It's a place you have to see to believe.....and Yoga too

As we are still pretty much in Melbourne time, we were up quite early and popped down to the dining room,me spying 'the locals' chow ing down on their curries and idily etc....told to sit down, and we conceded to have whatever the waiter was to bring. Thinking it was what "they" were having....RIPPED OFF....that all we can say, who travels 6000 ks, to the middle of Delhi to have mushy corn flakes with warm milk, two pieces of toast and jam.....not us....what doesn't kill one makes one wiser/stronger.

Anyway, that drama over we went for a wander around the local streets, Andrew getting his traditional international hair cut.....for about $1.50, and then the most amazing head massage, and a part too.

Spacious two seat salon.

This is in the vicinity of the railway station where other than traffic and pedestrian chaos, the "norms' of western society are not always met, like the 2 y/o naked boy pooing on the roadway...well at least in the gutter, and what I think are quite unique..open air urinals , which, of course are not common in North Dandenong.

At least they have their backs to the street. Hope it wasn't too obvious as a selfie.

Just try telling this dog that he's not a cat....

Not as many as in thought their ( that's for you Kerrin) would be, but there are quite a few beggars, and nearly every one of them has a small child ( thankfully )apparently well nourished as a prop.  Saying no is a hard gig, but well supported by all the travel guides, and locals...but...but...somewhat vindicated by the abuse that one of the beggars gave when we refused.

The day from there....

Ashish, the friend of our yoga instructor Surya  arrived at about 11:30 AM with a car and a driver to collect us for a day in Delhi, and a delightful day it was.

The first stop was at a place called the Red Fort which is very very old, initially built, by an early ruler in the area about 500 years ago, and then in 1857 the British took it over.  It's very red...and it is the very size, especially of the open space within, in such a crowded city, that is a paradox in Delhi.

Ashish, Sanjay, and the foreigner at the Red Fort.

Then off to the zoo.

Every zoo in the world, no doubt, has its.strengths and weaknesses.  We spent a few hours there, and must say that the highlight would have been the white tiger and then the curious hippos, whichh we feel was a highlight for Ashish.  They did get rather close. Good curry and fried roti for lunch at the zoo.  Fun.

Akshardham Temple

The next place we visited is apparently controversial.   It is a Hindu temple dedicated in the name of one of their more famous spiritual leaders.    In a country where so many have so little this place is amazing in it's oppulence and ostentatiousness.   But I'm pretty shallow, and I reckon that those that do have the ability, should be permitted to provide a place of worship to all, notwithstanding that it is a "a wedding-cake confection of salmon-coloured sandstone and white marble, drawing elements from traditional Orissan, Gujarati, Mughal and Rajasthani architecture. The interior offers an almost psychedelic journey through Hindu mythology, with 20,000 carved deities, saints and mythical beings.

Surrounding this spiritual showpiece is a series of Disneyesque exhibitions, including a boat ride through 10,000 years of Indian history, animatronics telling stories from the life of Swaminarayan, and musical fountains".( Thank you lonely planet).   The alternative is ..... Is....  

Anyway. Entry is free.  This place puts the security at any airport we have been to shame.  The car is searched  bonnet and boot, mirrors underneath, then the list of things not permitted include all electronic devices, especially cameras, belts, knives , hand bags, marker pens, papers, books, guns, hand bags, food, soft drinks, explosives, animals back packs, and wmd's.  The men and ladies line up seperate, empty pockets into tray, that is closely examined, then we are frisked( and I should have our constables this well trained) metal detected, then we are in.  It is an amazingly ornate and beautiful place, and of course there are corporate photographers there, and therein a canteen and gift shop on the way out.   An experience. 

Mobile phone SIM cards.

Don't...just don't.  This was an unfortunate experience.  I am very lucky that I had a very calm Ashish with me and a detirmined Nathalie with me.  The documentation even wanted to know what my father (or husband in NJCs case) name was, just as a start.   The unhelpful, uppity,  arrogant, petty bureaucrat, that was the shop 'assistant', insisted that our Visa and face page of passport be copied onto the same page...and was not happy that the copies could be cut to fit the 'legal requirements'.  'Breath in, breath out' was the voice in my ear.... literally.  After an hour or so we got out with our SIM that might work within 24 hours...Airtel is the shop, Tech World shopping centre Noida...avoid it like the plague. I am almost positive my warning will be heeded. Btw the number is ....not really sure...

We were then privileged to be a part of Ashish's 'yoga stars' yoga class. 

And as we were early we had the chance to do shivasana (resting like a dead person) for a good half hour....Andrew didn't fall asleep once.   Who needs bikram yoga here, it's like 35 deg, and very steamy anyway, and Andrew who is renowned for being a sweat head, was rather warm. It was great.

Back to the hotel, where we took Sanjay and Ashish out for tea. Word of warning, those green things that look for all intents and purposes like string beans, you know in the  dahl, well it just could be the hottest and most viscous chilli you've ever had....you've been warned.

The whole day probably cost about $100.73, including everything great value, and exciting too.

 

Friday 4th July.

"Sorry I am late" says Sanjay, when he collected us a few minutes late about 0700  hrs this morning, he goes on" the traffic was bad" or words to that effect..........well ! the traffic...... Next post