That's Why I Love India

27/02/2024

I am taking a break from That's Why I Love India for personal reasons. Thank you to those who have enhanced my love of India, its rich culture, colour and vivid personality. Breakaway

08/01/2024

To understand India is to look inside yourself. To understand yourself in the context of India is to accept and embrace humanity with all its strengths and frailty and to see the beauty in every person and situation. To understand we are all one.

06/01/2024

When travelling alone without a group I choose to stay in South Delhi in a very comfortable, Bed and Breakfast called The Neem conveniently located near great shopping precincts, Greater Kailash local markets, and restaurants. I know it so well now I’m comfortable walking in and beyond the neighbourhood (be cautious navigating parked cars on the sidewalk) I’ve also found favourite shops including Fabindia for Kurtas and dresses, a frozen yoghurt bar just around the corner, an international bank opposite for cash withdrawals and a very helpful English speaking tuk tuk driver who I ring when I am in need of transport. He told me on my last visit he meets many Australians who come to his part of the city for dental work (implants). The rooms at The Neem are spacious and extraordinarily clean, there are outdoor balconies, small garden spaces, and you can eat 3 meals a day inhouse if you choose. And its doesn’t break the bank and you’re bound to make new friends in the dining room or common lounge area.

04/01/2024

The Lotus Temple in New Delhi bears a remarkable resemblance to our own Sydney Opera House and is one of the most peaceful and beautiful sights in this pulsing city. Surrounded by well-manicured gardens, cooling water surrounding the temple and vast views from every angle it truly is a place of tranquil worship and one I will return to every time I visit Delhi. This temple is a Baha’i House of worship and like all Baha’i temples is open to all regardless of religion or qualification. The building is composed of 27 free-standing marble-clad "petals" arranged in clusters of three to form nine sides, with nine doors opening onto a central hall with a a capacity of 1,300 people. The Lotus Temple has won numerous architectural awards but more significantly has won many hearts and souls with the Baha’i teaching that all religions come from the same source and that all people are equal, regardless of their race, gender, or nationality. It's a peaceful and inclusive religion that promotes unity and diversity.

02/01/2024

Learning new languages is not one of my greatest strengths but I did manage to master a few words on my recent visit to India. It’s a sign of respect to at the very least to try even if it comes out wrong. And it could save a life! Bohat Acha (very good); Tora Tora ( a little); Khush (happy); dhanyavaad (thank you); mera naam hai (my name is); kya ham yahaan ruk sakate hain (can we stop at) and vah kya hai ( what is that). That’s all folks. I’ll expand the vocabulary next visit. https://buff.ly/3TIUhRI

Funny ad for the Berlitz school of language.

01/01/2024

Want to learn more about India and why I love it so much. Check out my latest newsletter and subscribe to keep up to date with some spectacular new itineraries that take you into the heart of local communities or join me for my annual November visit to some of my favourite people and locations. https://bit.ly/3H2Wz6x

31/12/2023

In Jaipur I stayed The Art Inn Jaipur by Devena Singh https://buff.ly/3NLpKPv to learn block printing and received so much more than I could have ever expected. Despite my eye being a little lacking, I did create some beautiful pieces with the help of Devena’s “Master” Block printer. The Art Inn is a comfortable and creatively appointed Bed and Breakfast (all meals provided if you wish) with spaces for artist residencies and workshops where you can learn block printing, jewellery making and traditional blue pottery. Animated conversations around the dinner dinner, relaxing in the comfortable lounge or private garden all add to nurturing and relaxing environment where creatives can flourish. There is very little Devena does not know about Indian textiles and art. And, she’s an awfully good woman ready to share her company generously with all who stay including some great outings to meet local artisans, shopping, visits to temples, markets restaurants, cafés and cocktail bars in beautiful Jaipur palaces! Thank you for assisting me to create some great Jaipur memories.

31/12/2023

It's almost 2024, when I’ll celebrate another significant Birthday and I still have so many unanswered questions!!!!
I haven’t found out who let the dogs out...where’s the beef...how to get to Sesame Street or San Jose... where is over the rainbow…
why Dora doesn’t just use Google Maps...Why do all flavors of fruit loops taste exactly the same, or how many licks does it take to get to the center of a chuppa chupp......
why eggs are packaged in a flimsy carton, but batteries are secured in plastic that’s tough as nails... why “abbreviated” is such a long word; or why is there a D in ‘fridge’ but not in refrigerator...
why lemon juice is made with artificial flavor yet dish-washing liquid is made with real lemons... and, why do you have to “put your two cents in” but it’s only a “penny for your thoughts” where’s that extra penny going to...
why does The Alphabet Song and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star have the same tune... why did you just try to sing those two previous songs...
and just what exactly is Victoria’s secret? and where is Wally?... Can you hear me now?...and do you really think I am this witty?? ...
I actually got this from a friend, who stole it from his brother’s girlfriend’s, uncle’s cousin who lived next door to an old class mate’s mailman...
Now it is your turn to take it from me...to spread some light and laughter.

Have a Happy, Healthy, Abundant and Safe New Year Everyone!!!

29/12/2023

I’ve now visited Jaipur four times and there is always something new to discover, particularly when you leave the tourist track and start getting among the people. After worship at the City Palace temple, I was keen to view the vegetable and flower markets and was not disappointed. We strode into the outdoor markets around 8.00am just as business was starting to jump. A colourful procession of strong women carrying large loads on their heads, trucks lumbering through tight streets, horns honking, tuk tuks weaving skilfully between vendors literally siting on the road and others with their heightened trolleys groaning under giant paw paws. Fresh, fresh and our host Devena from The Art Inn chose well to create more healthy meals around her bountiful table.

27/12/2023

Saris are so feminine and comfortable and elegant to wear. So many to choose from each with a unique origin and history.

Presenting the Saree Map of India!

Indians have been wrapping themselves in sarees for millennia. These graceful swaths of fabric are more than just simple garments. They’re symbols of national pride, ambassadors of traditional craftsmanship, and dazzling examples of India's rich cultural diversity.

PS. This is not an exhaustive list because India has so many amazing types of sarees! So tell us if we have missed your favourite one.



Reposted from

27/12/2023

I was surprised to see so many Bollywood film stars spruiking products from housing developments to cement companies during my recent visit to India.
Their faces, atop immaculately groomed torsos, featured on giant expressway billboards and others in major cities and regional centres, They have certainly become the names to trust among a national population of more than 1.6 billion people hooked on Bollywood fantasies and the men in particularl who shine the screens. On investigating further I found this interesting article https://buff.ly/485jqKM in TheNationalNews.com.

25/12/2023

When travelling long distances by car its important to ensure you have a driver who can communicate in your native language, drives with care and knows the best places for rest breaks with clean food and clean 'western' toilets. One of my personal dining favourites was the Shiva Daba franchise of which there are many on national highways criss crossing India. They are usually spacious and clean and offering an extensive menu of Indian favourites and some Chinese options too. Seating is either ouotdoors or inside with AC. In some locations there is still a traditional Chai counter with the hot spicy liquid served in earthen cups. I accompanied mine with Paneer paratha, a popular North Indian stuffed flatbread made with a whole wheat flour dough and filled with savoury , spiced, grated paneer (Indian cottage cheese). Yumm.