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.