On Oct. 21, 2005, a small group of Riverside County Medical Association physicians and their significant others embarked on a short, but event-packed, 10-day trip to India. The two-fold purpose of the trip was to establish medical ties with Riverside's sister city Hyderabad and to be exposed to and better understand the complexities of modern-day India. We visited Hyderabad, Mumbai (Bombay), Jaipur, Agra and Delhi.

In Hyderabad, we were quite impressed by a totally wired, state-of-the-art gastroenterology center where everything from colonoscopies to major organ resections are done. The clinic equaled or surpassed anything in the United States, although many of the physicians on staff were trained in American residency programs.

We exchanged views and ideas with the physicians and with city officials regarding the sister city program. Later, we enjoyed an illuminating tour of the massive Golconda Fort, dating to the 12th century.

On Oct. 25, we flew to Mumbai and spent the day touring the city, including a Jaine temple. Mumbai starkly exhibits the expansive wealth of the few intermingled with the endless poverty of the many. During our visit to a nursing school, we saw hundreds of young and eager students, who would go a long way toward solving our severe nursing shortage.

Then, we proceeded to Jaipur, known as the "Pink City." Jaipur dates back to the Rajput splendor and still reflects it. There, we climbed to and toured the Amber Fort. We also rode elephants--an unforgettable experience.

Next, we went by bus to Agra, first stopping at the Mughal city of Fatehput Sikri, a masterpiece of Indo-Saracenic architecture built in the 12th century. The trip made Los Angeles rush-hour traffic seem like a Sunday ride in the country--no brakes, only the horn.

Agra is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal, which proved to be every bit as beautiful and awe-inspiring as reputed.

From there, we went to Delhi, India's capital, and toured the Red Fort, Qutab Minar (in its day the tallest manmade structure in the world), Gandhi's home and shrine, a Sikh temple, and several museums. We had the opportunity to go into Old Delhi by rickshaw on the market day before a Hindu religious festival, a true adventure. We also received a warm reception at the All India Medical Institute since a member of our group, Prabhu Dhalla, MD, is a proud alumna.

All told, the Indian people were extremely hospitable, outgoing and eager to exhibit their embrace of modern technology. The trip was eye-opening, educational and exhausting, but at the same time, very energizing.