Today was a break day. Debbie and Kerry headed off to
OSHO for some meditation while the rest of the team were treated to a tour of
Pune. Raj (Pune Rotary Team) arranged a minibus with a driver.
Our
first stop was Aga Khan Palace. The Palace was one of the places where Ghandi
was imprisoned. During his stay here his wife passed way. The palace and grounds
were beautiful and quiet being hard to believe vs. the bustle of the city just
a few blocks away. Raj then took us on a tour of an old British colonial fort.
It was massive structure. Since being built to fortify the city, tall buildings
now surround it. Unfortunately, the view from the fortifications is long
gone.
We
then stopped at a market including visiting a Hindu temple. This was the best
opportunity
to experience the electricity of the city. People, scooters. vegetable and dry
good stands everywhere. Pictures do not come close of the full spectrum of the
sensory experience. The sounds sights and aromas all together were awesome.
Next
stop was an outdoor laundry facility. Clothes towels, etc. are washed by hand
in out door cement tubs by rubbing and pounding the clothes on the cement.
They are then hung to dry on a clothesline. Quite surprised to learn the
towels from our hotel were likely washed there.
Finished
the day with a late lunch at an Italian restaurant although Indian fare was
still available on the menu.
What
a wonderful way to spend our day off. Thank you Raj!
