Saturday 5 December

It's quite noisy in the night. We eventually drag ourselves out of bed. We FaceTime family while we pack up and I eat. We check out and we mention the hot water issue. The guy has something he spiels off. Off we head to our new hotel. It's very close actually. A man joins us and tries to sell us a ride. He tries to convince us all the way to the hotel. They just don't know how to take a 'no thank you'. We are able to check in and the hotelier is very friendly and nice. I see there are only 4 other ppl booked on our tour list. The room is so much nicer. Yay! We want to head off to the metro before the man might come back and further try coerce us. We walk up a Main Street we didn't realise existed so close to the metro and where we were staying. We take the metro to the stop closet the parliament and India gate. We walk to the parliament and there are gardens and green grass. Plus water in the fountains. As we walk along the very very very wide streets a driver in a tok tok comes up and involves us in a long discussion on our he can give us good deal and good tour. Saying no is like getting through a long fight. Eventually we continue on. We cross the road and head up the hill to the presidents estate through identical buildings on either side of the road. We stop in the shade of some bush growing in a giant planter. It must be a full time job keeping the gardens green and cared for. We see monkeys walking along the roof. We see two big pillars in front of each building. Each one given by a different country. South Africa, Australia, Canada and New Zealand! Each topped by of ship statue. We see a couple getting out if transport and I say to Malcolm I bet that's one of the couples on our tour. I then look around and spotted a different couple in transport and said and I bet that's the other couple. We then head down the Main Street to the India gate. It's lined with with parks so we rest a while in the shade and I share a chapter from my prayer book. It's so hot in the sun. We eventually make it to the India gate after being approached by tok toks and girls wanting photos with us. There are peddler's trying to sell all sorts of things around the gate from food to bracelets and check little squeaky animals. We continue down and see another weasel like animal digging in the grass. We sit under a tree and have some snacks while we decide what to see next. We decide to go to a big temple across the river. It's a walk and a few metro changes, but we get there. You are not allowed to take any electronics in so Malcolm decides to wait while I go in. It's a bit of a line and thorough security. But inside is worth it. It's all immaculate and peaceful. Such a huge contrast from the outside. I wish they would implement some of these clean ways in the city. Nice gardens and water features. The temple is very elaborate and interesting. You have to take your shoes off to go in, leaving them in a cloak room exchange system. When I leave I go back around to the entrance to find Malcolm and off we go. It only takes 20 min on the train. The Main Street is much busier now and we soon attract a shoe man want to clean/polish the tips of Malcolm's sneakers despite many no's. He follows us virtually to the hotel. Eventually I turn around and put my hand out and say 'please leave us alone now'. He stops and looks a bit taken aback. We rest a short time and Malcolm shaves, then it's time to go down stairs and meet our group. And it looks like my guesses were right about the ppl I spotted today. We have to fill out some forms then the guide gives a long and slightly boring spiel about the trip and general info about India. The info about Hinduism was quite interesting and I was surprised by the many many correlations between Christianity. Almost like the correct info has slowly gotten twisted slightly. Our guide was telling us about the rations the ppl below the poverty line receive. Mostly is sounds very healthy; you know, lentils and wheat etc. but they get 5L of oil and 5kg of sugar a month! I couldn't believe it. That would last me a very long time! It seems a little like they are negating the good rations with oil and sugar!
It's then decided we will go to crossroads for dinner. It's the sane place we went the first night and I know it's good. Albeit slightly pricey. We go via a small street temple to offer a prayer for the trip. We get orange dots in our foreheads. After a short explanation we continue through the busy streets to the restaurant. I order the same main as it was so good. It's a nice dinner. But too much again. I'm afraid my stomach has shrunk significantly and small amounts full me sufficiently.
We go back by ourselves via the metro station to get refunds for our cards. The streets are a little less busy but still plenty of ppl out and stalls still selling. I don't see anything I like. Back at the hotel I have a shower and it's just my luck that is just warm. Malcolm said when he showered earlier it was very hot. Oh well. Must be my curse. I must try and get some sleep. 4:30 will come early.