Train + Amritsar

September 8, 2012

Today we woke up at 5am to catch the express train to Amritsar. We had a stressful experience at the train station because some con men who spoke good english pretended to help us but were really trying to get money through cab fares. They told us that our tickets we on the waiting list (there was a WT on the form so it made sense) and that we had to go to a government/tourist building that was relocated to 3 km away. The first man told us this and then I went with one other to go up to the counter to double-check, and right at the lines a man directed me into a particular line with authority, and then proceeded to ‘help’ by saying the same thing. We were seconds from taking off in cabs to try to do this before someone else in the group clued in and saved the day! It was a learning experience. I was very focused on moving the group quickly to do what ‘was necessary’ but didn’t think clearly enough to realize that we may have been tricked.

The train was nice because our NGO booked us a good car. It was more pricey but there was room for all of our big bags with us.

In Amritsar we went for lunch and then to see the Golden Temple. It was very beautiful. My favourite experience so far. So many locals were going as well so I didn’t feel like a tourist. They took photos too and many people prayed. There were prayers being played over speakers and so many people in beautiful clothes sitting looking at the temple. We sat too. Everyone must wear a head covering and bare feet. You can buy caps to cover your head but I had my own covering to wear. The bare feet was very dirty walking up to the entrance. I didn’t think too much about what is on the streets. Then there is a water bath to walk through and you go in with clean feet. Wonderful experience.

Tomorrow we in fact have another day here (someone misread our tickets) and then Monday morning we leave for Pathankot.

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xoxo

Clarke