Jandiala & Jalundhar

I'm a bit behind with the blog postings because the computer access at our hotel was sporadic at best. The visit to Rupee's homeland was delightful. We made a second visit to Jandiala and The Pallan Cloth House. Mukhan Lal was a gracious host who was very happy we shopped well in his store. We have purchased lots of souvenirs from Jandiala. On our way to his home for tea we were verbally accosted by a couple eunuchs - very annoying, arrogant people. Generally they get away with hassling shopkeepers and village residents who most often have to pay them to go away. On this occasion, however, Rupee's cousin yelled right back at them and sent them on their way with nothing. It took awhile for them to leave - they just stood outside Mukhan's door and yelled their obsenities. It was another experience to add to our list of unforgettables. On our way out of the village that day we stopped to take photos of the school R's father attended as a young boy in India some 80 years ago. It still operates as a school. Later that evening we went to an amazing restaurant in Jalandhar with 2 gentleman we met at our hotel. Haveli is more than a restaurant. It is like a them park showcasing the traditional Punjabi life style. The place is decked out in lights, has life size statues representing various aspects of village life and real people demonstrating such things as weaving, goldsmithing, leather crafts, etc. There were jugglers, magicians, monkey acts and even a camel ride. Of course, we rode the camel. It was hilarious and so much fun. After meandering through the replica of a Punjabi village we enjoyed a traditional Punjabi meal at the beautiful restaurant. We were seated at low, intricately carved tables and served a huge feast in small stainless steel bowls that were positioned on a steel tray. The male waiters were dressed in traditional costume. There was music, dancing and lively entertainment throughout the evening. All this for $30 - that is for all six of us @ $5 each. What an incredible experience. Our last day in Jalandhar was spent with Amar Singh and his family. They fed us again like royalty and took us to Jalandhar's Hindu Temple. It is an ornate temple coupled with a theme park atmosphere. There are bigger than life, colourful statues of all the Hindu Gods. At one point we walked into what appeared to be the open mouth of a very large beast. It was dark and there was a waterway we had to walk through. So off we went with bare feet and pants rolled up trusting our Indian family to lead the way. Apparently we were given good luck by doing this. Again, another memorable experience. Many people stared at us at the temple; they were curious and fascinated. Several young children wanted their picture taken with Damon and Nicole. The family is so proud of their faith and were honoured that we could share it with them. When it was time to leave that day the goodbyes were emotional for everyone. Amar Singh and all his family feels blessed to have had us visit but we are the ones truly blessed. These people are so loving and accepting. We will have a place in our hearts for them forever. I'll attempt to post pictures today but the computer I'm using is not cooperating.