Golden Temple and other adventures

Yesterday, Violet and I went on a couple of adventures.

First, we went to the Golden Temple. Because the temple is difficult to get into,, Violet’s Hindi skills were very useful. This was the screening process for getting in: metal detector (and you better have stored all of your things in a locker before then and bought an offering basket), passport check, mini-interrogation, temple gate check. At each of these points, you can be rejected, or pushed back so far in the throng of people that you will never get in.

Of course, it hasn’t always been this way. Apparently, in the 1950’s there was a bit of a conflict between the Hindus and Muslims that caused such a problem. However, I bet that the increased number of tourists also made them less willing to let so many people to visit.

Afterward, we went to the tomb of a famous Muslim ruler, Lal Khan ka Rosa. It is located on the far north side of town, which meant it was quite a trek. However, it was pretty beautiful, and I took some pictures. There were also some ruins nearby. The ruins were the remains of the ancient city of Banares. 

This is a picture of the tomb. Note the Arabic script. 

 Also got some McD's after. Paneer burger was nomalicious.