Christine and I enjoying a drink outside during our first night in Delhi. Note strung marigold necklaces - also a tradition of Diwali. We saw these necklaces on people, statues, buildings & vehicles!( see below - this picture is out of order). The fireworks and explosions throughout the city were overwhelming - more smoke to an already smoggy environment.
The door where Ghandi left a meeting to go pray. - His last footsteps are raised above the walk and continue down the path to where he was martyered. We were told not to walk on his steps.
Christine with our guide - the small sheltered area just to the left of center is where he was killed. This complex was well maintained and featured a modern interactive museum.
In Agra and the traditional greeting of "Numaskar". Indians are unfailing polite from guides to drivers, hotel employees to servers; we were always greeted with a smile of welcome. We were told many times that we were their guests and that they were at our service. Our personal driver Vikmar never failed to ask how we had slept, how we felt and how else he could make our trip more pleasurable. Most jobs are held by men even in housekeeping.
Our first night in Delhi was also the first night of Diwali or the Hindu Festival of Lights where "Crackers" and fireworks are exploded throughout the city. Pictured above is colored rice display on the floor of Le Meridan hotel in celebration of Diwali; lit candles throughout the hotel displays were quite a surprise. Wondered how my father (the Fire Chief) would have reacted.Sorry this is a little out of order. I'll let Christine take over now and just write her comments of Delhi and we can add pictures later.
Sat, 6 November. Let me begin with the statement that India is a 360 degree experience! It is a cacaphony of sights, sounds, smells and emotions. Delhi is the capital: extremely crowded, extremely dirty and extremely interesting. We visited the India Gate, a 42 mtr high monument to the 13,516 Indian soldiers that lost their lives in WWI. All of their names are inscribed on this white sandstone "arch-de-triomphe" style archway. The honor guard on duty that day were of the Indian Air Force and rotates daily through the three military services.
The Hindu temple Lakshmi Narayan Mandir was an early stop. Marble construction with ochre and maroon spires was built in 1938 by the same industrialist that owned the complex where Ghandi lived. This temple was one of the earliest Indian temples build without caste restrictions. We slipped off our shoes at the entrance and received blessings with red powder. Walking thru the temple, our guide patiently explained the Hindu gods & godesses while we marveled at the paintings, statues and worshippers. One mother placed her baby face down on the marble in requests for special blessings.
The Mosque Jama Masjid in Old Delhi is the largest in India with a courtyard capable of holding 25,000. Scott had to wear a skirt to cover his legs and I was given a colorful robe for exploring the red sandstone mosques 3 great gates and towering marble minarets. Upon leaving the mosque, we noticed an Iman being escorted by two submachine weilding guards. We were told that two tourists were killed at the mosque just before the Commonwealth Games.
The somber mood was broken by our crazy rickshaw ride throughout the poor marketplaces of Old Delhi. We observed: street dogs everywhere (even one sleeping on top of a car), overhead wiring that looked like a bowl of dirty linguini, wood carving shops, food being prepared in huge vats of oil, throngs of people and garbage in the gutters/sidewalks, open public toilets with privacy screens and small Hindu & Seik temples. Oddest occurance was adolescent boy throwing something that glanced off Scott and hitting me in the arm. Our rickshaw drivers was incensed & was prepared to beat the child with a stick. Very odd...
The last residence of Ghandi was a highlight! This complex is beautifully conserved. We were able to walk beside Ghandi's last footsteps, see many of his spinning wheels, sat on the bench were he gave audiences. A surprise was the glass enclosed case of Ghandi' earthly possessions: his eyeglasses, 2 forks, 2 spoons, 1 knife and a rock. He used the rock to wash himself! Interesting and educational. Unfortunately our visiting president missed this site...
A drive by of the presidential Palace: NO STOPPING was permitted. We were interested to note the Amerian flags being hoisted many places throughout the city.
However, WE were barred from visiting Humayun Tomb because it was closed for US president Obama's visit the next day. We were not pleased!
Final site of the day was the Mehrauli Archaeological Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). This area features Qutab Minar - India's highest single tower at 234 ft celebrates the begin of Mogul (Islamic) rule. The tower is 5 levels high, begun in 1193, completely hand carved and a wonder to the eyes AND it doesn't lean! The complex also has tombs, a mosque, ancient well and a gateway to the complex that is the earliest building in India to employ the arched principal of Islamic construction.
After a long day of walking, dodging cows and people, we were ready for a beer and some dinner at the hotel. Tomorrow was the long drive to Agra.
Observations of the day: Georgous Green Parakeets flying freely about, Cows, Dogs & Monkeys were also everywhere, the air pollution was quite noticeable, security was at high levels with closed circuit TV cameras on many bldgs and elec scanners at hotels. We also discovered Punjab brewed Kingfisher Beer and although a lager, it became our beer of choice throughout the vacation.
Off to the room to wash off the dirt of the day and ready ourselves for the drive to Agra.
Love to all,
Scott and Christine
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