Category Archives: India 2011

The Rickshaw Adventure

India 2We three white youths were a sight for sore eyes as we trounced around the overcrowded streets of Old Delhi in search of a Rickshaw that would carry us (for a decent price) to the familiarity of our hotel on the other side of town. This is Day Two of our India adventure and we are still finding our bearings. Everyone stares, some yell “hello,” and the bold ones ask for a picture.

One of our trio negotiates with countless Rickshaw drivers for a fair rate; the first few flatly refuse, some are willing to barter, and one finally agrees to our price. We pile in and the real adventure begins!

We wove in and out of traffic, sometimes so close to other vehicles I could reach out and touch them (which I did). Drivers and pedestrians did double-takes of the foreigners in the cabbie. The honking was never-ending, both from within our Rickshaw as from other cars; traffic lanes become completely obsolete.

It was invigorating to feel moments from an auto crash every moment. I found myself hooting, fist-pumping, and giggling like a silly school girl. The wind dancing in my hair, most of my body flailing out the Rickshaw’s opening, a huge smile plastered on my face—I felt so alive!

As we arrived at the hotel and jumped from our motorized chariot, my only thought was: “Let’s do that again!” Lucky for me, I have three months to do it (and much more!) again and again.

-Carmen Miller

Nicole Ropp

India Photo 2011

India Cross-cultural students, Spring 2011.India 1

Photos by Eric Brodersen and Katherine Landis

India

Discover the Beauty and the Culture of India

India is in South Asia and shares borders with Pakistan, China, and Nepal. The rugged Himalayan mountain range lies in the northern part of India while the southern tip consists of deserts, rain forests and relaxing beaches. India has a deep history dating back to 3200 BC when Hinduism was first founded. Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam all are practiced in India. Each of these religions give a different perspective to one’s philosophy of life.

Come, learn and experience the culture of India.

  • See the breathtaking views of the Taj Mahal as the sun sets while the dhobi (clothes washers) wash clothes in the river behind this glorious monument built for a loving wife.
  • Visit with a villager scavaging the hillside for sticks in the forest to use for a fire to make dinner.
  • Gaze upon the “Snows”—the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayan mountain range.
  • Understand the importance of bathing in the Ganga (Ganges) River.
  • Experience the generosity of the people who will graciously welcome you into their mud homes for a cup of Chai and a chance to talk with you.
  • Visit and work at Mother Teresa’s organization in Calcutta working with the destitute.

Jheldi Chhello!! (Let’s go!)

Nicole Ropp