Journey to India

Part of the life of teaching in an International School is that when you attend a conference or training session it usually takes you to a near by country.

Last month both Rosanne and Kevin were asked to fly to Hyderabad, India to attend a conference which will support the Grade 11 and 12 academic programs which will be implemented this Fall at GSIS.


As you can see from the photo above the trip involved the opportunity to see the Taj Mahal - but first things first - let us look at India and the trip which allowed us to be trained for GSIS and which also allowed the Wendling's to experience the country and culture of India.


Pictured above is the Taj Krishina, a beautiful hotel in Hyderadad . The hotel was probably one of the most beautiful hotels that we have ever stayed in. Due to the fact that Indian culture has been heavily influence by the British tradition much of the furniture and hotel expectations are best on Western society and standards. In fact much of the Lobby and furnishings could easily be seen in Fairmount or CP hotels in Toronto, Quebec City or in Western Canada. The lobby, waiting rooms and pool - pictured below - were truly luxurious and allowed us to have a pleasant stay for the four days.


During April, Hyderadad can experience days that average 40C -- that is no typo 40C. However, it is a dry heat - without the humidity it really felt as if it were only 27 - 30C. So if you were in the shade and out of the sun - unlike the Wendling's pictured below - it really wasn't that bad.


One of the features of the pool at Taj Krishina as the small pool perimeter which went around the large pool. One would think that this area would allow swimmers to cool their feet prior to going into the pool. Pictured above, the Wendling girls are relaxing and taking it easy just outside of the pool.

After an afternoon of swimming the Wendling's decided to hire a car to take them around the city. Although you could stay at a hotel as beautiful and impressive at the Taj Krishina, yet almost side by side or across the street from these buildings were shacks like the only pictured below. India is very technologically advanced and yet their social net does not seem to catch everyone. Pictured below is someone's home which will need to be repaired prior to the Monsoon season which will begin in June.


Although the main roads are paved and in good condition side roads, like the one pictured below, are not. The various huts and homes pictured below are typical of India. It was not uncommon to see fires for cooking or farm animals around the homes. A restaurant in these areas would look like a hut or unfinished open area with a roof.


Oakridge International School was the host for the IB Conference which Rosanne and Kevin attended. During the first day the school told the participants about a number of tours and activities which they were hosting. Rosanne and Kevin asked if all the Wendling's could be a part of the activities - but they need to have girls at the school so that they could go to the tours. So at lunch Kevin and Rosanne jumped into a taxi and one very hectic car ride later the girls were at the school making friends. Pictured below is Ariel with one of the students at Oakridge - sorry but she forgot her name.


Rashika is picture below with Matteya. Rashika is a senior student at the school who played with the girls during the conference. After the first day of coming to the school the girls were asked to return to play and have fun with their new friends.


The evening after the second day of the conference Oakridge hosted a banquet for all of the participants of the conference. All the Wendling's were invited and had a great time having Henna Tattoos and watching braceets being made by local artistians.


Pictured below is Mia showing off her tattoos - the tattoos are very elaborate and based on traditional Indian art. From a practical point of view the tattoos actually make the skin feel better during the very hot days of the Indian summer.



Motorcycles in Inida are an extremely popular mode of transportation. Pictured above is a small motorcycle parking lot -- unfortunately the big parking lot with well over 400 motorcycles found at the airport is not pictured. This makes driving very interesting as there is more motorcycles on the road then cars or the three wheeled taxis known as - Autowallahs or Tut tuts.


One of the most beautiful places in Hyderabad is the Golconda Fort. This fort has parts of it that is over 600 hundred years old - something to think about is that Quebec City Citadel is just over 400 years old. Unfortunately, the Fort has not been well kept and maintained over the years and the keepers of this gem are trying to restore it - however, it is so large and has so much intricate detail - the task will be quite long and difficult to accomplish.



The Fort has many different parts to it, each showing different aspects and styles of Asian and Indian architecture. The 20 foot high walls on either side of the Wendling family pictured above are spectacular - but this is just one small part of the fort.


The highest part of the fort, pictured above has a temple and was a private residence for the King. Justine and Kyara are pictured with residence behind them. The Golconda fort was beautiful and a highlight of our time in Hyderabad.


On the Wendling's last night in Hyderadad the family went to the Charminar. Char - means four and minar - means towers. The Charminar is over 400 years old and is part of the culture and architecture of Hyderadad.


Pictured above is the Wendling family with two 'guides' they met at the market. The market - unlike any Asian market they have experience - was very busy and had many stores, stalls and street vendors trying to sell people items. Most of the items were of Hyderabad origin or reflected the Indian culture - a mixture of Muslim and Hindu religions. The two boys pictured with us tried to sell us items but settled for guiding us through the market.

India is extremely diverse having many local languages and dialects as well as having most people able to speak English. The one boy pictured with us told us that he know 7 languages - and spoke fluent French with our family as we walked around the market.

Picture above is a family of five on their motorcycle. As mentioned above motorcycles are an important mode of transportation - but it is also a family vehicle. Women usually ride side saddle and can be seen holding enfant children. Please note that helmets are optional.


On our last full day in India the Wendling family flew to New Delhi and proceeded to Agra to see the Taj Mahal. On the way Matteya received her wish as she saw a camel. Camels and elephants are used in the country to help transport items. This was not the only camel Matteya saw that day - but it was the best picture we could take.

Finally, the Wendling's made it to the Taj Mahal. To be honest, pictures do not truly describe the spectacular architecture. The Taj Mahal is actually a mausileum that houses the body of a King and Queen of India. The building is made of marble - some pieces larger than 2 meters in length. To the left of the building is a Mosque and to the right is the official residence of the King. (Neither are pictured above.)


Looking back from the Taj Mahal is the beautiful reflecting pool and grounds, as pictured below. Notice the main gate in the background - this gate in turn has three other entrances to it. None of these buildings on the ground are made from marble and so the Taj Mahal is contrasting by its surroundings.


From the back part of the Taj Mahal one can see the detail given to this buidling. There are actually various gemstones embedded within the marble - another feature which makes this building indescribable.


To the righ of the Taj Mahal is the official residence of the King. The building is still used today if government officials or guests need to stay in Agra. The building is marvellous - but again stands as contrast to the beauty of the Taj.



Kevin and the girls are standing just off to the side of the main entrance. Notice the intricate art work on the walls of the Taj Mahal. On the left you see writings from the Koran - the Muslim Bible. These writing go around the main entrance of the Taj.



During our time in India it was not uncommon for people to stop are family and want to take a picture with us. On four occasions this occurred at the Taj Mahal. This was a little different for us, in Korea it can happen from time to time but in India people were very forth coming about this request. By the end of our trip Mia was ready for Vogue photo shoots and all the close ups she could get.


So ends our trip to Inida. A true once in a life time experience. A time we will always remember for so many reasons it would be difficult to describe. We hope that by sharing our trip, you can gain some insight into the country and culture of India.