Big Buddha

A few weeks ago we visited Lumbini Park and Buddha Nagar.  It is a famous statue of Buddha in the middle of a lake.

I think can't decide whether this was just a fountain or if it actually for people to swim in.  

The park also contained some pretty sketchy looking rides.

Our cruise ship out to the statue.

This is me and one of my country directors Melissa.

This lake smells really bad, but it looks really pretty.

They had this really classy astroturf pattern surrounding the statue.  

This is kind of India's version of the Statue of Liberty.  

Just an authentic Indian pose.  

It changes colors at night.

It is hard to see but this security guard followed us around with his whistle trying to get us back on the boat, apparently they don't like you to dilly dally much.  It was pretty funny.  He was practically blowing his whistle in my face at one point.  

The city from the boat.

Just Another Day in India

This is our self appointed tour guide of a mosque.  I couldn't understand most of what he was saying.  At the end he demanded that we give him money "for the children."  I don't know what children he was talking about but he kept chasing all the kids away during the tour.  I have him a few cents and called it good since we didn't even want a guide and because I didn't understand a thing he said.  

So I just thought I would share something that I found in my inbox this morning.  It is so nice and so funny.

Hiiii           aleesha, this is sirish here i met u in NGO for physically handicapped people today morning hope u got me u where along with your friend..it was very glad speaking to , at this tender age ur doing social service and that too u came all the way from US.. it has touched my heart...                            Im 28 yrs old bachelor doing business,hats off to u for serving my people.. you where looking simple and down to earth... Whoever marry you is lucky guy... can u give your contact number so that i can call u once..plz mail me back With Regards Siriish Hyderabad india This brought several questions to mind.  So what age range qualifies as tender?  How old does he think I am?  haha I am looking simple?...that is probably pretty accurate.

Charminar and Pearls Second Round

I went back to the pearl shop found and they were doing some filming for the news.  They wanted our story so we elected Ale, the broadcast journalism student.  They did get some great footage of all of us shopping.  It was pretty funny.  

Pearl statue of a Hundu God.

Back to the Charminar.  This time we went inside.  The details of it are amazing. 

The fountain in the middle. 

We had to walk up a tiny stair case all the way to the top, I felt a little claustrophobic.  I also rigged my purse to stay up higher.  This place is jam packed with people and has a history of pick pocketing.  

View of the city from the top

See what I mean about crowded street.  Cars still push their way though down there and they will run you down if you don't get out of the way.  

I have posted a picture of this building before, this is a different view.  I was told it is a hospital.  

People selling all sorts of things below. 

The masque we visited.  The picture didn't turn out that great but you get the picture.  

We had to wear scarves over our heads to be more modest.  The guard at the door ran up to us and told us to cover up!  It is weird though because I saw lots of other women not wearing anything over there head.  

These are tombs of important people.  The men's and women's are decorated differently.  

On our way home.  They fit whole families on motorcycles.  Save your family some money on a suburban and just get a motorcycle, the only downfall is the safety rating but not a big deal.  

Brandon and Sirisha's Engagement Party

We bought some Indian clothes for the party. 

A lady from our ward came over to do henna on our hands, so we looked pretty legit.  We even got stickers for our foreheads.  

The party was at a nice hotel.  I am not sure what this thing is but it was cool because it moves.

The happy couple.  They met at the Utah State University, Brandon is from Utah and Sirisha is from here in Hyderabad.  They are getting married in Logan in August. 

Some of the group.  When you go up on stage to greet the bride and groom it is good luck to sprinkle rice on their heads, so that was kinda fun.  

India poses.  

After the party the kids literally destroyed the stage!  hahaha 

It is so funny many of the door men here wears cool outfits.