Ramadan at Delhi's Jami Mosque

Spent a Friday afternoon at the Jami ("Friday") Mosque in old Delhi during the holy month of Ramadan.  Just after the first set of afternoon prayers---many of the faithful were talking, studying, sleeping; but definitely not eating or drinking during the daylight hours.  Jami Mosque is the largest mosque in India; there is space for thousands, young and old, male and female, to gather and pray on the grounds. Ramadan will end next week with the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr, a public holiday in most of the Islam world.   

Koran studies

Women praying, kids playing

Men praying

Washing before prayers

Koran studies for all ages

    

Touching the Taj Mahal

It's one of those iconic images in the world . . . you've seen thousands of pictures.  Just once, you have to go see it, touch it, walk around it, through it, and yes, photograph it.  The Taj Mahal.  Breathtaking in its grandeur, a silent sentinel on the river, a testament to love and loss. (Click here for the story.)  Got there early to see a Sunday sunrise, alas under cloudy skies. The marble inlay on the building is exquisite, as is the Arabic script. Impressive, huge, and beautiful. I touched the Taj, the Taj touched me.

In Gandhi's Footsteps

One cannot talk about modern day India without reference to Mohandas K. Gandhi, the man called Mahatma ("great soul") by millions.  I have always been inspired by the example of Mahatma Gandhi, whose practices of non-violence, political and social activism, and servant leadership fundamentally changed India and the world.  While in Delhi last week, I went to several places that were significant in Gandhi's life and the history of the country.  At age 78, after decades of leadership to advance the cause of freedom, independence from British rule, and worker's rights, Gandhi had settled down to a life of prayer, writing, contemplation, and simplicity in a single small room in Birla House, a compound near the center of Delhi.  He had led India to independence from colonial power Great Britain and became the country's first leader . . . a visionary and spiritual one, who lived his beliefs in simplicity, ethics, and righteousness.  On January 30, 1948 he was assassinated by a Hindu extremist near his residence while walking to evening prayers. His former home has been converted into an inspirational museum, called the Gandhi Smriti. The path to the site of his death is reconstructed with his footsteps, ending with a simple pillar.   His cremains are interred a short way from there at a beautiful public memorial park called Rajghat.  For more about this incredible man's meaningful life, click here.  

Gandhi's grave and eternal flame

On display are Gandhi's only possessions
at the time of his death: some cutlery, a
walking stick, a scythe, watch, and glasses.

He lived simply with a mattress on the floor, a writing desk,
and a spinning wheel to make his own clothes.

Memorial marking the spot of Gandhi's
assassination

Tamil Temple in Port Louis

David is headed to India for a few days to see some of the world famous sites . . . pictures to follow.  Before departing, we had a photo safari at a newly renovated Tamil temple in the Mauritius capital city, Port Louis.  This intricate art is extraordinary and exotic, depicting Tamil deities and scenes.

White House UP: Heather & Chase's Excellent Picnic

If you've seen the movie "White House Down" released last week, you'll be glad to know that things aren't quite so grim at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.  No indeed.

As proof, Heather and her boyfriend Chase watched the Independence Day concert and fireworks from the White House South Lawn!  The picnic gathering was for WH staffers, their friends and family.  Heather and Chase, both U.S. government employees, keep having wonderful experiences in extraordinary places . . . neither Hollywood action adventures nor the summer of sequester can get them down!

P.S. Shelly and David are down to 50 days left for our work in Mauritius, then we move to Washington, D.C.!

Cotton Candy---Not Photoshopped!

Heather at the White House Vegetable Garden