India

I never thought I'd say this, but I really want to visit India again. The food is fabulous - how can you say no when every rice dish comes with yoghurt and chutney? The atmosphere is divine - if you block your sight from people who pee on walls, there is an amazing vibe that India could offer. Yes, the traffic is ridiculous, but did you know that they rarely get involve in accidents? Indians are the most amazing drivers! (apart from penangites! hehe) Also, there are hundreds of those flea markets for you to buy scarfs and materials from, and they don't even compare to the ones you buy in white countries (obviously), and not to mention, a whole lot cheaper!

When I visited Delhi in 2004, I was amazed at how many homeless people there is. If you think you're unfortunate, please have a look at the streets of Delhi where you have a family of five, living in a small tent, with a small place they make do as a kitchen, where if you're in a car on a main road, you could actually see them vividly, sleeping, eating, washing and mentanak nasi. That is how poor they are. It's sad to say, but even these ones are considered the lucky ones. There are worse, trust me.

When in Agra, on the way to the Taj Mahal, it's amazing how you have these kids, practically begging you for money, but in return, they can dance and do wonderful things to entertain you. There was this girl, roughly around the age of 5, who did all sorts of gymnastics along the side of the road, just for a penny or two.

As for the Taj Mahal, the architecture was so superb as you would have imagined. What I found most fascinating was how you can't see the Taj Mahal from outside, considering it is huge. It's only after you've entered some sort of entrance, would you be able to see the Taj Mahal from a distance. It's made from all these semi precious stones which shine when sun hits. It was built that way so that when light reflects, the Taj Mahal will look more radiant and of course, they can save on electricity ;P

As for Delhi Belly, never, ever, drink their tap water or any of their water, if they're not bottled. Chances are you might get the case of Delhi Belly (food poisoning). When we went there, 4 out of 9 of us were inflicted by the Delhi Belly. So always carry a mineral/bottled water with you, even for brushing your teeth. Hey, you can never be too sure, right?

The food, oh my. I'm sorry, I just seem to recall the food more than anything when India is concerned. You get the best mango chutney, the best yoghurt and the basmathi and chicken tikka, everything is splendid. I am a big big fan of Indian food so India was heaven for me. The one thing I like about Indian food is that you don't need to eat much of it as the content of it, can easily make you full, just after a small serve or two.

As for the desserts, a big no. I'm not really a big fan of Gulab Jamun (this really really sweet indian delicacy) or Ice cream cengkih and other weird Indian desserts. There's only one which I love and that is the coconut candy. It's usually pink/red in color and covered with coconut sprinkles, and it taste so good. Of course, really really fattening, but who cares :)

India was a truly memorable trip for my family and I, because that was the last trip we all took as a family before my late grandfather passed away a year after. His last wish was to visit Hydrabad, but we never really got to that, as he got really sick. Oh, and because my ancestors were from India, visiting India felt like a homecoming somewhat.

Okay, it's back to studying for me. How. Dreadful. xx

PS: consider the bus ride, if you're planning on traveling within India. On our way to Agra from Delhi, we came across a guy playing the flute with a pet snake and a guy with a pet sun bear on a leash! It was so amazing and shocking at the same time. Imagine poking your head out of the bus, and there it is: a bear right next to your face! haha. Okay, now, really back to studying.