India

DAY 01 : DELHI Delhi was a shock to the system. i really did not expect a capital city to be in such a disorganised state. People were sleeping on the island inbetween the highways, rubbish everywhere and poorly developed infrastructure. People are very proud of India being the largest democratic country in the world but at this point I felt if there was a unified voice at least some form of system can be built and sustained as opposed to this total state of hectic chaos. The guide opening asking for tips, and on getting the tip asked for more didn´t really help to the general vibe gained at Delhi.

Visited Qutub Minar ancient site and Humayun´s Tomb - floorplan in which Taj Mahal was based.

Nearly got handed the torch for the commonwealth games. Mascot and paparazzi already taken position to snap the photo to go on morning newspaper. But was stopped by guide as it may potentially be politically sensitive...

DAY 02 : DELHI-JAIPUR Jaipur was a much more pleasant place to be. The guide was much more genuine and less "oily" than the guide we had at Delhi. After a days drive past vibrant trucks, dodgying oncoming traffic of cows and camels we arrived at the Pink City, capital of Rajasthan.

We saw the Hawa Mahal Palace of Winds which has these intricately delicately carved honeycombed windows so ladies can look outside without being seen.

We stayed in a beautiful economic Havelis and lived a night as Indian princesses. Watched an enteraining puppet show at the garden where entertainers set up a stool. Need to master this sleek tipping handshake business.

DAY 03 : JAIPUR Visited Amber Fort. Took the journey via brightly painted elephants. Very beautiful fort of which highlights were the Ganesh Pol or the Ganesh Gate, named after the Hindu god Lor Ganesh who removes all obstacles in life, is the entry into the private palaces of the Maharajas; the four seasons archway; the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Victory) in the third courtyard glittering with mirrors that are cut to represent floral patterns; the magic flower fresco carved in marble at the base of one of the pillars around the mirror palace which is identified by two hovering butterflies depiction; the flower has seven unique designs of fish tail, a lotus, a hooded cobra, an elephant trunk, a lion’s tail, a cob of corn and a scorpion, each is viewed by a particular way of partial hiding of the panel with hands.

Really nice Thalis for lunch, curry was made with less water content as the region of Rajasthan is near to the dessert. Afternoon visit to the Galta Monkey Temple where monkey roamed around freely. Maybe I should visit the temple of rats one day but Galta Monkey temple seems a lot cuter.

DAY 04 : JAIPUR - AGRA Onward drive to Agra, enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri, one of the finest examples of Mughal architectural splendour at its height. Visit to the site has be to done barefoot, and children roam the place asking you to purchase items in contribution for their school fee.

DAY 05 : AGRA Sunrise visit the famous Taj Mahal built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his queen Mumtaz Mahal, made out of white marble took 22 years to complete (1630-1652 AD). The area again is to be visited barefoot, showing how clean they are maintaining the area. Marble intricate sculptures and murals were amazing.

After breakfast visit Agra fort. Built of red sandstone and overlooking the Taj Mahal. The Fort was built principally as a military establishment by Akbar in 1565 and was partially converted into a palace during Shah Jahan's time where he was taken prisoner by his own son to prevent him building a black Taj Mahal mirroring his love for his queen.

DAY 06 : AGRA- JHANSI - KHAJURAHO Tummy bug!!! After breakfast transfer to Railway station for Jhansi. In super pissed off state as the train was late and tummy was in torment. The train ride was better than expected and on arrival at Jhansi Railway station we then drove to Khajuraho enroute visit Orchha. "Orchha", meaning "Hidden" was the hallmark of Bundela dynasty. The origin of Bundelas in the 11th century is traced to a Rajput prince who offered himself in sacrifice to the mountain goddess Vrindavasini. It is believed the goddess stopped the prince from sacrificing and named him Bundela (meaning, the one who offered blood). Nice architectural building emcompassing muslim and hindu influences seen over the doorway.

DAY 07 : KHAJURAHO - VARANASI A trip to the Eastern Group temples of Khajuraho. The bold artistic statement of erotic sculptures and the splendidly structured monuments are really one of a kind. Our driver met his girlfriend here because she felt really in need of a guy after the site visit (er...too much information maybe...)

DAY 08 : VARANASI – DELHI Morning sunrise boat cruise at the river Ganges to observe the way of life of pilgrims by the Ghats. Very interesting how people are cremating upstream of the river and then people bathing themselves downstream. Varanasi is the capital of Hindu religion, apparently more than 500 festivals take place here a year. So everyday is a festival by the different religious followers. There are people selling brightly coloured flowers before dawn, and the colours as the sun rises is one to be remembered.

Breakfast at the hotel and afternoon transfer to airport to connect flight for Delhi. Powercut in the airport, that was interesting.

Banglore

Having arrived in Bangalore we drove for two hours to the peripheral village: a world of no internet access, no electricity, no traffic, where monkeys and children roam around bare footed, singing and dancing traditional Indian folklores. We visited a local temple where the priest performed a welcome blessing ceremony before being allowed to walk around soaking up the pure ambience of simple living.

Everyday we would start the building work at 9am, laying bricks and digging foundations with the homeowners to create a home. Work was tough, emotionally more than physically. Team two picked the short straw, as an insecure mason drove us out of the house on many occasions to avoid our questioning of his skills. It was frustration, standing around not being able to begin what we came to do. We ended up doing a spectrum of tasks, digging foundations, transporting sand and pebbles, building bathroom walls for different homeowners. I leave the village feeling that I contributed, though very much envy the other two teams for having bonded with the families, as this would have intensified the experience to another level. I do not know whether or not to blame myself, for not having spoke sooner to the rep, and attended correctly to the delicate balance of being patient and being proactive.

The children were the loveliest. Looking at what they have, they are grateful, disciplined, and above all, refreshingly happy. Fascinated by the digital camera, they have learnt to say, ‘Annie auntie – photo photo!’ At the closing ceremony they effortless performed dances, and when given sweets they would not fight but happy to take one and pass the temptation on so that everyone gets their fair share. Comparing this to the relatively more fortunate kids at the care centre for quarry workers, the difference were evident. They started pushing and grabbing the stationary by the handful, and quickly took their victories to their own designated suitcase.

We also had our fair share of traditional culture, having been able to have Hanna done on our hands and wear a traditional sari to attend a dance gala performance. A quick visit to Bangalore Palace and the Minister’s residence on the last day we ended our IndiaBuilds Community Challenge. It was an excellent experience of self-discovery. Having been exposed to a tangible sociological problem we had the chance to get physically involved with the community to make a difference. Even though the difference may be small, we are incorporated as being part of a solution – Buidling homes, transforming communities, changing lives.

‘Be the change you want to see in the world.’ – Mohatma Gandhi