One of the first things we did was get train tickets at the ticket counter and sorted out our route. The man at the counter told us we when we would get onto the train and when our connecting train was and when we got off the train. We later found out that he failed to tell us it was over 24 hour train ride and we could not understand the ticket print out to ask. We didn't know any better.
We arrived at the Golden Temple on a God Holiday. We checked our bags in and shoes too. The ground was cold to walk on. I like the concept of no shoes, but on an outdoor grounds in India, I don't get the sanitary concept. As soon as you take your shoes off your feet is getting dirty by walking on the dusty ground. There is a running stream you walk on before entering the main steps. Well, the running stream is muddy with all the foot traffic. Then your feet is wet and it touches the ground and picks up more dust and now the feet is no longer dusty, with the water, it is now muddy.
Outside the main entrance was an area where a massive tea kettle was brewing chai for the masses. It reminded me of Jack and the Bean Stalk when Jack went up to the land of the Giant and everything was massive. Sweets were also in the making for the masses.
All the women walking in with heads covered and we did the same in respect with customs and culture. The Golden Temple was very golden. People prayed as they entered. Some people, men, bathed in the Holy water that encircles the Golden Temple. They do it in hopes for a Holy healing of all sorts of illness. The place was beautiful and peaceful. I really enjoy watching people pray. I like religious practices.
