Old Delhi

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Our first official day was spent in Old Delhi. We took the surprisingly modern Metro across town. I was shocked at how advanced it was. Security was tighter than England and they had everything from the oyster card system to air conditioned carriages.

We visited one of Delhi’s oldest mosque’s and joined the crowds to walk in the bazaars of the old city, immersing in the noise and smells of the crowded narrow streets and alleys where people went about their everyday lives selling everything from silver, copper, brass and spices. Amazingly animals such as cows, goats, dogs and even the occasional monkey wandered the streets unfased by hordes of people and vehicles.

It was bizarre to see areas of progression and wealth alongside streets full of homeless families and huge amounts of litter. Sadly many people aren’t educated on the importance to cleanliness or aren’t given the opportunity to dig themselves out of the system. It’s heartbreaking to see parents encouraging their children to beg instead of pushing them to live the life they never had. We’re told not to feed the habit and that many children have access to free schooling but don’t see beyond the family trade.

I’m still not used to the heat that beats down on the city so I’m feeling shattered by the evening. I retire to my room and get an early night ready for a 3 hour train ride North to Agra the following morning.

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Photos

The Metro
A lot more advanced than i'd have though

The narrow streets of Old Delhi
Wires hang dangerously low above our heads across the whole of old Delhi. I'd hate to see what happens during monsoon season!

Old Delhi
Riding through town on Rickshaws which can be found everywhere in India.

Inside Delhi's oldest mosque - Jama Masjid