I was fascinated by the fact that there were so many unfinished buildings all over the place, and it was only a couple of days into our trip that Christine made the comment that this was because this was a way that a building owner could avoid paying taxes - simply don't finish the building and then one does not have to pay taxes. So all over the various parts of India we travelled there were a large number of unfinished buildings.
The second thing that we found quite interesting was that there was a lot of general construction going on. We were soon enlightened that this was due to the upcoming Commonwealth Games that India is hosting - so I guess the road works that we have been battling in SA are fairly typical for any "host city" of any major event!
Part of our experience in New Delhi was to go on a subway. The trip lasted all of about ten minutes, and to be frank, I thought the tour operator was VERY brave herding about 70 people (adults and children) who made up our tour party onto and off the subway trains. It was quite an experience for me! I am sure that for any of you who have travelled subways before, this is a fairly common experience - but, it was my first! Standing in a crush where the designated markings showed the doors of the train would open. As the train came whooshing in, it was a case of people pushing to get off and us pushing to get on. We then travelled at a lickity split speed for all of probably a few minutes down three stops, and at the third we were all told we had to get off - at the door opposite the one we had rushed onto. So, the same procedure was experienced, the push-pull of people alighting and clambering aboard.
Once in the actual terminus things were pretty ordinary as such. No weird smells, etc. Clean and chaotic, but nothing untoward. Great fun was had at the turnstiles in and out. All were counted and had to go through detectors - I can't quite recall whether we were patted down, but I do know that there was, as is everywhere in India, a place for the men and a separate (and slightly more closeted environment) for the women. Once we were all through, it was back to street level, where we were then herded to the MacDonald's. The mind boggles!
The Metro corridors - in case you are interested! :-)
The trek through the streets of the city was rather chaotically snake-like. When we arrived, no forward planning had happened. Instead we crowded into what must be one of the smaller MacDonald's in the world, and from there there was a relay of messages as orders were placed. Firstly there was the issue of Vegetarian and meat, and then the cokes. We had all been told "DO NOT DRINK ANYTHING WITH ICE IN IT" - or you will get "Delhi-belly". Huge consternation! The drinks all came with ice.
Another relayed message and it was established that the ice was indeed from spring water and was perfectly safe. Some elected not to risk it - others were braver. Then it was a case of perching on whatever surface one could find in order to guzzle the meal, before off to the buses.
Once we were all aboard and accounted for, we went off to discover one of what I discovered were a number of "India Gates". We parked a distance from the actual "Gate" and then had to walk along a pathway until we got to the place. I was fascinated to see that there was a field near the "Gate" and in it were a large number of youngsters, all playing cricket - I think there must have been about 4 cricket games on the go while we were there - all at the same time!
Two pics of the informal cricket games
We then moved on to "India Gate" which was behind a barricade that prevented vehicles from entering at all. Within that barricade there were hordes of hawkers selling everything from henna applications, to pink candy-floss, to various toys, to you name it! Again that rising tide of "no thank you" and no eye contact was pretty perpetual with me. Although I have to say that I was sorely tempted to have a henna tattoo and swore I would do so before I left India - but sad to say, that was one thing I did not manage!
The various vendors and sellers as they tried to peddle their wares. Food open on the streets was something quite common - but I hate to confess, not something I tried.
This photo amused me. I tried to get the Saints crew together in order to take a pic of them in front of India Gate. Quickly the numbers multiplied until we had our entire touring party huddled together for the photo that was now "officially" being taken by the tour operator. While this was happening this crowd of rather bemused onlookers gathered. So here we have the photographed being watched!
And then finally to the magnificent statue that is one of the "India Gates" of India. The history and such like I cannot comment upon - but there you have it!
And so now to one final thing before I end this chapter. The pic below is something that is not, as one would hope, an unusual sight in India. As we left India Gate, this entire four-membered family clung onto their motor-bike and as the sun was setting and darkness fell, so they disappeared to their routine lives - probably blissfully unaware that they would one day be able to be seen by all and sundry who happen to wade through my pages! :-) They were more than willing - quite delighted in actual fact - to pose for this picture!
All for the time being - and thanks so much to all who have enjoyed these posts! I enjoy getting the feedback!
Lots of love!
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