HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Yesterday we took Massi home to Sungar Kalsar, Mum shopped all day, we tried samosa, bread pakorta, and burgers from street stalls, Ben had hois earing changed and now looks like a real wog, and saw 2 snakes pulled from the drain, one dead, one alive.

Then for our New Years celebrations we watched various skitz, role plays and imitations, dancing and ended the night with fire crackers on the roof. Bens hand got burnt, but he's fine.

Since our last post, we have been to the farm again, Mum has taught Ben how to swear in Indian which has almost got him dacked, Mum has gotten new glasses, we have learnt how to fly kites and Ben got his to an extreme height when a kid form across the road hooked his kite on and broke the string and Ben has pierced his ear.

Wonderland & Haveli

First thing in the morning Jacinta, Ben & Jassi took a ride on a rikshaw around town. It was cold, we froze!

Jacinta pierced her nose for about $4 Australian, including a pure gold nose stud.
We left just after lunch and set off for Wonderland. We had a great time, not sure where else you could swing high in the air looking out on fields of sugar cane, and smelling rhoti and dahl. Big surprise was real ice cream. We bought 4 cornettos for $4 Australian. So Ben ate 3. Pizzas and Burgers, Indian style for lunch.
Then off to Haveli. The Haveli is a showcase of old India, before all the modcons. Here we rode camels. Watched a dance show. And ate like Kings (princesses), in the restaurant. For anyone coming to Punjab the Haveli in Jalundar is a must see.
The drive home was the worst we've ever experienced, the fog was so thick you could only see maybe 2 metres ahead. not sure how the driver got us home.

India

We spent the day visiting rellies again, and returned to Mum's home town.

And in all of this, we saw a relative from Sydney, who we haven't seen for years. It'd been 18 years since Mum had seen her, and of all the places we could meet up, it was India. Just a crazy coincidence that we were all here at the same time. We took heaps of pictures together.

India

25 December 2008


We have been to Nanaksar Gurdwara, where we washed our feet in the holy water before paying our respects. We also visited the Golden Temple on Christmas Eve. There were goldfish the size of River Murray Cod. Jacinta managed to slip up. There was also many visits to more relatives.

Today we went to Bibi’s home town, again, but Ben went to a party where he was pulled aside as they recognised he was from overseas, was handed a rifle. And he shot ten shots into the air.

India

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Friday 19 December

Before boarding our flight to India, we took the liberty of shopping in the biggest Airport in the world! Then we were on our way to India. Our endeavour began with the plane being half an hour late, and ended with us being lost at Amritsar Airport, unable to find our family. After about an hour and numerous phone calls suddenly a familiar face appeared. And we headed off into the traffic jam from hell. The vehicle that we were stuck in for 5 hours was similar to the ‘Night Train’ from the second Harry Potter movie. With tassels hanging from the roof, Indian music blaring and various pictures of the gods displayed in all their glory. I half expected a talking head to appear.

We arrived in Jandiala at 10pm local time. Out front of the house was the entire family! Everyone was eagerly awaiting our arrival. They were so excited to see us; however we just wanted to go to bed.


Saturday 20 December

6am we were awoken by music from the local gurdwara.

Firstly went to visit Bibi’s nephew in Shankar. Then off to a gurdwara. This visit included taking off our shoes and trekking across dirt and mud. We stayed for about 15 minutes, received our pershad. Then off to visit Bibi’s home town. We checked out the house that Bibi grew up in. Then home for a quick snack before heading to the local bazaar. Here we purchased some suits and jewellery.

After returning home, Mum had her hands done with mendi, check out the photos.

Sunday 21 December

Again a 6am awakening.

Today after breakfast we headed to Mum’s home town of Bilga. We checked out the new house. Then mum took us for a walk to see the old, which doesn’t actually exist any more. Others have bought the land and rebuilt.

After this we went to visit Papa’s sister, in Rohdka. She is the last living sibling.

On the way home, we encountered our first beggars. Ben wanted to tell them to get a job, but Mum explained that things aren’t that easy here.

We then went for a walk to the farm. Mum picked pot, however Ben was a little afraid to even touch it. Mum then taught us how to peel and suck the juice from sugar cane.

Then it was home again for a feast.

Leaving Adelaide- Arriving in Singapore

Thursday 18 December 2008

Left Adelaide at 1:05pm and with out any delay mum had already abbandoned us on the plane. She ran off and made friends with a couple going to Egypt. Just before we entered Singapore the ride got a tad bumpy. Jacinta said "Oh no, Godzilla has the plane," Ben being a typical male full of excitment yelled "What about a tortilla?"

Last time mum was on a plane the whole plane watched one movie on one big screen, mum was pleased to find a abundance of foxtel channels and playstation games! Ms Mildren told Ben that on the plane drinks are free so drink up. Ben proceeded to consume as many cokes as possible, for a 12 year old. By the end of the flight they had no coke left. Seriously!!

Upon arrival at Changi Airport in Singapore, came yet another clever remark, from my male sibling, "WOW! There are alot of Singapore Airlines planes..." This had filled his silly remark quota for the day.

Singapore, is possibly one of the most asthetically pleasing places imaginable! Everything is so green! The streets are all so clean!

Arrival at the hotel, gobbsmacked! Ben and Jacinta's first hotel stay, and what a first hotel, magnificent!

Grabbed a cab and off to the Night Safari. It began with dinner and Bongo Burgers ($12 for a small burger and fries), mum found better ways to spend her money (photos yet to come). Next we saw the Creatures of the Night in an outdoor ampi theatre. This included many nocturnal creatures, the best of which was a 6ft python, who lay waiting her turn under the seats of some audience members. It took 4 people to hold her. Little did one man in the crowd realise he was about to hold her.

After this we jumped on a tram and took off down the beaten track of the Night Safari. We visited the jungles of many countries, including Africa, South East Asia, India, South America. The featured animals included an Elephants with extremely long tusks, weighing 3.5 tonnes, and poos up to 90 kgs at a time! WOW!!! Tigers!! YAY!!!
The breaze and the atmosphere travelling through the jungles in the middle of the night was an experience that just took your breath away!

Friday 19 December 2008

Buffet Breakfast this morning, again a gobbsmacked look from my brother as he lifted every lid and sampled most offerings. I was quite surprised to find Chicken Porridge, but was delighted to find Baked Beans, although, Vegimite was not on the menu.

Ok, off to grab our bags, then home we go to INDIA. Look out for photos they will be here soon.

You know you miss us!
xo

wow this works Yay!!! lol

leaving in 2 dayys!! WOOOTT!!!