Days 6 to 8 – Ahmedabad city
Day 6,7,8 – Friday to Sunday 01/11/2013 – 03/11/2013
This is a combined post of our few days in the city of joy and food, our experience and reviews about attractions in and near Ahmedabad.
When I have a host in a city, I tend to leave the worry of finding city attractions and places to visit. It’s one of the benefits of having a friend in an unknown city. But how dare I call Ahmedabad an unknown city. I speak Gujarati (state language) fluently and know my way around the city.
Jitu Bhai had planned for us to visit Gandhi Ashram, Sardar Patel Smarak on Friday AM. We left in the morning at 9 am and took a rickshaw there. Outside of Mumbai, an advice – please negotiate with Rickshaw wallahs. They rarely operate via the meter and charge exorbitantly for tourists.
Gandhi Ashram – Mahatma Gandhi started his historic Dandi March from this Ashram. His calm demeanor and projection of non violence led India to its freedom.
Gandhi
Next up was Sardar Patel Smarak, another freedom fighter and a great personality. The entire museum was recently renovated and opened by our Hon. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on 29th Oct 2013. As we walk into the museum, we could smell the fresh paint.
Sardar Patel museum
I have always been impressed outside India with the museums. They preserve even the smallest thing in a glass case hoping to preserve it for centuries while in India, we seem to value less. I was quite surprised when the newly renovated Sardar Patel museum had many things preserved well. CCTV cameras were seen everywhere and security was top notch.
It’s noon on Friday and we take the rickshaw back home for lunch. Home made food was ready for us and we ate with other family members. It’s November but the weather is still quite hot, we decide to stay indoors in the afternoon hoping to go to Kankaria lake in the evening.
It’s 5 pm and we decide to take the BRTS to Kankaria lake. Ahmedabad BRTS (Bus Rapid Transit system) is awesome. They have a dedicated line wherever they operate which means that buses don’t face traffic. Some buses are air conditioned with the intention to convert the whole fleet into an air conditioned one. We were three of us, accompanied by Jainita (our host) to Kankaria lake. It’s a 10 km distance and the bus covered it in 25 minutes which is very impressive from Indian standards given the evening traffic.
Kankaria Lake has been converted into an amazing tourist spot. There are so many attractions that you can easily spend a day there. Some of the key attractions we did
1. Ahmedabad Eye (Balloon ride)
2. Mini golf – the first in Ahmedabad and possibly Gujarat
3. Train ride across entire Kankaria
4. Segway ride (Yes, Ahmedabad has a Segway and the experience is awesome…)
Balloon ride
Kankaria Lake
Segway ride – Khyati
Segway Ride – Paras
After spending a few good hours here, we left for dinner at Uncle Sam’s Pizza. They serve unlimited food for a fixed price. We ate 12 different varieties of Jain salad. For the non Jain items, there were 42 varieties of salad. Exemplary display of food. We ate to our heart’s content and called it a night for Friday.
It’s Saturday and I am itching to ride a car or a bike. Every household in Ahmedabad has a few scooters and I asked my friend if I could ride theirs. They were like – the road sense in Ahmedabad is quite bad (should I say worse) but I wanted to give it a try.
In the morning, we visited Sabarmati Riverfront for a walk. The whole riverfront has been renovated with parks, trees have been planted along the road and you can see the beautiful sunrise.
Sunrise on Sabarmati riverfront
It’s Saturday noon and Jitu Bhai took us for lunch at a posh restaurant – 650. Ahmedabad is famous for its food. In the afternoon, I picked Rahul’s Activa (bike) and we left for Science city. It’s a big museum built on acres of land between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. We were there till evening and we had a really good time.
Piece of advice – While driving on our way back, it was dark and in Ahmedabad, we see people driving on the wrong side of the road so their flash light flashes in your eye rendering you helpless. I found it difficult to drive in the night time.
Sunday was Diwali and my friend’s office had Diwali Pujan planned for the day and they invited us to join them. We gladly accepted and became a part of their lives. The pujan (prayer meeting) set for the new financial year went smoothly. We were served Ice cream in the afternoon. Ice cream is served as Ahmedabad’s speciality and to welcome guests or to celebrate any occasion, people eat ice cream. I found it quite amusing.
It was our last day in Ahmedabad and Jitu Bhai had some plans for afternoon as well. He took us more sight seeing. We went to see Siddi Sayyed ni Jhadi (very intricate carvings) though we could see it only from a distance.
carvings
Next was Adalaj ni vav (it’s a step well) that’s still maintained in its original form. Most step wells in India are khandit (in broken form). Due to the heavy rains this year, the step well was filled with water and we could not go till the very bottom.
Adalaj step well
It’s Sunday evening and we see Jainita decorating a lovely Rangoli. It’s a tradition in every household that they light their house and design a lovely Rangoli. We felt lovely.
Rangoli
Finally, it was time to bid adieu to Ahmedabad and the fun times we shared with our host family. Jitu Bhai dropped us at the rail station.
It’s 10 pm Sunday evening and we await the Ahmedabad Udaipur Express.
Thanks once again for reading and please drop your comments.
Best,
Paras
Day 5 – Junagadh to Ahmedabad
Day 5 – Thursday, 31/10/2013
Recap – In the past few days, we have visited Girnar mountain and Junagadh city. Today, we leave for Ahmedabad via train.
As a kid, I used to hate waking up after the alarm rang. I wanted to be the one to beat him. This habit led me to be an early riser, I suppose.
So now a days, I still keep an alarm for 6:30 am but my eyes always open a few minutes before then. My mind is trained enough. If you would like to attempt this, try a small exercise – Set an alarm for the time you want to wake up and before going to bed, chant 5 times that I wish to wake up at 6:30 am (example). Your mind will set an automatic alarm and you will wake up before the alarm can wake you up. I feel happy when I experience this and that’s what I call eternal happiness.
It’s 6:30 am, my eyes open and in a few minutes, the alarm rings. wah la! I look around and our bags are all packed, few odd bits lying around. It reminds me that it’s time to move on to our next city. We finish our morning duties, some observations – I see people brushing their teeth in the open with a Datun (it’s a neem twig) used by people for oral health.
It’s 8:30 am, we have finished breakfast and take a stroll in the town for one last time. We visit all the Jain temples once again. On our way back, we complete the check out formalities at the Dharamshala. Most Dharamshalas in India still work on a charity basis. They might have a fixed price for the room rent but food is offered to guests. You can donate any amount you feel appropriate.
It’s 10:00 am and Vijay Bhai (rickshaw wallah) is here to take us back. I ask him to take us to any shop where they sell Junagadh speciality. It’s the Dudh Peda (milk fudge) and we purchase a 500 gm sweet box for our hosts in Ahmedabad. We reach the station at 11 am and the train arrives on time at 11:30 am. How can I thank Junagadh enough but to tell you the truth, they offered us a 4 gun salute for visiting.
Junagadh station
We board the same train we arrived in – Somnath Jabalpur Exp. We have a 7 hour journey and as it was a day journey, we had booked Sleeper class.
Train route
It’s 1:30 pm and we interact with our co passengers who were from Madhya Pradesh, they were going back home to Bhopal for Diwali vacations. They seemed to be a fun jolly group. I invited them for a game of cards. We started playing Mendicoat – It’s played by 4 people and you preserve the hand with 10 in it. If you collect the maximum, you and your partner win. For these people, this game seemed a piece of cake. They invited me to play another game – called Dehela. It’s again the same concept but you need to win two continuous hands and have a 10 in the deal you make.
It’s 4:30 pm and we are still playing this game. How time passes when you are having fun? The train starts to get a bit crowded and local people enter reserved compartments and there is nothing you can do but share your seat with them. This is India, my friend.
It’s 6 pm and we speak to Jitu Bhai, our host in Ahmedabad and he is coming to pick us up at Ahmedabad station. Yea! For those who have not been to Ahmedabad, it’s a major junction with around 15 different platforms at one level. There are thousands and thousands of people. We slowly chart our way out and meet Jitu Bhai. He takes us home in his Toyota Etios in peak traffic but hey, we got to see the city and various markets. It’s a 10 minute journey but took us 45 minutes.
We reached our friends house and it was a 2 storied bungalow. We freshened up and had dinner with them. Ah! I love home made Gujarati food.
It’s 9 pm – we settle in the verandah and see Diwali lightings in each house. Diwali is in a few days and people are in an upbeat mood to celebrate.
After making plans for the next day, we call it a night.
Hope you enjoyed this piece, please write your comments. I enjoy reading your feedback.
Best,
Paras
Day 4 – Junagadh and Gir Jungle
It’s Wednesday morning 6 am and my alarm buzzes. Neither Khyati nor I are in any mood to listen to that. We continue to snooze a few times and lo behold! The time now reads 7:30 am. We needed to leave to tour Junagadh city in 45 minutes. Hurriedly, we get ready and go to eat breakfast at our Bhojanshala.
It’s 8:15 am and we are heading for breakfast. The rickshaw wallah is patiently waiting outside and doesn’t seem to be in any hurry. Obviously, we had our meter running and wanted to spend maximum time touring places. At a similar time, in the breakfast hall – Khyati and I were impressed with the wide spread of food on the plate. Obviously, there was some VIP guest for which this 7 course menu was laid, we thought. We filled our stomachs choc-a-bloc and I burrp!
It’s 9 am and we leave with Vijay bhai (our rickshaw wallah) onto our first destination. Here’s a list of places we visited –
1. Jain temple in Junagadh
2. Akshardham (Swaminarayan mandir)
3. Willingdon Dam
4. Uparkot no killo (fort)
5. Narshinh Mehta chowk (chowk meaning square)
Akshardham temples are a piece of wonder at any location and Junagadh is no different. It’s built in many acres of land.
Akshardham
Willingdon Dam was in the midst of Gir Jungle and we had to pass forest security to get to that area. The lake picture you see in my previous post is where this dam is built. The water in the lake is very clear and you can see lots of small fishes swimming. We take a long walk along the entire dam and admire Mother Nature in the midst of all this.
Gir Lake and forest
air jumping
Air walking, er! running
It’s 1 pm and the sun is blazing hot. Khyati and I remind each other about soaking in Vitamin D. We both break in a giggle because there is an unlimited supply of sun heat in India. The struggle was in UK when as soon as we saw the sun, we reminded each other to soak in Vitamin D as much as possible because as Jains, we don’t eat other animal sources containing Vitamin D.
We inform Vijay Bhai to take us indoors now as we couldn’t bear the heat. Next up was lunch. I was still full from breakfast but how can you resist a Gujarati invitation for lunch? People serve so warmly and continue to insist, a habit that has been instigated in every Indian. When we pressurize you for eating more, it’s our way of showing love. At this note, I remember my mother’s advice – ocho khaija, pet aay ane pataro nay. (eat less – it’s your stomach, not a drum).
We leave to see the fort now. The fort is not well maintained and has grass grown all over. It was one of the most important forts overlooking Junagadh city so the king then could protect its boundaries. It’s a free entry and we take a stroll in this place. Good thing about it being covered by grass, there was some shade and it was a good walk post lunch.
Junagadh city
Last up was Narsinh Mehta chowk and there was a small museum of him. He was a devotee of Lord Krishna and spent his years in his duty. Junagadh was his Karmabhoomi (work place).
It’s 2 pm and by the end of it, we are tired and feel the need for a nap. Vijay Bhai drops us back to the Dharamshala and we rest again. It’s been a daily habit now to sleep for an hour or so in the afternoon.
It’s 5 pm and I receive a call from my friend asking if I could book a stay at this Dharamshala for their visit during Christmas time. I enquired but Dharamshala’s here don’t do pre bookings for peak periods. They give rooms on a first come first serve basis so you stand the risk to not get a room. Eventually, we managed to book a guest house for our friend’s family and felt happy to have helped someone sitting 1000 kms away.
It’s 8 pm and we are back to our room. We pack our belongings. Tomorrow, we take the train to Ahmedabad, the city of joy.
We call it a night at 10 pm.
My goal with this blog is that you (yes! You the person sitting in your chair) to empower you in your goals and dreams. Khyati and I feel privileged to be a living a life we love and dream about. Please tell me if there is anything particular you would like me to write about?
I read each and every comment. Thank you for your time.
-Paras
Comparison
We often draw comparisons between two people, two houses, two cars and many different things in our lives. Have you ever questioned why? Is it worth it in the large scheme of things? Have a look at this Chrome Experiment which does a wonderful job of showing how tiny miniscule particle are we in comparison to this entire galaxy of stars…
http://workshop.chromeexperiments.com/stars/??
Be Humble,
– Paras
Philosophy of Charles Schulz
The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the “Peanuts” comic strip. You don’t have to actually answer the questions. Just read the e-mail straight through, and you’ll get the point.
- Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
- Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
- Name the last five winners of the Miss America.
- Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
- Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
- Name the last decade’s worth of World Series winners.
How did you do?
The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners .
Here’s another quiz. See how you do on this one:
- List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
- Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
- Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
- Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
- Think of five people you enjoy spending time with .
Easier?
The lesson:
The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the
ones that care .
Let us live?? a life of?? Love
“Don’t worry about the world coming to an end today.
It’s already tomorrow in Australia ” (Charles Schultz)
Celebrate LIFE !!!
Satyamev Jayate – Eposide 01
A new show hosted by Aamir Khan which touches on issues and problems faced in the society. Their first episode relates to female foeticide and the truth behind it. Please take the time to watch this episode.
Satyamev Jayate! Paras and Khyati
Attitude is everything
ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING
By Francie Baltazar-Schwartz
Jerry was the kind of guy you love to hate. He was always in a good mood and always had something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, “If I were any better, I would be twins!”
He was a unique manager because he had several waiters who had followed him around from restaurant to restaurant. The reason the waiters followed Jerry was because of his attitude. He was a natural motivator. If an employee was having a bad day, Jerry was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation.
Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up to Jerry and asked him, “I don’t get it! You can’t be a positive person all of the time. How do you do it?”
Jerry replied, “Each morning I wake up and say to myself, ‘Jerry, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or you can choose to be in a bad mood.’ I choose to be in a good mood. Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it. Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life.”
“Yeah, right, it’s not that easy,” I protested.
“Yes, it is,” Jerry said. “Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people will affect your mood. You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It’s your choice how you live life.”
I reflected on what Jerry said. Soon thereafter, I left the restaurant industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it.
Several years later, I heard that Jerry did something you are never supposed to do in a restaurant business: he left the back door open one morning and was held up at gunpoint by three armed robbers. While trying to open the safe, his hand, shaking from nervousness, slipped off the combination. The robbers panicked and shot him. Luckily, Jerry was found relatively quickly and rushed to the local trauma center.
After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, Jerry was released from the hospital with fragments of the bullets still in his body.
I saw Jerry about six months after the accident. When I asked him how he was, he replied, “If I were any better, I’d be twins. Wanna see my scars?”
I declined to see his wounds, but did ask him what had gone through his mind as the robbery took place. “The first thing that went through my mind was that I should have locked the back door,” Jerry replied. “Then, as I lay on the floor,
I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live, or I could choose to die. I chose to live.”
“Weren’t you scared? Did you lose consciousness?” I asked.
Jerry continued, “The paramedics were great. They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the emergency room and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read, ‘He’s a dead man.’
“I knew I needed to take action.”
“What did you do?” I asked.
“Well, there was a big, burly nurse shouting questions at me,” said Jerry. “She asked if I was allergic to anything. ‘Yes,’ I replied. The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breathe and yelled, ‘Bullets!’ Over their laughter, I told them. ‘I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead.”
Jerry lived thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude. I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully. Attitude, after all, is everything.
Me gusta tu…… (i like…..)
Hey everyone,
This video is a Spanish song forwarded by our Teacher ‘Raquel Gutiérrez’. Khyati and I heard and saw this video and got really excited when we could understand most of the video.
The video talks about the likes of the singer.
For eg – I like mornings, I like motor bikes etc…..
Thank you, Steve
Very sad to hear that Steve Jobs passed away.
He has been an inspiration for me, and he has left a legacy for all budding entrepreneurs.
I viewed his commencement video this morning just to reflect on his life:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1R-jKKp3NA
Some of his most famous quotes:
1. — “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”
2. — “Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become.”
3. — “Death is very likely the single best invention of Life. It is Life’s change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new.”
4.– “We’re here to put a dent in the universe.”
My deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues and respect to this great man.
I will always remain an Apple fan!
– Paras
Navratri weekend and enjoying with friends in London
Khyati and I are very fond of Navratri, it is an annual festival for 9 days which is celebrated in honor of victory of good over bad. Lord Ram killed the ten-headed Ravana on the last day marking the celebrations.
People dance for 9 nights and the event is split into two halves, people play Garba for the first half and then people start with Dandiya which is played by sticks.
Read more about Garba here – Garba(Dance) wiki
Read more about Dandiya Raas here – Dandiya Raas wiki
Khyati and I visited our friends Chirag & Nikita, a fun night out on Friday playing cards and catching up on good ol’ times… Visited Battersea Park in London on Saturday.
We went to Navratri festival on Saturday evening. This whole event was held in a huge park and they had a big tent in the center where the event was held. When we were parking our cars, we could hear music being played and the tunes felt so familiar, couldn’t wait to get in and dance to foot tapping music.
The lines at the entrance were big and took us another half an hour till we were in. All of us were dressed in traditional Indian clothing.
We reached there at 9 pm and stayed there until midnight. There must be around 500 people, big crowd and entertaining live music.
We stayed overnight at Devanshi’ place (Khyati’s good friend) in North London and took it easy on Sunday. We were initially planning to roam around Zone 1 but decided to skip it. We just visited a Mind, Body and Soul exhibition where our friends – Dr Ujwala and Jatin had a stall educating attendees on Ayurveda and the practice around it. You can check her website here – www.u2bhealthy.co.uk (Under Construction right now)
You can check our pictures from the trip here – http://goo.gl/c2Tpv
carpe diem!
– Paras