We've now been in Gujarat state for two weeks. We've been to most states in India and I'd have to say this one of my favorites. I don't really understand why more travelers don't come here. Its conveniently located between Delhi and Mumbai(Bombay). It's got some great sites and the people are incredibly friendly.
Today I hiked up Girnar Hill. They may call it a hill, but it looked and felt more like a mountain to me. It's a site sacred to both Hindus and Jains. Jainism is an offshoot of Hinduism that believes in nonviolence toward all living things. They are hardcore vegetarians(no dairy products even) and some Jains have been know to walk with a broom that they sweep in front of them so as to not accidently step on an insect. There are ten thousand steps leading to the top of Girnar Hill(every 50th step was numbered). And I was not alone on a single one of those steps. I was joined by thousands and thousands of others. It was like going on a hike with a whole football stadium of people. Today wasn't a holiday so I assume that this many people must climb the mountain everyday. Most people were barefoot, the well-equiped wore flip flops. There wasn't one second on the 5 hour hike that I wasn't surrounded by dozens of people. Everytime I would stop I'd be joined by people curious to see what I was eating or drinking. Most would just stare, but usually someone would come forward and ask, "What is the name of your village?" I wasn't sure how to answer. "America(I guess)." Then someone would yell, "George Bush!" Why must they always bring up his name. Can't they mention someone else: Madonna, Michael Jordan, even Paris Hilton would be an improvement. But at least its better than what a German guy told us. Every time he says where he is from, someone usually responds with, "Hitler!"
It was a real festive atmosphere on the hike. People were singing, babies were crying, women wore blightly colored saris, and men carried radios listening to The India/Australia cricket match. Old people sitting in hammocks slung to a bamboo pole were carried up the mountain by porters. At the top there was a temple. When I finally got there, I rang the bell and made a 10 rupee(25 cent)offering. The Hindu priest seemed pleased and gave me a coconut. On the way down I shook hundreds of hands. I felt like a politician. All in all it wasn't a very peaceful day, but it was an interesting cultural experience.
-Shawn