India 1 - Delhi

As I flew into Delhi on 29 Jan, it looked like a light fog was hanging over the city, it was 4pm local time and when we landed the airport was full of smoke which appeared to be due to some kind of insect fumigation, there was one guy up a ladder pumping thick smoke into the ventilator and about 20 officials in yellow hats watching below leaving us to choke our way through customs and past all the no-smoking signs. Raju was there to pick me up in the car and I realised almost immediately that the ‘fog’ I saw from the plane was in fact dust - which is everywhere - all the trees have a white powder over the leaves -everything seems to be dust coloured. I think that’s the most visual impact Delhi had for me - the dust!

But the combined energy of the people it contains is something else all together. It looks like chaos, but is 100% human communication, networking and marketing. I think the British Army must have chosen officers with the most OCD to try and control her, what a spectacular failure that must have been…

I’ve been staying at the Orchid Retreat, a bed & breakfast/guesthouse in the Defence Colony (South Delhi) area which is run by Mr Kumar and Anjelica. They made me feel so welcome and arranged for Raju to take me out in the morning to Fab India clothes shop to buy Indian clothes. I have now discarded the clothes I bought with me in favour of the truly wonderful outfits I purchased… I have a number of different trousers, baggy cotton and some tight leggings which are hilarious to look at… like a sink at the top with drainpipe legs (the drawstring waist sorts everything out!). I have not had any hassle, older men have complimented me on my outfits and a couple of younger men in shops were slightly petulant - as if I have spoiled their game (ha ha!). (I'll upload some pics of my outfits)

I love the Auto Rickshaws, a real fair ground ride through the traffic and have been out to have a haggle in a couple of the markets. I did a sightseeing tour, the Red Fort which is a bit of a ruin but you can still see the beauty from the layout, structures and what's left of the art.

Gandhi’s Memorial (time for bare feet) and a place I really liked, the very beautiful Humayun’s Tomb which is a garden paradise and a mini Taj Mahal, built by his wife, Bega. Plus visited a new temple complex which opened in November, 2005 called Akshardham, it's difficult to describe it as it has been built to inspire personal gowth by showcasing the essence of India’s ancient architecture, traditions and spiritual messages - no camera's allowed! (I'll get a pic from somewhere)

I can’t describe how fantastic Kumar and Anjelica have been, they have helped me with everything, giving me tips/pointers and really supporting me to the point of booking an entire trip through Rajasthan which took Anjelica days to organise. Kumar runs his guesthouse so that everyone is welcomed as family and has been great company in the evenings when we’ve had our philosophical discussions! Anjelica even took me on a shopping expedition with her mother to choose a sari and jewellery for her brother’s wedding in February. (I'll ask for some pics when I get back end of Feb).