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Thursday, January 15, 2015

{Part I of Husband Pieter's Trip to India - Arrival in New Delhi}

Following the Mission of H.R.H. Prince Claus, husband Pieter did travel to India from 14 - 28 March, 1982.
The Royal Netherlands Embassy in Delhli arranged that they were picked up at the airport in New Delhi, India.
Of course, they also had to report at the Royal Netherlands Embassy once in New Delhi, India.
The hotel was just around the corner, in walking distance.
From the air, looking down to the new and completely unknown territory where Pieter would be traveling and consulting for two weeks.
A new country with completely different architecture...
Wish we knew which building this is within the square...
Different people like this driver,m in a taxi on the way to the hotel...
From the hotel, the view was onto Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, the Diplomatic Enclave where all the Embassies are and also the Presidential Palace further to the right (not seen here).
In the back is the pyramid like ITC Maurya hotel, New Delhi, and bottom left is the High Commission of Malaysia.
Another direction from the hotel...
To the left, at the top, those blue domes are of the High Commission of Pakistan. 
To the right in the distance ought to be the Presidential Palace...
It was walking distance to the Dutch Embassy and this was the road with divided mid-section.
To the left of the tree trunk, you can again see the blue domes, smaller and bigger ones, from the High Commission of Pakistan. To the right of the tree you can just see the French flag waving off the French Embassy, which is across the road.
Being in a hotel, adjacent to the Embassy of Malaysia, Pieter was very close to the Royal Netherlands Embassy, just around the corner...
This is a Google map from 50-M, Satya Marg Chanakyapuri, New Delhi ←(click it) with the embassies and where the red marker is, the President's official home...
Those 3 round-abouts, that I marked yellow, can also be seen from the photo below the cab driver.
But husband Pieter did look around a bit further and away from that very affluent area...
Different local means of transport...
Lots of people too...
Feeling a bit at home by observing that many bikes; like back in The Netherlands!
Bike repair; right alongside the road!
Sharing a potato alongside the road...
Setting up shop in any street corner...
Shoe shine service...
Construction going on everywhere... It is a vast country with a population at present of around 1.22 billion!
That is, not counting all the animals that also live alongside...
Husband Pieter did break loose from the group as he was NOT in favor of adding a research wing to the University of Delhi.
That was for sure not what H.R.H. Prince Claus had opted for, as his mission was about development projects that would really help the poor in making a living!
So Pieter did listen to his friend colleague, Dr. Agha and would visit Mushroom projects in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh State and in Solan and Shimla, Himachal Pradesh State and all the way up to the J & K State = Jammu & Kashmir State in the North of India.

Related link:
{The Mission of H.R.H. Prince Claus - Husband Pieter's Trip to India} | previous post by me


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44 comments:

  1. TexWisGirlJanuary 13, 2015 at 7:15 PM

    sounds like pieter was on the right mission. :)

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    1. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderJanuary 13, 2015 at 9:17 PM

      Dearest Theresa,
      He sure was and I'm proud of him because of it! Pieter always has been a very down to earth and practical person, who fought for the underdog.
      Hugs,
      Mariette

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  2. MariJanuary 13, 2015 at 8:20 PM

    What a wonderful mission for you dear hubby sweetie....

    Smiles~
    Mari

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    1. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderJanuary 13, 2015 at 9:18 PM

      Dearest Mari,
      At least a very meaningful one! And by far not always wonderful...
      Hugs,
      Mariette

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  3. decorayadoraJanuary 13, 2015 at 8:22 PM

    Hola Mariettes querida !! Que gran misión en India !! Que tenga un óptimo miércoles
    Cariños

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    1. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderJanuary 13, 2015 at 9:22 PM

      Dearest Angélica,
      Thank you and this sure was a great mission!
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  4. Daniela @Frugal Aint CheapJanuary 13, 2015 at 10:25 PM

    I love reading your life experiences. Such a rich life.

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    1. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderJanuary 14, 2015 at 1:43 PM

      Dearest Daniela,
      Well, this experience did have quite an impact on husband Pieter's life and only 7 years later, I did get to go with him to India for more than 10 years of consulting.
      Glad you enjoy reading about it. It teaches us how to be humble and above all; content!
      Hugs,
      Mariette

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  5. ClaudiaJanuary 14, 2015 at 1:11 AM

    Dearest Mariette,
    it always is nice to read about all your experiences!
    Have a lovely week,
    Love and hugs
    Claudia

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    1. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderJanuary 14, 2015 at 1:44 PM

      Dearest Claudia,
      This is very much about husband Pieter's experience.
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  6. Elisabeth PalzkillJanuary 14, 2015 at 3:04 AM

    Liebe Mariette,

    besten Dank für deine guten Informationen.
    Alles Liebe
    Elisabeth

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    1. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderJanuary 14, 2015 at 1:47 PM

      Liebe Elisabeth,
      Aber gerne, es ist ab und zu wichtig das die verwöhnte Menschen der westlichen Welt solche Bilder mal unter Augen bekommen.
      Liebe Grüsse,
      Mariette

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  7. ParnassusJanuary 14, 2015 at 4:40 AM

    Hello Mariette, You and Pieter have had such adventuresome lives, putting to shame my own few travels. It always upsets me to see a strong division being made between research and practical applications; to me both are important and reinforce each other. Still, too often researchers live in their own world, and ignore the centuries of experience that people have accumulated.
    --Jim

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    1. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderJanuary 14, 2015 at 11:30 AM

      From Pieter:
      Dear Jim,
      For sure I appreciate your comment on Mariette's blog about my India Mission. This was my argumentation: 'I know at what primitive level those growers overthere were working, especially those in Jammu & Kashmir State. Therefore what they need most is basic knowledge and practical experience. Research is important (I myself have been involved in it) but can be done, and is already going on, in several, more developed, rich countries. What the growers in J & K really need is learning how to grow mushrooms, using the already available knowledge and practical experience from e.g. the Dutch growers.'
      When these series continue you will get the picture...
      Kindest regards,
      Pieter

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    2. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderJanuary 14, 2015 at 1:51 PM

      Dearest Jim,
      Pieter really appreciated this comment and he wanted to reply personally before taking his nap.
      Our lives of traveling is quite different from the ordinary tourist as we actually had contact with the locals and got to see their daily life's struggles. Contrary to tours that take you around such places. I feel fortunate for also having done over a decade of consulting in India, only seven years after this trip by husband Pieter. It has enriched both of our lives in a big way! Wish more people could experience this from up close.
      Kindest regards,
      Mariette

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  8. Michiko JohnsonJanuary 14, 2015 at 6:37 AM

    Dearest Mariette,
    Prince Claus Pieter travel to India, about two weeks Pieter was very close to the ruyal Netherlands Embassy. All around bit futher and away from that very affluent area lots people of trasport sharing a potato alongside in the road. shop shine service in any street cooner. it's is a vast country.1.22 billion!
    I will hope all opposition. I was dispointed in what missed up it was not necessary to all thing I had writting down with worry in month day.
    We having a another raining days.
    Hugs and Love of both of love!
    Michiko

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    1. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderJanuary 14, 2015 at 1:52 PM

      Dearest Michiko,
      Pieter did not stay for long in this very affluent area but traveled all the way to the north; you can read more in following posts about it.
      We too have still gray and wet days. Those will pass too!
      Hugs and love from both of us.
      Mariette

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  9. biebkriebelsJanuary 14, 2015 at 6:52 AM

    Een heel andere wereld, India. Heb er wel veel over gelezen, maar ben er nooit geweest.Mooie foto's ben benieuwd naar het vervolg.

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    1. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderJanuary 14, 2015 at 1:59 PM

      Beste Marianne,
      Inderdaad een heel andere wereld. We zijn er echt aan verknocht en zeer zeker aan hun heerlijke eten. Wat we er het meeste van geleerd hebben, Pieter tijdens deze eerste solo trip en samen, 7 jaar later tijdens onze consulting periode van ruim tien jaar, is om tevreden te zijn met hetgeen wij hebben! Het is gewoonweg níet te beschrijven wat de contrasten zijn en dan nóg vind je meer glimlachen in hun cultuur... Het over-verwende westen wordt steeds ontevredener. Met name tijdens de december maand waarin er zoveel commerciële schenkingen gedaan worden speelt dit een grote rol. Wij kunnen er daarom ook níet aan meedoen; het is een té schrijnende tegenstelling met het grootste gedeelte van deze wereld.
      Liefs,
      Mariette

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  10. Sara - WaldgartenJanuary 14, 2015 at 7:49 AM

    Liebe Mariette
    ein armes Land, vor allem der krasse Gegensatz zwischen Reich und Arm.
    Malerisch schaut die Armut oft aus ... aber man möchte dort so nicht leben müssen.
    Danke auch für Deinen lieben Kommentar in meinem Blog. Schade, daß Ihr Brot nach Eurem Geschmack dort nicht bekommt.
    Wenn Dir an Vollkornbrot gelegen sein sollte, gibt es hier einen guten Film

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=az3rQojysBA

    Dieser Zahnarzt schrieb auch ein Buch übers Backen, es ist nur dünn und man hat es schnell durchgearbeitet. Es enthält im Grunde Bäcker-Fachwissen auf verständliche Art, daß sich dieser Zahnarzt zur Verbesserung der Gesundheit selbst angeeignet hatte

    http://www.dr-schnitzer-buecher-neu.de/Backen-mit-Vollkorn

    Ich besitze eine alte Version davon und backe danach.

    Viele liebe Grüße
    Sara

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    1. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderJanuary 14, 2015 at 2:05 PM

      Liebe Sara,
      Es ist ein sehr schönes Land aber auch mit viel Armut und vielen Menschen die nicht voran kommen können. Wir haben viel gelernt und sind deswegen auch sehr zufrieden mit allem was wir haben. Dazu braucht man auch unbedingt nicht alle vorgeschriebene Deko der Saison ins Haus zu bringen.
      Gott sei Dank finden wir hier noch das gute Roggenbrot und sonst finde ich schon einen Weg. Rezepte habe ich genug, die vielen Dr. Oetker Bücher habe ich und auch von Miele viele Backbücher.
      Vielen Dank trotzdem!
      Liebe Grüsse,
      Mariette

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    2. Sara von BuelsdorfJanuary 14, 2015 at 4:49 PM

      Das ist schön, liebe Mariette, daß Ihr wenigstens das Brot noch bekommt!
      Hier in Deutschland gibt es zwar sehr viel Brot, aber vieles ist nicht mehr so gesund durch all die Fertig-Backmischungen mit unzuträglichen Zutaten. Einen guten Bäcker muß man in unserer Gegend schon suchen. Meist sind es Ketten, die nur noch mit Fertigmischungen arbeiten. Aber zum Glück gibt es diese guten Handwerker immer noch. Denn ständig backen könnte ich auch nicht, würde ich nicht schaffen ...

      Liebe Grüße nochmals
      Sara

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  11. GigaJanuary 14, 2015 at 9:18 AM

    On the occasion of the mission, you could see at least a little in this huge city. And it probably was interesting. Regards.

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    1. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderJanuary 14, 2015 at 2:07 PM

      Dearest Giga,
      For husband Pieter this first visit of New Delhi was indeed a great first introduction and 7 years later we came there together for our consulting work over a period of more than 10 years.
      It was very interesting and a life experience that changed both of us in a big way!
      Hugs,
      Mariette

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  12. andressanchezphoto.blogspot.comJanuary 14, 2015 at 3:38 PM

    How are you, friend Mariette.

    First I apologize for my tardiness in view of your beautiful blog, due to the busy schedule that concerns me.

    It is a pleasure to enjoy your high resolution, with which you give us the opportunity to meet beautiful places through your goals.

    Thanks for sharing.

    A hug and see you soon.

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    1. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderJanuary 15, 2015 at 2:06 PM

      Dearest Andrés,
      No problem, you are welcome to visit my blog any time at your leisure!
      Glad you enjoy the trip with insights.
      Kindest regards,
      Mariette

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  13. Kays KidsJanuary 14, 2015 at 5:34 PM

    It is always nice experiencing different cultures.

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    1. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderJanuary 15, 2015 at 2:06 PM

      Dearest Kay,
      Especially if you get to see the real life; not as a tourist but like an insider!
      Hugs,
      Mariette

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  14. TamagoJanuary 14, 2015 at 6:16 PM

    I enjoyed the post very much. I especially enjoyed photos from street. There are many bikes in Japan, too, but never seen repair shop right alongside the road :-) I admire your husband Pieter's decision to break loose from the group to focus on more practical approach. He is more like Indiana Jones rather than a professor who stays in his lab all the time :-)

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    1. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderJanuary 15, 2015 at 2:09 PM

      Dearest Tamago,
      Thank you for your kind words and yes, my husband Pieter always has been a very practical guy who would go out of his way for helping others. Especially those that struggle for a living. Street photos are the best and they give at least a little insight in real life.
      Hugs to you,
      Mariette

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  15. Jo-Anne's RamblingsJanuary 14, 2015 at 7:53 PM

    India not a place I would like to visit, just doesn't interest me

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    1. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderJanuary 15, 2015 at 2:17 PM

      Dearest Jo-Anne,
      Maybe you never have been in a position that you were asked by your government, to go on such a mission, completing the work of H.R.H. Prince Claus in trying to create development projects for the poorest. It was for sure NOT a vacation and both of us always followed our hearts and therefore loved India and its people.
      Hugs,
      Mariette

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  16. DIMIJanuary 15, 2015 at 2:11 AM

    Dear Mariette,
    sounds like Pieter was on a very interesting mission!
    I had once stop in India,travelling to Australia,and saw the people how poor they where!
    I did'nt like how the air smell!
    Have a lovely day!Hugs!
    Dimi...















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    1. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderJanuary 15, 2015 at 2:19 PM

      Dearest Dimi,
      You bet that it was a very interesting mission, it really did tug Pieter's heart!
      Yes, India has vast contrasts from paradise like to dirt poor with all its disadvantages.
      Hugs,
      Mariette

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  17. Anajá SchmitzJanuary 15, 2015 at 11:59 AM

    A índia é um país lindo e seu povo exótico. Uma pena existir tanta pobreza num lugar tão rico em cultura. Fico feliz que seu marido tenha ido levar esperança para esse povo tão sofrido. Apesar da pobreza e da violência que existe é um belo pais para se conhecer.
    Bjos e feliz 2015.

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    1. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderJanuary 15, 2015 at 2:33 PM

      Anajá querida,
      Obrigado por seu comentário em profundidade, você disse muito bem. Sim, há muita violência e na parte final que vai sair também. Muito trágico e triste para uma exótica, quase o paraíso como o país com gente grande. Desfrute de um saudável e feliz 2015 também. Abraços,
      Mariette

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  18. Algodão Tão DoceJanuary 15, 2015 at 6:32 PM

    Palavras gentis são um favo de mel, doçura para a alma
    e saúde para o corpo.(Pr 16,24)
    TODA MISSÃO APESAR DAS CONTRARIEDADES, VOLTA COM UM SALDO POSITIVO: QUE SÃO AS EXPERIÊNCIAS!!!
    Obrigada amiga, pela visita atenciosa!
    Beijo grande, Marie.

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    1. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderJanuary 15, 2015 at 8:31 PM

      Dearest Marie,
      Thank you for your visit and comment!
      Hugs,
      Mariette

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  19. NoushkaJanuary 16, 2015 at 5:34 AM

    Great trip for Pieter,
    It sounds like he was on the right track, but money talks and the elite decides differently.
    A wonderful post that takes into the past... We were just about to settle in South Africa at that time!!!
    I have never been to India except for 2 weeks in Sri Lanka... I loved it :)
    Keep well dear Mariette, hugs from France!

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    1. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderJanuary 16, 2015 at 11:10 AM

      Dearest Noushka,
      Yes, Pieter was on the right track, with all his heart but you are so right!
      Guess that same past is still very much present in India... such a vast population and so many that struggle in daily life.
      Hugs back to you,
      Mariette

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  20. orchid0324January 16, 2015 at 6:34 AM

    Dearest Mariette; First of all reading your comment to Ms. Meadows, I truly respect the thoughts of H.R.H. and reminded me of how important the mission must have meant to your dear husband.
    It was really interesting to have the glimpse of life in India through your pictures♪ Colorful local means of transport, maybe not many people use cab. Many bikes and repair shop needed alongside the rode.
    Thank you very much for the insights of one of the world.
    And I also admire the way your husband tried to open his eyes for people and observe for his first visit.

    Sending Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan to my Dear friend in America, xoxo Miyako*

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    1. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderJanuary 16, 2015 at 11:14 AM

      Dearest Miyako,
      Yes, husband Pieter always has been a very practical guy who really wanted to support others and especially those that are less privileged. Our late Prince was also very much loved as a great Ambassador in the Dominican Republic and else but when his wife became the Queen, he had to let go all of that. Very sad and he became very depressed, together with a terminal illness.
      Oh, there are such vast contrasts in India, it is often hard to watch. At least some insights into daily life as it was back than and for sure did remain for many millions.
      Hugs and love,
      Mariette

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  21. Marie-AnneJanuary 16, 2015 at 4:18 PM

    How interesting to read about Pieter's first contact with the people of India. I am sure he opted for the right mission and I will look forward to reading about how you decided to go there later together and worked for 10 years.
    Many hugs, dear Mariette! I wish you a lovely week-end!

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    1. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderJanuary 16, 2015 at 6:25 PM

      Dearest Marie-Anne,
      Thank you and yes, this initial contact with the people of India did have such a tremendous impact on husband Pieter. Yes and within seven years it did change also me when we both started working there. We love to share this life experience with you all.
      Hugs and a happy weekend to you!
      Mariette

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Thanks for your visit and comment.

Mariette...