Let me preface this entry by saying that this was a tough entry to write. We saw so much and experienced so many sights, smells and visuals, it is hard to paint the picture through words.

 With the girls arriving so early in the morning, it made for a short night. Mallika, was meeting us at 1030a to introduce us to our guide for Delhi and provide us with our final itinerary and documents for the week.   Ashley and I had stayed in the large suite, while Paige and Katelyn took the smaller room next door.   We grabbed a quick breakfast in the Executive Lounge and then met with Mallika in the lobby.  

She walked us through the weekly activities, advised of tipping and clothing expectations, as well as any cultural nuances we needed to understand. She then introduced us to Poona, a guide who has been working with Mallkia's family for many year and.who would be with us for the two days in Delhi.

Our first stop was at Laxminarayan Temple. We were able to take pictures outside the temple, but upon entering had to check our phones/cameras, as well as removing our shoes. Poona explained the elements of the Hindu faith, which has over 330 million (yes million) Gods/Goddesses. It was a great introduction to the day and we began to learn more about the architecture, culture, history and religions of India. In what will be a theme throughout this trip, the vibrant colors are the star of the show. Whether it is on the sculptures or the people, it is truly beautiful. Interestingly, this is where the swastika originated and it is reflected in the carvings on many of the temples. It was originally meant for "good being" and the Nazi's took it and turned it into an evil symbol.  

We then drove through the government complex, that includes the Presidential Palace (makes the White House look minute), Parliament and all other offices of government. Many of the structures were built during the British occupation, and they are quite ostentatious. Between the temples, the mosques and the government buildings the views are quite amazing. One thing I didn't expect, was the wide, beautiful boulevards lined with parks and green space. New Delhi (versus Old Delhi) has very large homes, and some obviously wealthy residents. As Poona put it...the Champs Elysee without the coffee shops. Around the government buildings we also saw many monkey's climbing on the buildings and fences.  

At that point, we reviewed the stops for the day. On the itinerary had been Old Delhi, but it was scheduled for Sunday morning (it was currently Saturday) and Poona advised it would be mostly closed until 11am. Since we needed to be on the road to Agra by then, we rearranged and headed for Old Delhi. The wide, well manicured boulevards quickly transitioned into what we normally think of for India...chaos.   

The streets became very narrow and clogged with people, cars, tuk-tuks, bicycles and boxes/bags of goods. We were dropped off in front of the Jama Masjid Mosque, which is the reportedly the largest in Asia and can hold up to 20,000 worshipers for prayers. Since it was Ramadan, we were not allowed in, so were able take some pictures from the outside. From there, Poona took us down the small alleys and into the craziness of Old Delhi. The smells and visuals were as incredible as you would expect. You may be thinking the smells would be terrible, but in fact they were alternatively spicy, sweet or in some cases terrible, but mostly the first two. We passed by shops for everything imaginable....wedding attire, metals, jewelry, fabrics and finally spices.   

But, before going to the Spice Market, we stopped for lunch at Haldirams, a fast food restaurant that is recognized for its hygienic preparation of food. Poona and Paige went to order, while Katelyn Ashley and I held down the table. We had a "thali" which is a plate with several little dishes and some yummy bread. Some of the dishes were a bit spicy, but the rest was a bit milder. It was very local and very good!

Then it was time for our tuk-tuk to the spice market. Unlike Cambodia, this one was done via a bike...so our driver had to really pedal in addition to navigating the crazy traffic. The spice market had mounds of every spice imaginable. We stopped in one shop and got a few packs to bring home (easy to throw in the suitcase!).   

After tuk-tuking back, we were back in the air-conditioned SUV and  heading to where Ghandi was assassinated, back in New Delhi. His last residence was among the large houses surrounding the government complex. While he didn't feel comfortable in such fancy surroundings, it was convenient when meeting with the leaders of the country. He occupied to very sparse rooms (pics attached) and there are cement footsteps tracing his last walk from the rooms to the garden, where he was shot by a fanatic Hindu. The grounds were very peaceful, and such a wonderful testament to someone whose whole goal was to bring peace.  
Our last stop of the day was in the Lodi Gardens, which houses the tombs of the 15th century Kings. The gardens were beautiful and the tombs very large and ornate. It was an oasis in the middle of the city.  

The hotel was a welcome site, mainly because we were totally sweaty and frankly, disgusting. Between the heat and humidity, we were all in desperate need of a shower. Our dinner in the hotel Chinese restaurant, which was a nice change from spicy sauced food! Tomorrow we finish up Delhi and head to Agra!