If It's Sunday Then It Must Be Delhi

It appears that we have left the countryside (that would be a bit of a stretch) and are back into the civilized society of a major metropolis. Delhi is literally a tale of two cities. The population of Old Delhi and New Delhi is a combined total of 22 million residents and 9 million registered vehicles. 

The day begins with a visit to India's largest Muslim mosque, Jama Masjid. On prominent religious days there can be upwards of 25,000 of the faithful, bowing to Mecca in the west where Saudi Arabia is found.

Our mode of transportation changes back once again. Time for a ride through Old Delhi on the most modern of man's creations, the rickshaw. The shopping district is shut down for the most part, due mainly to the fact that it is Sunday. I fail to see how we would have navigated these narrow passageways had all the shops been open. To add to the confusion, the sanitation workers have been on strike for the past three days and the garbage lying about is atrocious. Click on video below

 

Our tour of Delhi covered a lot of ground and it would have been impossible, in the short period of time we had here, to visit all the notable spots, such as India Gate and the striking government buildings and residences. The British commissioned  these buildings in the early 20th century, when a new city plan was developed. However, I have to say that the India Gate, which was built to commemoratate the sacrifice of 90,000 Indian soldiers who paid the ultimate price during WWI, was extremely impressive from afar and a personal visit would have been welcomed.

Other notable landmarks that were on the itinerary for the day included Humayun's Tomb, which was the model on which the Taj Mahal was built and Qutab Miner with it's architecturally inspired tower, which is the tallest of it's kind in India.

Another place we were able to visit was the cremation sight of Mahatma Gandhi. A plain black marble platform marked the site of the cremation.  His simple life inspired a nation to independence prior to his assignation in 1948. His final words uttered were said to have been translated from Hindi, "Oh God".

 

It is wedding season in India due to the fact that at this time of year the planets are aligned in some form astrological order. We have witnessed many weddings from afar but tonight, upon returning to our hotel from our final dinner as a group, we were greeted by a wedding party which was just getting underway with the arrival of the groom on his white horse. Click on video below.

18 days ago we met our 11 travelling companions. Total strangers at the time. We have become true friends. It was indeed a pleasure to have met each and every one. Some we may or may not meet again but the memories shared will go on for a lifetime. We part ways. Jennifer and I to continue our travels to Southern India while our new friends return to their homes and families. God bless you all and safe travels till we meet again on the road to Discovery. I hear it is some place near Nirvana.  Namaste.