India – 2006

India was the obvious choice for the inaugural journey for the WOW! Travel Club in 2006. It’s larger than life, with a population of a billion-plus and is intimidating to even the most seasoned traveler. A perfect place to design an unforgettable, over-the-top travel experience. (Plus, it’s Marilyn’s single favorite destination!)

The journey, scheduled for late October after the heat and summer monsoons had passed, visited the highlights of northern India, commonly referred to as The Golden Triangle.

Delhi

• Spending the first two nights here, Delhi allowed for a gentle immersion into the chaos, color and confusion that defines India
• We took a bicycle rickshaw through the teeming streets of Old Delhi

Agra

• We visited the Taj Mahal at twilight when the crowds were thin and the light was soft and perfect for photography
• We traveled to the Taj in a convoy of bicycle rickshaws – and each driver got to keep his WOW! Travel Club t-shirt
• We enjoyed luxurious accommodations at the Amar Villas – with a view of the Taj
  The following morning, we were the first people through the gates at sunrise – allowing us to take tourist-free photos

Jaipur

• Ever play elephant polo on an elaborately painted pachyderm – complete with a kilted marching band performing between the chukkas? Well, we did! (NOTE: This truly was a once-in-a-lifetime activity because elephant polo is no longer offered in India)
• We paid a visit to the Excellent Elementary School in Samode where we donated supplies and books
• Traveling through the Rajasthan desert in a convoy of jeeps, women – attired in dazzling colored saris and armloads of bangle bracelets – waved from the fields where they harvested wheat
• We rode in elephants up the hill to Amber Fort
• We enjoyed 6-star luxury accommodations at the former home of the Maharajah, the Rambagh Palace

Cynthia Cohen:

“I appreciate everything around me in a new way. The sad reality is that so many Americans have no knowledge of this wondrous place. Marilyn, you did an amazing job. You have a huge heart, you seem to accomplish the impossible and you do so with a sense of humor and boundless curiosity.”

Don Riddell & Sharon Valdez:

“Sharon and I had the best time we’ve ever had on a trip. It was all spectacular and you over-delivered on your WOW promise. You’re on to something big with WOW – keep pushing it!”

Elaine Bern:

“I’ve been to other exotic places, but nothing compared to the adventures I had in India. The people in the WOW Travel Club were exceptional, our guide was an incredible mixture of East & West, and the itinerary was well planned and executed. It was a delight to be able to share this experience with such great people. I will never forget my trip with WOW.”