Delhi

Arrived in Delhi around 2300 local time last night. Thanks to my lovely, thoughtful, fabulous neighbour who works for BA I got an upgrade to Club World class so spent a lovely 8 hours stretched out on the plane, drinking as much as I liked (not too much though), served lovely food and watched a film or two. That is the life - wish I could afford it for every flight.
The flight took us over Holland, Germany, Poland, over the Caspian Sea then down through (I think) Georgia and other countries that I don't know (!) into India. Lovely views from the plane although by the time we flew over the western Himalayas it was dark so couldn't see anything.
There were 4 other ladies on the flight, and we met up in Delhi. Others arrive to day so I am wondering what the mix will be.
The drive by minibus to the hotel was and experience in itself - I think chaotic is the word. I was talking to a very nice Indian on the plane, who lives in Boston Ma., and when I mentioned that I could see cars driving on the left (as we do) he said 'that is the theory but just you wait and see'. I saw exactly what he meant from the bus! No-one signals their intentions, overtake on all sides and at every angle and I saw 3 people on a little scooter, the girl on the back looked about 12 and her sari was flowing about everywhere. They juggled in and out of the traffic and it was terrifying to watch. The coach tour of Old Delhi tomorrow will, I am sure, be interesting in more ways than one - assuming I keep my eyes open and not close them too often because of what is happening on the road!
Currently staying in the Crowne Plaza hotel, very nice and comfortable. Not too sure yet what is happening today as we haven't met up with the Rep. yet so I expect I will be spending most of today in and around the hotel - there is lots to do, lovely pool, spa, shopping 'mall' and 24-hour Bistro. We meet up with the Rep this afternoon so will find out more of what is going on.

Sat 25th October. This morning we had an early start for an 'included tour' of the City Tour of Old Delhi. The first stop was to a charity called PRAYAS. This charity is supported by Saga http://www.saga.co.uk/saga-charitable-trust/projects/india/prayas/prayas.asp and is a charity to 'rescue' boys who run away from home from all parts of India and live on the trains and railway. The first action is to try to understand why they ran away in the first place and, if possible, to reinstate them with their families, but if this does not work out they are housed and educated by the charity in the hopes that at the end of their education they can live a full and fruitful lives. It was a very moving experience to see these boys - and we all wondered how they could look so happy considering what they have been through. This is a charity I definitely intend to support.

Following this visit we drove through the chaotic streets of Old Delhi to visit some Temples. The first was the Sikh Temple 'Bangla Sahib'. An interesting place there, apart from the temple itself which was beautiful, was the 'kitchen' where volunteers prepare food for the 'hungry'. The second temple was the 'Birla Temple' (Hindu). We went inside both of these and photo's are on my Picasaweb site http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/judystevens17/India#

The third was the 'Lotus Temple' (Bahia Religion) and this was an amazing building - shaped like a lotus bud. We did not go into this one - firstly because it was heaving with people and secondly because by then we had been 'templed out' and were all feeling very tired.

On the way back to the hotel we drove past the Government buildings and the Indian Parliament and had a view of India Gate. What a difference to the squalour and poverty we had seen in the streets of Old Delhi.

We spend a quiet time during what was left of the afternoon and in the early evening we were taken to a demonstration of Indian regional dancing. This lasted about an hour and was lovely. On return to the hotel we had a 4-course Indian meal at one of the hotel restaurants. Very nice!

Sunday 26th October. We had another tour of Old Delhi this morning - this time it was an 'optional tour' ie had to be paid for! We first of all visited the Jami Masjid Mosque, built by Shah Jehan, and completed in 1656. It took 5000 workmen six years to to construct and it is India's largest mosque. The huge central courtyard can accommodate 20,000 people at prayer times. The gold domes really glittered in the bright sunlight.

From there we went to The Red Fort. This huge fort is in the centre of Old Delhi and was commissioned by Shah Jehan in 1639 and took nine years to build and it was the seat of Mughal power until 1857. The buildings and internal decorations were amazing. Again, there are lots of photos of this on Picasaweb.

On our return we made a brief stop at Rajghat - the site of Mahatma Gandhi's memorial and cremation. I think I am right in saying the eternal flame burning there goes back to the original cremation fire, A very spiritual place and very peaceful.

There was only time back at the hotel for a quick sandwich for lunch before heading off for an 'optional tour' of New Delhi. The two main features of this trip were a visit to Qutub Minar (a bit of 'old' Delhi in New Delhi!). This extraordinary tower was built in the 12thC and stands 72m high. The decorations on the red brickwork are beautiful. This tower stands in the grounds of the ruins of the Quwat-Ul-Islam Mosque, completed in 1193 and built to announce the advent of the Muslim sultans.

This was followed by a visit to Humayun's Tomb. This tomb, built in 1570, is of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. It is a predecessor the Taj Mahal.

For our final dinner in Delhi - we had a Chinese meal! On the top floor of the hotel - and the night-time view was stunning.