Our fancy ride in the “Scooby Doo Mobile” arrived early to pick us up.  It only took us a few minutes to load up our bags before blasting off to Kabini!  We made a 7 hour trip from Bangalore to Orange County Kabini with Jake’s cousin Matt and his family.  It was a fun adventure traveling together.  We were able to see a lot of the countryside of India which both shocked and amazed me.  Makes me appreciate the many blessings in my life.

Rachel all ready for the road trip, wearing her panda bear just in case she decides to sleep.

Sweet Erica!

The reason why we couldn’t watch a DVD was because it was the WRONG REGION!  The funny thing is we had a DVD from India and it still wouldn’t play, but the driver’s pirated version played fine.

There’s even a McDonalds on the way to Orange County

A lot of trucks full sand

We listened to the drivers music on the way to Orange County

Rickshaw full of people and a donkey pulling a cart…..always something interesting on the streets of India.

Traveling on the roads with the livestock.

Homes in India

Not only are there people hanging off the bus it might be a little off balance!

Beautiful church

Wagon full goods going down the street

Laundry hanging out to dry.  You see a lot of colorful laundry drying on lines as you go through small villages.

Leading his cattle down the road

Small village, notice the tent homes in the front.  You see these often along the sides of the roads in India.

A home made out of tarp and various items on the side of the road.  Sad to think that this is the only home people may have.

Traveling through the countryside of India.  Love the thatch roofs.

I saw a lot of really amazing sights while trying through India, however, I also saw things that brought tears to my eyes.  So many people…some who are living in small tents with dirt floors.  It makes me realize how blessed I really am.  I have so much to be thankful for in my life yet often I find myself being selfish and ungrateful.  Most of the people we met along the were extremely kind, generous, and hospitable.  I don’t know if I will ever be the same after traveling through the country of India.  Most of these pictures were taken through the van window so I apologize for some of the glares.  I hope that some day I will get another opportunity to visit India, it was an experience that I will never forget.

The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax.  Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away.  Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories.  It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine.  Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn.  You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!