Old Delhi

We began our day with Daresh, our guide, who assured us our driver had 3Gs [good horn, good brakes, good luck] necessary for survival in Delhi. Our journey took us on a 4 lane highway past the most amazing used book sale ever - each Sunday sellers line up for a mile along the highway to sell books. First stop was the Red Fort, a magnificent masterpiece built in 1600 by the Shah Jehan. Once inside after going through a metal detector and full pat down we marvelled at the amazing sandstone and marble structures. The carving was incredible, still preserved after centuries. We carried on to the next stop - Jamma Masjid, the largest mosque in Delhi. Getting there was an adventure in itself. To all those in Victoria who complain about the Colwood Crawl, MacKenzie Mess and 5 o'clock rush hour, think again. The traffic jam through narrow lanes was incredible. We finally got out and followed our guide on foot leaving the driver to make his way through. The mosque is huge and again as masterpiece of architecture and carving. We had to leave our shoes outside and Damon was required to wear a sarong as his shorts were inappropriate. Leaving the mosque was yet another traffic jam through many more narrow streets with every market imaginable [fish, chicken, Diwali wares, car parts]. Amazing! We then went to Gandhi's cremation site and memorial. As we got out of the van Damon heard the plaintive sound of a snake charmer's flute. Sure enough, there he was just waiting for us to take pictures and pay, of course. Damon survived the trauma of the cobra. Gandhi's site was reverent and peaceful - a unique and very moving experience for all of us. We returned to our hotel for what is now mid-day beer break. In the afternoon we hired a cab to take us to Connaught Place to browse, shop and look for a dinner restaurant in daylight. Back to the hotel for cocktails and then to hire a 3 wheeler to go back to the restaurant. It was a fabulous Indian meal and then a scary, hair raising 3 wheeler ride back to the hotel. Forgot to mention the beggars at night are more aggressive - Damon calls them scary men. We also saw our first rats - hmmm. It was quite a day and now we're off for a tour of New Delhi! I'll keep in touch