Amritsar

Nov. 6 was our day to travel to Amritsar [holy pool of milk and honey]. This sacred city is 84km from Jalandhar City. That doesn't seem like a long distance but the ride seemed to go on forever. Our terrible, eratic and inconsistent driver gave us a thrill ride for sure, although I would described it as a white knuckle ride for a couple of hours. He had told us he knew the city but we needed to stop for directions at least 3 times. At last we found a government parkade, left the driver and hoofed it the rest of the way. The Golden Temple is truly golden - 24 karat golden. It is lovely in its holiness. We felt serene and relaxed in spite of the crowds. After our vist to the temple we took a 3 wheeler to the Jallianwala Bagh where 2300 Indians we massacred by the British in 1919. Countries from all over the world have contributed money to make this area a memorial park. The bullet holes are still there, as is the well where many people jumped to their deaths in an attempt to escape General Dyer's gunfire. It was another quest to find our way out of Amritsar back to the highway leading to Jalandhar. Once back at the hotel we ditched our ditzy driver and called Rupee's cousin, Ashok. He came to the hotel in his small Suzuki Maruti to pick us up and take us to the family home, atbout 25 min. away. It was a royal welcome for us. Everyone from R's 87 year old uncle and his to wife to the newest family member a 12 day old baby made us feel very special. Drinks, snacks and an evening meal were laid out for us and the evening was full of laughter, stories and family gossip. Amar Singh feels blessed that we chose to visit him before he dies. It is really us who have been blessed by this humble, caring and generous people. Pictures today will be of the Golden Temple and the family of Amar Singh, Rupee's Mother's brother..