morning

---

I am writing this at some ungodly hour of the morning because I can't sleep. So much for getting over jet lag in one day! I had one great day where I felt well, and now I am tired and grumpy. My friend Mychael, who comes here often, says India has a way of causing exhilaration followed by despair. I think I know what he means. He advised not getting affected too much by either, easy to say.

My friend Lynne, who has travelled a lot, said basically I will feel like crap for two weeks, so don't worry about it!

I just went out on the balcony and saw South Delhi at dawn. Pink air and a flock of black birds rising from the trees. Beautiful. The colour of the air here is enchanting, and I wish I had the photographic skills to capture it.

Though Delhi is a huge city it does not seem to be built up. I look north from here towards the centre of the city and honestly all I see are tree tops. I think it sprawls organically and chaotically. I have only seen a small part. We went driving yesterday. There are no rules! Cows, pigs, bicycles, autorickshaws, cars, buses -- all over the road, honking constantly. I felt like I was in a video game, amazed at Ajay's driving skills. I couldn't take any driving pics because I was tired and spellbound, but I will soon. Driving here is definitely an art.

It is still very warm during the day here, but apparently soon they will have their one month of cold weather. Yesterday morning I set my yoga mat up on the roof and pracitsed. It was wonderful. Perfect temperature. I felt about 80 years old, though, after no yoga for one week, and did a very gently practise. Also still coughing and not breathing well. The air pollution doesn't help.

Every day I am learning more. Yesterday I discovered you have to turn the geyser (pronounced geezer) on if you want a hot shower. Wish someone had told me that sooner! I am also beginning to think I will have to learn Hindi. Actually, I want to. It's a musical language that feels so caressing in my ears.

Last night I went with Ajay and his friends to a club/restaurant . It is a fantastic place. A DJ was spinning Asian fusion tunes, the atmosphere was exotic and candle lit -- kind of modern middle eastern fantasy. I had lamb kebabs -- the best lamb I have ever eaten. We reclined on couches and some of the guys smoked a great big hookah. The mixture was pure tobacco, no nicotine, and strawberry flavour. Didn't appeal to me, though I liked listeneing to the sound of the water bubbles.

Ajay and his family are taking very good care of me. I am sure I must be the luckiest person ever to visit India. And I am having so much fun with Varada, the most precocious seven-year-old I have ever met. We played badminton on the terrace until it got so dark we couldn't see the birdie. But still she didn't want to quit. Varada was in Toronto in June, and loves it there. We are talking about switching places!

Soon, I am off to meet my colleague Kailash in Connaught Place. It is the centre of New Delhi, built by the English. It will be the first time I have ventured into the city. I will try to get over being awestruck long enough to take pictures. More about Kailash later.

---

Photos

park at twilight
This pic was supposed to go with the "day two" entry. Ajay tok it in the nearby jungle-like park at twilight two days ago.

my yoga mat
Toronto yogis may notice the lululemon insignia. This is the roof of the building Ajay's family owns.

roof top view
This is the view looking north towards the centre of the city.

Siri Fort
You can see the ruins of Siri Fort during a foggy patch of day.

spying on the neighbours from the roof
Typical scene from this 'hood. The woman of the house relaxing while a young house servant scurries around.

Rohit
Ajay's friend Rohit smoking the hookah, sadly not in the picture.

Ajay and I at Shalom
I am tired but happy. Loved the lamb, the company and the atmosphere.

pink light at dawn
Wish you could experience this!

Comments

[christine]

enviously yours
love ya meri belle! glad to see you are taken care of... You look well. Wsh I was there! Perhaps Sanjay will really consider taking me and writing me off on his taxes as his personal buyer LOL!!!!! Much Love and wish i was there...looks amazing. C Lynes

[Rachael]

Being spoiled are you??
Well this is very differnt form the south my friend, we never had hot water, or servants, or home shoppers, you need to get out and experience the Real India soon, it sounds lovely!!