The Writings of James Adler

…I don’t even know where to begin. My journey started on October 11th when I got on a plane and eventually landed in Delhi, India. After slowly navigating my way through the Delhi airport and making it through immigration, I was greeted by a lovely, kind woman from Women with Wheels who was my escort from the airport to my first destination, Bloom Hotel. Of course by this time, it was almost midnight of October 12th. I had booked a tour through National Geographic Expeditions, teaming up with G Adventures. For more information on this and other tours, visit National Geographic Travel. I had arrived a day early and during breakfast the next day, met two other lovely ladies who were also part of the G Adventures tour. That day, the three strolled through Chandni Chowk for a street food tour. After sampling some delishous food, we headed back to the hotel for the day. Later that evening was when we had our ‘tour meeting’ and met every one (16 in total) who was part of the G Adventures tour and our CEO (Chief Experience Officer) for the duration of the trip, Anurag. When I signed up for this tour, I knew I would enjoy it, just not how much. The next day we explored all over New and Old Delhi. We went for a stroll with a former at-risk youth as a local guide from City Walk project. For more information about the life of children in India and how this organization helps youth succeed, can be found here. We also explored Jama Masjid and an ancient Sikh temple of Gurdwara SisGanj. From here we journeyed towards Agra, stopping at Baby Taj on the way.

On October 15th, we all had to wake up early to be at the Taj Mahal before sunrise. I am not a morning person but boy was it worth it! Then it was onto Agra Fort. Of course I cannot forget about dinner… every night was filled with delicious Indian food, as each night our outstanding CEO Anu took us out somewhere new. The next day was off to Agra where we visited Fatehpur Sikri, Abhaneri Stepwell. As someone who never enjoyed history, let me tell you, learning about the history of India and all the architecture we visited was music to my ears. So much information crammed into my brain, yet I enjoyed everywhere we visited and absorbed as much of the history of each place as possible. We also had the joy of visiting a shop where we got to see how rugs are made. Absolutely fascinating!

From Agra, we journeyed onto Jaipur, also known as the “Pink City.” I even got to see the King of Jaipur while I was there! In Jaipur we visited Amber Fort and the City Palace (this is where I saw the king—if you look hard enough you might be able to find the one photo of him…). With some spare time, the astonishing Anu took us for a detour to a jewelry shop and clothing shop. I refrained from buying any gems but may have stocked my wardrobe a bit. Even let Anu pick out something to have custom-tailored into a long kurta pajama set that I otherwise would not have picked for myself. He did NOT disappoint! Later that evening it was off to a cooking class with a local family. The young lady and her grandmother hosted us at their home where they taught us how to cook a few Indian dishes. After, we got to eat everything that was made.

The next day, October 18th, we were off to a little village named Pachewar. The stay was in a beautiful heritage home. We were immersed into the local village through a walk and meet with the village residents. We got to observe where grains are packed, potters work, and wander amid old temples and mud homes. We also got to see how the locals cook with limited resources. After the walk we got to experience some local music and dance but not until after we were surprised and dressed up in the local attire. There’s always a first for wearing an authentic Dhoti and turban! Unfortunately, after our stay here, it was back to Delhi. Of course, my time in India did not end here…

After the tour with Anu and the other 15 members of the group sadly ended, I stayed in Delhi a couple more days touring some places we hadn’t traveled to. Even booked a street photography tour where I returned to Chandni Chowk for half a day. Thankfully, after a few days alone in Delhi, I had a personal driver who came highly recommended to take me to many more of my anticipated and unanticipated destinations. After Delhi I moved onto Haridwar where I stayed for a couple days. While here I also ventured to Rishikesh. My hotel well directly along the Ganges river which was a sight to see. Had the opportunity to sit front and center for Ganga Aarti in both Haridwar and Rishikesh, but I have to say my experience in Rishikesh was the most astounding. The whole experience was powerful, uplifting, and awe-inspiring. While in Rishikesh I also got the opportunity to go white water rafting in the Ganges where on occasion I got to jump out of the raft and swim in the Ganges. May have been cold for some, but for me it was quite refreshing to say the least. I even got a to meet a long time friend of mine before leaving here. After my few days here, I set off once again, this time to Dehradun. A penpal of mine resides here and it was finally time to meet! His hospitality was beyond reproach. We journeyed to Mussoorie, Robber’s Cave, and the Clock Tower. We ate local cuisine at all the right places and I even got to celebrate Diwali at his home with his many family members! After five days in Dehradun, unfortunately, it was time to head back to Delhi before flying back home.

The trip was eventful and fulfilling to say the least. I look forward to visiting India again every chance I can get and although it is nice to be safely home, I will miss India daily… Click here to see all the photos from the trip.