The TG's Report from Ahmedabad

Dear Reader,
We're back! This time the TG's are reporting from Ahmedabad - a fascinating city of over 5M.
Our Mumbai experience was great, especially New Years Eve celebrations (an experience!); the Taj Mahal Hotel & of course our visit to the fascinating Elephanta Island - but more about Mumbai later...........
While Ahmedabad is not a tourist mecca it is well worth the stop over to experience more of the wonderful & amazing sights, sounds, colours & smells of India - tuk tuks by the thousand; the continual sounding of horns & a seething mass of people & animals. The primary purpose of our stay was a visit to the Calico Museum & it didn't disappoint! Located in a fascinating old havelli, this museum holds a wonderful collection of India textiles from over the centuries. We also visited a local mosque which has been a place of worship since the 1400's - built from local sandstone with a wonderful carved facade. An unexpected pleasure for me was our visit to the wonderfully peaceful Gandhi Ashram where Gandhi lived for 18yrs from 1917. As ever in India these places provided peaceful havens in the midst of a noisy & chaotic city! Last night we had dinner at the fascinating Vishala Restaurant & Utensil Museum - a traditional restaurant in a local village. Food a bit spicy for my liking!!
We are staying at the charming MG Hotel located in the old walled city. The hotel is an old family home build around 1920. The rooms are very spacious & beds resplendent with mosquito nets. Its located at what appears to be a major traffic intersection - tuk tuks, cars, people, animals & a few trusting tourists all competing for space.......
TG's Barbara & Robyn had an early start today - 5.45am departure for the airport for flight to Delhi & then a 6hr drive to Agra for a 2 day visit to the wonderful Taj Mahal! I depart soon for my flight to Jaipur for some rest & relaxation at the Diggi Palace prior to the Wonderful Workshops commencing on Sunday (might fit in some shopping & a polo match!). The other TGs will join me on Friday.
Must away - more news from Jaipur. Unfortunately no photos as uploading them aways seems to be a bit of a problem at the hotels!
Until the next post - Nameste,
Kate
PS: When I departed breakfast the young waiters were gathered around the TV excitedly watching the cricket from Australia! (England vs Aust - I think.....)