Arrival in Delhi. Lots of good omens on my way here. Ran into Bridget Dahl from Petersburg and her new husband on the flight. They are headed to Japan for a biking adventure. It was a surprise to say the least. We had a good discussion on traveling and Petersburg. Then, after arrival in Tokyo, went to the priority lounge and met a young lady from Honolulu and going to the Phillipines. She has been to Nepal and did the Everest Base Camp awhile back. It was great to share questions and answers with her. We had a long time to talk as she had a long layover as well. I made a new friend and it felt that we had known each other for a long time. We will keep in contact, that’s for sure.
Upon arrival in Delhi the immigration line was very slow. But finally got out and the driver was great and the host at the B & B was American and fun. This is an old mansion that the family live in. They still live on the top floor. He is on vacation, so Jana is working for him. She is from Florida. She has been here for about a year. She lives here and who knows what the future might bring for her. I find it inspirational that people are willing to uproot themselves and follow their heart and dreams.
The first day, I found myself trying to get a Sim card to no avail. Something was wrong with my passport, I am not sure but it was confusing. So later in the evening, the young man helping me took me to a different place to get a Sim card. It was way cheaper but not real sure how much data, as I couldn’t understand. When I got home, the Sim didn’t work.
That day, I took a tuk tuk to lotus temple. What a beautiful temple. I went in and took my time through the informational center. Interesting history of the Bahia faith. I love how they incorporate and embrace all the religions.
Then the tuk tuk guy took me to a shopping area. Even against my wishes, but I complied. I know better now. I bought too much. Spent way too much. I got talked into these beautiful paintings. He went from 400 for one down to 200 for 3. Bought them, but I do like them. Then he took me to other floors and they talked me into 2 scarves and 6 marble turtles. When I left the store, I ran into the same tuk tuk guy. I scolded him, but he was funny. He was on my way to take me home, but we stopped at another store because I said I wanted to go to the spice market. He took me to another market, not the real spice market. I only bought some packages of spices there.
The traffic is crazy here. Soo much honking, beeping, cars, motorcycles, tuk tuks and people… not to mention the cows and dogs.
The driver waited for me then proceeded to take me home, but he passed me off on another tuk tuk guy, cuz he didn’t want to leave the area. What an experience.
The next morning I had to tell the young man that the Sim card didn’t work. But after working with the new girl back at work, we determined that it was my phone, not the Sim card that wouldn’t work. So I now I am just using the Sim in my new phone and using older phone for messages. It’s ok… it’ll work fine.
Then I hopped on another tuk tuk and found my way to Humayan’s Tomb. What a beautiful place. Not quite sure why they need such beautiful tombs for their dead, but they are quite the works of art. Went to Lodhi gardens. Beautiful gardens with more beautiful buildings
Then I decided to walk to the india gate. It was only 49 min in maps, so thought I’d get the exercise. Well, it would have been ok, but the streets are so bad and I had to cross numerous streets. I ran for my life across the streets, but I made it and took a rest at India Gate with flat Aubrey and flat Riley by my side.
Well another tuk tuk ride. Every tuk tuk ride is scary. There are no such things as lanes. There may be 3 lines, but they make it 6 lanes. It’s everyone for themselves, and they squeeze in anytime they can with honking galore. I am surprised there aren’t more accidents, but I see alot of vehicles with dents and such. Traffic is nuts!!
The tuk tuk guy dropped me off at the Sikh temple where I wanted to go. No one was there but the Granthis (Sihk priests) they seemed confused as to why I was there. Then one told me I should head back the other way. When I made a face, he hopped on his motorcycle and gave me a ride. It was exciting… riding of the back with Granthi driving me. I held on tight for dear life. I never hugged a holy man so tight!! It was a bit fun, I have to admit. He took me to the front by Humayan’s Tomb. I was confused but ended up visiting the Sunder Nursery instead. it was very peaceful and beautiful there. Next trip, maybe I will try again to visit that Sihk Temple.
Maybe I was at the wrong entrance, or maybe it was closed. I don’t really know.
The next day was my tour with a guide for Chandni Chowk, the spice market and Red Fort. He picked me up at my hotel and provided excellent service. Red Fort was massive. Then we walked to the market, took a ricksha ride through it. Went to the spice market where I bought a bunch of spices. Then off to the mosque temple. Such beautiful places.
They brought me back to my b n b and then I walked to deer park and enjoyed the green space and the monkeys. Tried a momo at sea market. Tastes just like a Chinese dumpling. Not sure what the hype is all about.
Left for Agra and Wildlife SOS in the morning. After saying goodbye to the house. I booked my return stay here and they are holding my excess packages here (my paintings and the slices) yea!!
Dream, Create, Inspire 