a buffet at the hotel and taken after a last drink to bed. Morning wake-up call at 5.15 pm. Bram's crazy or really, really well on the way to be.


Wednesday, August 6 Agra


Someone (Bram is) came up with the idea that the Taj Mahal (A mausoleum for the beloved wife of a maharajah) sunrise is very beautiful to be, so that was at 5.45 away. He arranged the same for everyone but for a moped rickshaw all day, it cost about 100 rupees. For all, orders: the Taj Mahal is rightly one of the world wonders mentioned, it's a fantastic piece of work. After the Taj on had looked at our convenience, we're all going to breakfast at a garden. It choked again on the fly, but also tasted it. After breakfast the group split for all that too go see what they themselves felt like. Our driver brought us first to the Baby Taj, a small and less beautiful performance the Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal means Crown House. It was quiet there, until one of the children present behind pins that Piet was kept in his bag. We had to literally the rickshaw strike. Then we went to the Agra Fort, a really fantastic property with beautiful palaces and a magnificent view of the Taj. The builder of the Taj Mahal are put in prison by his son and all that time to merely watching and unable to visit the mausoleum of his beloved wife. It was a pity that the Mirror Palace was closed for renovation. When we were in the fort began to get a good scoop. Fortunately we were able to palace Palace run without too wet. After visiting the fortress our driver took us to the shops. He gets previous 10 rupees per visit, and 2% commission. He says that the long enough when we go in and we love him not have to buy. The marble and textile shop, we have nothing purchased. In the jewelry store, I bought a pair of earrings black cross-stones. After shopping, we asked our driver if he takes us to the mausoleum of Akbar wanted to. It took some persuasion, but eventually we went on our way (It was about 12 km from the city). En route through streets where a tourist was probably never again we had seen yet for a while refueling. We have gas paid, the driver had another separate container lead to throw the gasoline suitable for his moped. Yet a little further, the engine very hot and had we stop to let it cool. That was a pretty opportunity to also have a drink, a coke cost is 7.5 rupees, so we have also treated the driver. The mausoleum of Akbar was a nice piece of work, certainly if you start from the time it was built. All inclusive, we were losing 160 rupees for the rickshaw hum, including the distant journey to Akbar. The driver wanted us to bring more shops, but we so they would have found it. Instead we went in bath. Evening Bram took us to a restaurant where we never would have gone into. It looked from the outside (And on the inside) not. Bram said even when We ran to the roof, "On the stairs not look to the left, there is the kitchen. "When our drinks were just there, we had not even ordered our dinner there was a tropical rain down and we fled to the lower floor of the restaurant. As it was, with some closer together, too. Again Vegetable Thali a delicious meal for 25 rupees. There is anyone sick from it so it must have been good (Or at least well cooked).


Thursday, August 7 to Khajuraho

Today we meet a long day. It will be at least 8 hours drive before we arrive in Khajuraho. With our experience with the Indian roads will be 10 or 12 hours. En route we drink tea in a local opportunity along the road. It was The first cup of tea to tea tasted really, Piet hit it but over here, he found the tent, but nothing (and that was it too). Piet was the only one who dared to venture to coffee. He was therefore prompt the reel, after 2 hours also hit him in the Delhi-belly increasing. After a while we stopped for driving lunch. Since everything inside was full we went outside on the terrace sit. It seemed as if all flights from the town along Jhantsi wanted to eat. It was lunchtime and continued throughout a battle to food. Before dinner Henk and Piet had already dozens beaten to death. I was glad I was eating inside I can work without extra meat. At the end of the lunch came to tell that even Bram bridge over which we had been flooded by heavy rainfall and no traffic was possible. It would be about 90 kilometer are detours. Bram told of additional happy distance and he is not the extra time it would take that was 7 hours later (glad we did not know). In Anyway, we very much a tourist route seen in rural India. Along the way we suddenly stood still while everyone was a little was reading or dozing. It was the middle of a village just a child was run over by a bus. The population of the village had taken revenge on the bus and all the windows smashed and tires slashed. The driver fled but was to be sure, and that was probably a good thing. The father of the child stood in the middle of the road with a pick on the road to store and the rest of the population was around it. We could So do not drive. To avoid a further escalation We also had to remain with the bus and therefore the air conditioning off. Bram told us we had to sit quietly and not too could look out explicitly because otherwise the population ever more on our bus could uitkuren. Only when a group of soldiers came to the matter and allay the driver was arrested, the mood was calm and could we ride. We had stopped again half hours, which of course was the hardest for example, Emma heavily on the diarrhea and was therefore quite necessary had. Meanwhile I started the air conditioning in the bus a nice sinusitis develop, complete course with a nice fever. Only a quarter to ten o'clock we came in hotel. Without in any sense to have dinner or a cold beer We went to bed, I of course have very good are sweating with fever. Allard was still at the door pills for his girlfriend, but I had them too badly. He himself was apparently not very important, otherwise he would have gone to a drugstore, that there are plenty of paracetamol and around the world to obtain.


Friday, August 8 Khajuraho

Hi, hi, we can sleep on our long journey smurf. At half ten o'clock wake-up call and at half past ten on the bike off to the erotic temples (for that we finally arrived, perhaps We learn things). Meanwhile I was pretty ill, but with a set of pills (well that we do not have to Allard data) managed it. Some beautiful temples viewed under a guide. An Indian family was always there to assist, until Bram asked if they wanted to share the costs. It is a very large complex, so the bike was very handy. After tour of the temples which I, unfortunately, probably caused by the fever of inspiration I have gained back in bed again. I feel I had the most seen and also I really could not, the pills were so worked around. Piet is a reference to another temple complex been with white temples. He said it was not as nice as the temples this morning, I've only seen pictures. For six hours we had collected for the evaluation. Some notes: Helene, the luxury hotels were less liked, which is really crazy Gerard: There is not enough time for discoveries that is not true, you do not always cooperate with the group Liesbeth: why do we have the same route as the excursion Djoser other group, we are always against each other Marian: the room in the hotel in Jaipur was downright bad. After evaluating some food and called Patrick, at least one attempt, he was not home. In our own hotel a beer taken, it cost 120 rupees. When I then in the shop of the hotel we went to buy a blouse that showed cheaper than the beer, but yeah you know it: in a luxury hotel you pay more for your drink.


Saturday, August 9 to Varanasi

Bright and early (6 hours) en route to Varanasi. Unfortunately After 20 minutes Cyril discovers that his money and passport were forgotten. Of course we went back. Finally at 9:30, but left. At half past ten and we had breakfast in the occasion as ordered for lunch. It was eggs and toast .. Then bouncing back nicely on the bus, when we wanted lunch turned out to be soft-boiled eggs, so that was not successful. Lunch consisted of dry bread and water, this is now the Djoser feeling, then let it go. We have survived, Finally we can also have a bump (read extra free weight). En route we stopped at a teahouse. The tea was very nice and I'm still not sick. Around seven hours we arrived in the city. Varanasi = Old Delhi Jaipur when it comes to number of people, cows and gradation stench. Luckily it was dark, we would see tomorrow morning. The hotel lobby was very nice, the room less. There is no daylight, but a nice hot shower.


Sunday, August 10 Varanasi

We are so used to getting up early that we own a quarter past seven wake up. Why holiday home I have never load of. Today we Varanasi in daylight viewing, but I remember not sure I really want. We can if it works for nine hours sleep late because we only go for ten hours. We sit together with Bram, Piet, Vera, Emma and Jerome obediently waiting. We see at nine fifty more people from our group go into the restaurant for breakfast. Given our experience with the speed breakfast is served here, we see the storm coming back hanging. It will take at least a quarter past ten and probably still later before people have had their breakfast. We think it's not your style, even though you can so long sleeping too late and therefore get Piet a quarter past ten and does not go to Sarnath. Eventually we to five for half past ten on the way to Sarnath. Itself is not much to, There are some beautiful temples. But very nice all people in their Sunday well. The kids look great out of even the babies eyes are drawn. Sarnath en route to the hotel and back we had already a protected view "Varanasi by day". After lunch at the hotel we took a rickshaw into town gone. First to the Durga temple. We were given a red dot on the forehead. When we got there 5 rupees for unsolicited paid did the man want, that's too bad for him. In the temple I have 50 rupees exchanged for coins, we got a bag full. This morning we hand out to the widows Gath. The misery who really should have written and if with something small we can alleviate we will certainly not leave. After we went to the Durga temple, Tulsi Manas Temple gone. That is very new and non-Hindus to visit. The was like a fairground. There is a story illustrated with moving and dancing dolls. When we were bored we went to a silk factory. We saw women and children later brocade weaving. Despite the claims of the boss that the children do not mind find, I find it not normal for them there at the age of 6 or 8 years to work all day sitting. After visiting of course we were weaving along to the showroom, where I have a scarf I bought for 250 rupees. In the evening we are all going to eat at a local restaurant. It was tasty, cheap and they had beer.


Monday, August 11 Varanasi

To 4.15 (yes, yes holidays) we would be awakened by the hotel reception for a boat trip on the Ganges network. Fortunately, we own an alarm clock, which was indeed 4.15 off. 4.25 to allow the receptionist had not called, have We woke him. It started after the others generate, so the delay is not too long. Later it turned Hilde and that Allard had not been aroused. Without breakfast, we left, we would eat after the boat ride to do, which was still early enough. The first piece was like a rickshaw, but Soon we had to go because the streets were crowded with pilgrims who wanted to wash in the Ganges. This crowd when bathers is exactly what we did, so you heard us not complain about the crowds. Once we were on the boat could sail and was currents so strong that there was not reluctant to eradicate. Sprang always the boatman in the water to the rope to a distant anchor point. We were then at the rope that following item pulled. When we arrived at the first point there is a corpse floating in the water. We knew it could happen, but there were not quite prepared. Fortunately, we already saw a driving distance and not only when it floated beside the boat. To the end of the ride, the first boat was burning ghat turned and went the same way back. This time it was natural downstream and went a lot easier. Meanwhile, hundreds of Hindus in the Ganges water the washing and teeth brushing. Seen the filth of the water, I should not even think about it. The Hindus consider the Ganges a sacred river and find So do not mind, they also look at something else what we call the shell body. They find it normal that there appear to float in the river and that the ashes of the cremated corpses in the river swept. Let's keep on a different experience of faith, the way of life and coping with death. In the largest burning ghat were huge piles of wood. When we layers and then paused to look (pictures was not allowed, but succeeded anyway) came back a corpse float by. This time it was a woman. Her main house was already completely gone (They say) and her body was completely swollen. It looked like a balloon and all looked very unreal. The last ghat we got off and start walking toward the restaurant where we would breakfast. The eatery was selected by Bram closed, so we went looking for one another through the streets of the neighborhood behind the Ganges. Bram was right Varanasi when he said that India was in the square. Narrow streets and a lot of dirt and shit. People, cows, dogs and other animals swarm here together. Arriving at the breakfast restaurant we ordered an omelet, but when we saw that a cockroach was baked at Piet have but we leave here (as not hungry anymore). After breakfast we had not enjoyed equally by the streets walked, when we had enough of this view and smell We have taken a rickshaw to the hotel and have a hour or so sleep. After lunch at the hotel hurdles we still must return to Karen home i.v.m. the condition of her father. Everyone was of course significantly to Bram bales and worked his way to death in order ensure that they could go home as soon as possible. We are two of us went to town to look for the Golden Temple and the widows ghat. Eventually we got them neither found. So here we are with our coins. We do have a nice walk through narrow and wide streets. During a downpour we were like all the others in the street hide in a store. All very nice. The rickshaw, we went back. The man had a handsome short (and heavy) bikes for 20 rupees. In the hotel we ate and then said goodbye to Karen. Early to bed, because tomorrow is waiting so long and hard travel day to Nepal. Frankly, I'm not angry that we in India leave, I just had it with all the filth and stench. Luckily I have not only that, Peter said even today if we had stayed any longer that he had gone home.