Punjab region with Malhi

We arrived in Bangalore  at around 7pm. The plan was for the boys to head to the bar, and the girls to the shops! But the boys all weakened to their feminine side, and we allwent out shopping together. It was good fun, as we entered a Saree shop and were literally swamped with attention. We all came out spending a bit too much on scarfs, tunics and saree’s but it was good fun. We headed to the Monkey bar, and again saw another side of India. Young people partying just as they do in Oz.  A few beers and dinner, and we didn’t get back to the hotel midnight, exhausted againJ

A 4.30am start to catch our flight to Amistra meant a lot of tired people. But we handled the Indian airports no worries and arrived in Amistra to be greeted by our hosts  Malhi and Rajwinder. We had met both of them at previous Nuffield events, so it was great to see them. We were taken to our hotel in a small bus, and it was amazing to see the difference in this city compared to Bangalore. It seems to be more developed, with better roads and buildings, but still very dirty and lots of small dark alley ways. There are a lot of turbans with the Sikh religion dominating the city.

We then experienced one of the most amazing things in my life. We visited the Sinkh golden temple. On entering the area, we removed our shoes and all placed scarfs over our heads. We had to wash our hands and feet on entry. The temple is beautiful, made of pure gold. Malhi our host was extremely proud to show us the temple, but we stood out from the crowd a lot and received lots of looks and comments, (All very happy and welcoming). A lot of younger people wanted their photo with us. Everything was peaceful and relaxing. We brought an offering and entered the temple were music was playing and many people were on the ground praying or just listening to the music. On giving our offering, we were given half back to eat our selves but were all too nervous to try. Malhi also gave me an orange parcel (which I am not quite sure is yet), and I was told it was very very special and look after it very much.

There was a large ‘pond’ around the temple and many people were bathing or drinking the holy water, we were able to dip in our feet. Once we excited we went to the free tea room where they serve meals for everyone who comes to the temple. We tried some hot chai tea, but didn’t have any of the food. 2 million enter the temple every day, and up to 50,000 people eating in the tea room at a time! It was just the most mind blowing experience, and we are so lucky to be able to do it. I was surprised that the people were so open to us coming to have a ‘look’ at their religious culture up close, but they really seemed so welcoming. Nuffield sure does open up some doors to fantastic experiences!

We had hoped to get to the Pakistan/India border to have a look, as we are less than 100kms from it, but unfortunately we spent too much time at the temple and couldn’t make it. We are now enjoying a precious hour to ourselves catching up on phone calls and emails. We will head out for dinner soon.