This photo shows 8 out of our team of 9 that travelled to India last year. We left Australia on Saturday the 19th of February, 2005. Click on the photo for a better look.
From top left there is Kevin, me, Errol and Lyall. The front row includes Helen, Marie, Elaine and Alec.
The picture is of us at Singapore Airport, just minutes before boarding the connecting flight that would introduce my fellow travellers to India. Mark, who took the photo, and I had been to India in February 2003 but it was the first time for the rest of the team.
We had all been on the cycling trip from Perth to Hobart in 2003 so we all knew each other reasonably well but we had little idea of what was waiting for us in India. 7 of us had flown out of Perth earlier in the day. Kevin from Sydney and Errol from Victoria met us in Singapore to travel together to Delhi Airport.
There was a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Mark and I were still being asked questions about what to expect but how do you prepare people for the incredible experience of India? In the previous months we had tried to pass on as much as we could but nothing can prepare you for the first drive in Indian traffic or the smells, sights and sounds that just keep coming at you every moment of every day.
There is certainly no way to prepare someone for the first time they cycle in Delhi and considering that we were flying half way around the world to be part of a Bike for Bibles cycling event, some of the nervousness was understandable.
I’ve heard from people who have visited India and hated it. I’ve heard from those who have passed through and wouldn’t care to visit again. But for me, I love the place, the people, the colours, the food, the whole experience. I only wish I could jump on a plane with you right now and show you what a marvelous place India truly is.
Posted by Rodney Olsen
Technorati Tags: India – Singapore – Cycling
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a year already? wow … so much has happened since then, eh!
blessings to you & yours!
Oh how I want to visit India too!!