Monthly Archives: August 2013

Hutheesing Temple – A Jain Derasar

Though Ahmedabad has more than 300 derasars ( Jain temples), this stands apart for its grandeur, craftsmanship, and elegance. Every surface of this large stone complex is covered by painstaking craftsmanship and details of elaborate sculptures of gods and goddesses, … Continue reading

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A 15-Minute Concert

You can experience a music tradition that has been heard in Ahmedabad for nearly 600 years or the founding of the city. Past through the hustle and bustle of Manek Chowk, and just before The Kings’s Tomb, is an small … Continue reading

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Albergo Sole, Roma

Just an ordinary hotel and restaurant in Roma, right?  No, this is the oldest continuous run albergo in  the Eternal City. Visitors have been housed here continuously since 1460 which is 30 years before Christopher Columbus discovered the New World. … Continue reading

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The Caste System

Today, I was going to post on death rituals or mummification and reincarnation but as I was doing research, I got interested in learning about caste systems in India and ancient Egypt.   I always feel  a tad tenuous speaking … Continue reading

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Update on Uttarakhand, India & The Economist on the hazards of religious travel

Originally posted on Pilgrimage Portal:
I’ve been looking for updates on Uttarakhand in northern India, after the floods that claimed so many lives (11,000 missing, according to United Nations estimates, though that number may be revised).  The debate over urban…

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Word Press Family Awards

WordPress Family Award I was most honored to be nominated by two blogger friends within days  of each other for  this lovely WordPress Family Award. I decided to  thank them and nominate others all on one post.  First, I  heard from … Continue reading

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Faith Systems

Beliefs have always been an important in understanding  cultures from ancient times until today. This morning, I want to try and tell you about the ancient religions in India and Egypt and compare and contrast their belief systems. Both Hinduism … Continue reading

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Read And Write Like An Egyptian

Over 5000 years ago, ancient Egyptians wrote using a picture writing called hieroglyphics. The writers were called scribes. Not everyone had this training not even the Pharaoh and his family. There was a problem because Egyptians wrote down everything, and … Continue reading

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Cairo Museum

\ As a  response to one of my blogger friends, I am going to tell some tales from other places I have visited  along the way. There are more stories about India, but I thought I would take you to … Continue reading

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Train Travel

are a terrific experience. They run on time, unlike the ones in Italy, where I have traveled extensively as well as lived for 2 years.  Now, those who have seen the pictures of Indian trains completely covered with people will … Continue reading

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