INDIA 2013 - Preserving Our Heritage Blog

My Trip to India Oct 10-Nov 7 2013

Those who know me well know how long it has been that I've dreamed of returning to India. I grew up there arriving in 1959 and leaving in 1976 (with about 5 years int the States). Most of the time I spent going toWoodstock School in the foot hill of the Hymalyas in a town called Mussoorie.

While I was somewhat curious to head "home" to see my old stomping grounds, my main purpose was to begin a journey of understanding my ancestral connections to India and to discover what India has become.

Yes, I found there are a lot of changes in India, but in truth the most remarkable thing was how "familiar" it was to me.

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Published on: October 31, 2013

Shatabdi Express Dehra Dun To Delhi Oct 31

india-2013 Shatabdi Express Oct 31

Dehra Dun Station

I did pity the poor coolie who had to carry my suitcase!

chai garam

The Chai just isn't the same without the clay cups. But these packaged yogurt were the genuine article!

Published on: October 30, 2013

Duchaan Tour Part 4

Duchaan Tour 4 india-2013

kumar vinod antiques also known as top shop

making tops still

Published on: October 29, 2013

Landour Oct 31 Dhukhan Tour Part 3

Duchaan Tour 3 india-2013

ready for Divali

and local brew

Published on: October 29, 2013

October Day! Oct 29th

india-2013 OCTOBER DAY!

The first day that I felt was really like an October day that I remember

Published on: October 29, 2013

Cemetary In Sesrch Of My Great Great Grandfather's Grave

india-2013 Research Ancestors: Cemetary

My great great grandfather, Ferdinand Hahn died May 3 1910 and is buried in Camels Back Cemetery.

his grave in 1910

i was unable to find the grave but discovered a beautiful view from where the grave site might be

From the journal of his widow Doris:
"The funeral was set for 5 pm. Mr. Gass had told me earlier that only the English clergy was allowed to officiate in the cemetery; no out-of-towner. But Mr. Stoll gave a little meditation in English at the casket, on the porch where the mission Brothers and Sisters Stoll, Gass and Wiens had joined us mourners. Then began the heavy, heavy walk to the cemetery – through the city, past walkers, market people, dandies, etc. – without singing, without bells ringing – only with a heart filled with pain, on the same path which the dear Papa had so often loved to walk. Oh, I could hardly walk, and it was good that someone offered me a dandy which brought me the rest of the way. At the entrance of the cemetery, Chaplain Law, a slender man, stepped in front of the casket and guided the small procession down several slopes, reading Psalms, down to the lowest terrace of the picturesquely arranged cemetery of Mussourie. There, the four gentlemen let the casket down into the tomb, and there, our dear, dear father is now resting until the great resurrection day; resting from all his struggles, worries and works of this poor life, and sees the One in whom he has believed here and whom he has loved above all. But we mourn after him and will never, never forget him."

Prem Singh, the watchman assures me he will keep looking. my allergies flared up so i had to call it quits

most graves are covered in moss or have lost all markings. i worked with the watchman to uncover about 12 graves to no avail.

possible path they took to the cemetary

lovely view in the way to cemetary

where they stayed at Himalaya Hotel

then

now

plot 7: i was told that was the number before i saw this map so Prem Singh promised to keep looking

Published on: October 28, 2013

Dukhan Tour Part 1

Duchaan Tour 1 india-2013

Mutton Shop

with all essentials to cook meat

mochi and boy playing with magnifying glass

monkey hanging out with the mochi

ready made shoes

sabbzhi walla

Published on: October 28, 2013

More Walking Oct 28

india-2013 Mussoorie Oct 28

perfect day to air out the clothes

cricket in the middle of the road

#1 no no....i gave these kids some money to take their picture. One should then be prepared to give them each the same amount. One didn't like that he got only 1 rupee and another didn't know what to do with 2 Euros! The older one hopefully will know how to divide the 10 rupees among them.