Day 69
Again we are a day behind than Eloy and Mark, but Samuel, Mario and Martin are going like us to Amritsar (India!) today, so we met at the border. The paperwork is not really difficult, just tedious. After few hours we cross the Pakistani Wagah border (it’s famous because they performance a flag lowering ceremony here every evening), and we reach India.
It is really hot and humid again, and we are all wearing the complete motorbike gear. Here, the paperwork takes more time, and they want to check everything on our luggage. Here is when I end up explaining what a tampon is to an Indian police officer … Finally they allow us to continue. We are already in India!! Unbelievable!!!
The roads and the traffic are not really different from the ones in South West Pakistan, the way of driving is quite similar, but here a bit more agressive … and crowded! Again, I feel like someone important waving to everyone that wants to greet us from cars, motorbikes (here instead of Suzuki we find Honda and the famous Royald Enfield!), buses…
As we approach Amritsar the traffic gets worse and worse… there are vehicles everywhere and it’s really stressful. After around an hour in the middle of a jam (the whole city is in a jam) we reach the hotel. We are overwhelmed, nervous, and completely sweated and deshydrated, Tià almost passes out. Crossing the city has been awful, once we almost fall, but at the end Tià could save it.
In the evening, after a well-needed rest. We go to visit the Golden Temple. This temple is not only a central religious place of the Sikhs, but also a symbol of human brotherhood and equality. Everybody, irrespective of cast, creed or race can seek spiritual solace and religious fulfillment without any hindrance. It also represents the distinct identity, glory and heritage of the Sikhs.. I thought Amritsar was just another border city, so I was not expecting what I see there! For entering all of us have to cover the head, and leave our shoes and socks behind. Then, we have to descent some steps (that simbolizes that we are leaving our ego behind and out of the temple) and we have to cross a little pool with our bare feet. Then, this wonderful temple appears in front of us.
After walking a bit around the city, we go back to the hotel. Here is where we really split the group. Everyone is going to a different part of India! Just Eloy and Lucy will stay one more day with us.