Our day in Delhi, India

Hi everyone,

Well, we left Agra this morning, bright and early! Up at 5:30, on the bus by 7 a.m. and heading down the road for a 5 hour bus ride to Delhi. We left very early because the road can get extremely busy and the trip would take forever otherwise.

We had dinner at a different hotel last night (other than the Sheraton, where we were staying). It was quite enjoyable. It was the Taj View hotel and they arranged a special pool-side dinner buffet. Very tasty and great entertainment, as usual. Weather was perfect! Back to the hotel and into bed, to await the very early wake-up call!

The ride into Delhi was another eye-opener. We went through small villages and, once again, the poverty was overwhelming! I just don't know what words to use. The pictures say it all. I count my blessings that I was born in Canada and have so very much for which to be thankful!

As we arrived in Delhi, it was apparent that this is a business and Government city. Traffic was unbelievable again. There really is no rhyme or reason to the flow of traffic and one must be alert at all times........for cows, scooters, people, dogs, camels, and so on. The camels were going too fast for me to get a decent shot from the tour bus. Our first stop was a visit to the Jamia Mosque (1650) and the Red Fort (1639). We also visited Raj Ghat, where the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandi, was cremated in 1948. We went to Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minari. The weather was really great today; not too hot for me!!!!! We've had fantastic weather all along, which is another blessing as we hear about storms and earthquakes happening in other places.

We had lunch at a Chinese restaurant (go figure!) and had lots of interesting choices. The sesame toast and spring rolls were a big hit!

When we pulled into the Maurya Sheraton, we were welcomed by young ladies who gave us necklaces made of beautiful orchids, a welcome drink, and we got the traditional red do on our foreheads. Kind of fun! Kate, this place is breath-taking!!!!! I feel like a princess!!!!! I've included a few pictures but they don't do the place justice! Our rooms are spectacular (complete with chocolate truffles......and many, many other special little touches!). Yup, I feel like a princess!!!!!

The group has gone to another hotel for dinner tonight; I opted out (as did quite a few other people) since it was a long day of travel and I just wanted to lay low and relax. I had dinner in the hotel along with Mary Lou (from B.C.). Unfortunately, the dinner was a huge disappointment. It appeared as though the dinner parties with men were the ones getting all the attention and service. So, after about 2 hours (much of which was spent waiting), I got the Maitre d' and told him about my displeasure. He was most apologetic. It was disappointing though, since the rest of the hotel experience was/is so magical! Anyway, I have some quiet time in my room to download and review some pictures, after having taken about another 150 in the last 2 days. There's just so much to see here that is so very different!

I've been able to spend time with other people on the tour and get to know them. Mary Lou is a retired realtor from B.C. and a real joy! She is a widow with 4 children, and has always wanted to see Egypt, Africa and Cambodia. We decided to do some in-hotel shopping tonight and have dinner together. It was nice.

Driving through Delhi today was interesting. We went through Embassy Row, which you will see in some of the pictures. It's all quite modern, beautifully landscaped, civilized traffic, etc........and then, once you turn the corner, BANG, the poverty and chaos is right back in your face! There's not as many cows on the streets here (or baboons, of which we saw many as we drove in from Agra). Kalen would have enjoyed the ride, watching every type of animal you can imagine out there! But there are many, many poor people, lots of street vendors, lots of people peddling their butts off as they carry a variety of things on their bikes! We've never had to deal with any of this! (Pam and Cheryl, this is not a place I can see you visiting!)

On a different note, we are only here for the night. Kate, I must say, you would have been pleased to have heard all the oohs, and ahhhhs coming from my touring mates once they checked into their rooms. Most of the gals (not me!) were given rooms on the Eve Floor. Nice concept!!!! That appears to be for women who are travelling alone. The phones and doors (I believe) have video screens on them so you know who is calling/ringing your door bell before you answer. Nice! The rooms have big screen plasma TVs in them, as well as a variety of aromatherapy products to ensure you have a nice bathing experience.

What else can I share with you???? I'm glad I had this experience in India. Would I ever come back? NO. And certainly I would not return alone (meaning, without a tour group). It's too over-whelming! I hope I was able to raise your consciousness by sharing the pictures that I selected. Take time to give thanks for the lifestyle you are all currently enjoying. Do some of us feel guilty staying in this luxurious hotel? It's hard not to!

Anyway, it was an experience for all of us and there has been lots of conversation about India.

Tomorrow.......on to Dubai! Hooray. I can hardly wait. We are there for 3 days and have lots of free time. So I will most certainly be blogging through the weekend and taking lots of pictures.

Kate, I have what appears to be a "heavenly-type" pillow on my bed and can hardly wait to lay my head! (after I enjoy one of the chocolate truffles :)

So, good-bye and good-night! Am loving your comments! And I have passed on all the messages that have come through as well.

Happy Pat

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