It has been said that Delhi is like London on speed - that's why we left it until the end of our travels in India, and we're pleased that we did. We had just 3 days there and really enjoyed it. We decided to spend the first 2 days just walking around the area where our hotel was, through the stalls and down to Connaught Place. We arrived early in the morning and our 5.00GBP a night room was not ready, so they took us to a much nicer hotel and gave us a room free for the morning so we could shower and sleep some more. We then checked into our room at the Hotel New King, which was great for the price, and down one of the really small alleyways off the main bazaar.

WE then decided to do all our sight seeing on the last day, before our flight to Bangkok. We arranged for a tourist taxi through the hotel, for 8 hours and made a list of where we wanted to go. The driver was great and managed to fit in all the things we really wanted to see. This express sight seeing was a great idea and did not cost much, as most things we just saw from the outside so didn't have to pay for. In fact all we spent was 15p as a tip to someone for looking after our shoes at the Ghandi Memorial! Oh and the 12.00GBP for the taxi for 8 hours.

So, we started at McDonalds to grab brunch for the journey! We then went to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in the world (I think!) Graham did not go in, as we had to pay if we took our camera in and there was no where to leave it, also they made you cover your legs and arms with a gown (see photos) and Graham wasn't too keen on this idea. When you see what I look like you will see why! I had trousers on and had a pashmina with me but they still made me wear a gown. I think this was because they wanted a tip for giving it to me, as Graham was looking after my shoes, so I would not need to tip them for this. I refused to give a tip anyway, as there were many Indian women in there with pashminas, so I would have been fine without their gown. The mosque was good, but covered in scaffolding. As with most things in Delhi, it was under repair! We then walked across to the Red Fort and took photos outside, as we have been in so many forts, and the outside is usually the most impressive part.

Next we went to Raj Ghat, where Ghani was cremated. The ashes are not there, but there is a constant burning flame and nice gardens around. Then it was on to the Lotus Temple. This is an amazing studture which looks a little like the Sydney Opera House. It was built as a place of worshop for one unified God and encourages all religions to come together. Inside you cannot take photos and have to remain silent, but this was definately worth seeing. We then drove south to Qutab Minar (the largest minaret in the world). Again we did not pay to go in but took pictures outside! Next we went to Ghandi Smriti, a museum chronicaling the Indian revolt against the British in 1847 through to the rise of Ghandi and up to his assassination. It is also set in the place he was shot, so you can trace his final moments. This was great, but unfortunately we ran out of time to read everything, as the museum had to close.

Finally we drove past Safdarjung's Tomb (not sure who, but the building was impressive!) Then to Rashtrapati Bhawan, the residence of the president of India and to India Gate, a huge war memorial. This last area was more like what I expect a capital city to look like, with big open roads and grand buidings/monuments. So, it is possible to see Delhi in a day! Just driving around was great, and we saw all the construction work going on for the Commonwealth Games in October. I really don't think they will be ready. Apparently they have spent have the budget already and little has been done, as India is so corrupt!

We then got the driver to drop us at Pizza Hut! Afer 10 weeks in India, we were craving junk food! This was one of the most expensive meals we have had. We then packed and got to the airport ready for our 3.30am flight... to be continued. However, before it is continued we were thinking about what we shall miss and not miss about India (was going to put a colon there but there is not one on this keyboard!)

We shall miss-

Smiles and the funny head wobble many Indians do, Autorickshaws and the crazy driving, Udaipur, Friends we met and some of our hosts, trains, the mazes of alleyways, forts and palaces, Goa and other relaxing places, the vibrant colours of the materials and clothes, South Indian curries, haggling, cows everywhere, and our new love of Sprite and me fresh lemon soda in the heat.

We won't miss-

The smell of poo and pee, and people doing these things in public, hocking and spitting (Indian men), the staring and attention and photos taken of me by Indian men, hassling, segregation of prices for locals and tourists, lying and being ripped off, the constant asking for tips, car horns, bad internet connection and power cuts, not being able to show affection to each other in public or even hold hands, and having to be careful what I wear, so not to offend anyone, the queueing/pushing system.

I'm sure more things will come to us now we have left, as we got so used to our new 'normality,' but a new environment might highlight them to us. In conclusion, we loved India, but there were a few times when we became very frustrated with it. I think we're ready for a change, but hope to go back some time, as there's so much more to see.

Maggie x