Inside view of Lucknow, as promised!

Today I braved the 42 degree weather and decided to go around Lucknow. It's strange how much this town has changed. It used to be a town, but it has truly developed into a city. I went to Ambedkar park, which has blossomed into an amazing architectural monument, with 62 live size elephant statues... which some, me included, argue is a bit much when a large percent of the population is still unfed and homeless...but hey.. why get political when you can just look at pretty things? yes... pretty... Here are some pictures of the magnificent Ambedkar park:




Near the park, i found an old school Ice cream cart that took me right back to being in boarding school. Growing up we used to buy orange flavored ice for 2 rs. Though it was probably made in some dude's bathtub, it was so freaking delicious. One of the few things in India that has remained the same price vise, at 5 rs. you can still enjoy an amazing Orange Bar! (though many guide books will warn against them...since you can't really vouch for the quality of the water. lol)


From Ambedkar park, i headed over to Hazratganj an area that is known for its shops and good eats. I know I sound old when I say this, and that I should welcome change... but I was honestly shocked at how much it has changed. Though most of the places I love are still there, the general topography of the area has totally changed. Wide roads and night lamps have replaced the crooked mud and rock roads. While the exterior decoration of the area has changed, I was really happy to find that the interior (i.e. the food stalls) are just as good as they used to be! Here are some examples:
This is a Dish called gol gappa.

The round things are cracked open, filled with a spiced mix of ... deliciousness... for lack of better translation and then dunked in flavored water which is made from a baby mango.
(The water can come in many flavors and you can try as many as you'd like). You usually stand on the side of the street and eat as many as you want and then pay after. I can probably eat around 20 of these bad boys!

This is one of the many different types of dishes that are encompassed under the category of chat (pronounced like "part" but with a ch sound and minus the r). Since I love me some chat, I will probably be eating and posting about different types through out the trip. More to come later!
<3 Tanz