Day 3. We hired Harshuon, our favorite rickshaw driver who sits posted outside of Alana's apartment complex, to take us on a tour of Ahmedabad. We started at Gandhi's Ashram - an intentional community where everyone works for the greater good of everyone else, regardless of caste. A peaceful escape from the hectic, polluted city and a great place to learn and reflect on Gandhi's philosophy. This retreat was founded in 1915 and was his headquaters during the struggle for Indian independence. In the library we were able to read his letter to Hitler in a plea to end WWII (i'm sure its available online and a worthwhile piece of history).
Next we ventured into the old city, a maze of markets, mo-peds, people, and cows to see a few famous mosques and Jain temples. It was a great perspective of this side of the bustling city from a rickshaw. We stopped in the National Institute of Design to see a black and white photography exhibit capturing the dwindling Catholic population in Goa. The school also had a great gift shop with affordable and unique contemporary student made crafts.
At the end of the journey our driver took a right turn off the main road and asked "You coming to my house?" We thought he was joking and agreed, delighted by our response he took a back road to his neighborhood. The tour concluded with an introduction to his wife and two adorable children.
The next day, while Alana went to work, we took a rickshaw to Ahmedabad's famous lake, Kankaria. Expecting a peaceful park, we were surprised to find a dilapidated theme park, zoo, aquarium, and shallow lake. It was a great place to people watch, filled with school children and couples. We are both in several people's photographs holding children and posing with their parents. We splurged for the 5 rupee aquarium (about 10 cents) and found ourselves in a run down, yet well stocked pet store. A great afternoon jaunt.
No comments:
Post a Comment