Saturday 9th Feb - Day 6

In the state of Punjab, city of Amritar, set on a tiny island, in the middle of a huge pool and surrounded by a spectacular white fortress, The Golden Temple is a sight to behold. You cannot fail to be impressed by it. Indeed, photographs do not do it justice. You have to see it for yourself! Following the crowd, I walked around the pool, barefoot over marbled tiles, and looked at it from all sides in wonderment. You can even walk inside. And on different levels, you find holy men sitting in rooms, cross legged and singing prayers to the background of tabala music. For believers of the Sikh religion it’s like a pilgrimage for the non-believers it’s just amazing.

The Border Crossing at Wagah

At the border crossing between Pakistan and India in Wagah, near the town of Attari, this ceremony happends everyday at around 4:30pm. A bemusing spectacle of guards dressed in ceremonial uniform, either side of a gate, march quickly and to a halt with exaggerated high kicking steps. At one point it almost looks like a Mexican stand-off - who will blink first? Like peacocks trying to impress a mate both try and out-do each other. Who is the most impressive is a matter of opinion; perhaps it’s the Pakistani side. Thousands watch as both sides are cheered by an excited crowd led by a microphone wielding rabble rouser. Both sides lower their flags from a sort of no-mans land and carry them back neatly folded to their own side. Before you know it, the ceremony is over and a coach of passengers is allowed to pass through the gates. After the event, I'm not that much the wiser as to what has happened. Can you imagine a similar ceremony between the England /Scotland border.