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Published: December 11th 2005
the superficial and the sublime
Here I am showing off one of my new outfits on the platform overlooking the Gandhi memorial. Today is Sunday in Delhi, and traffic is not as bad as on the other days of the week, so Ajay and I drove to see Raj Ghat. It is quite far from South Delhi, where I am staying, but it only took about 20 minutes to drive there.
Raj Ghat is probably the site I most wanted to visit in Delhi. It is the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, the place where he was cremated. The simple, tasteful memorial, a granite platform and eternal flame, is surrounded by a huge, peaceful park. Today it was very quiet there, very few people. Maybe it was because we went so late, at almost 4 p.m.
You have to remove your shoes before entering the inner courtyard, and once inside there is a feeling of quiet respect. I found it quite moving. The part I liked best, though, was taking pictures with two young couples. They wanted to have a picture taken with me, and they were so sweet and charming about it. I wish I had thought to take a picture of them with my camera!
I am still very careful, and very concious of not wanting to offend, as
the main entrance
this walkway leads to the Gandhi memorial, Raj Ghat I don't yet know the protocol and etiquette of social situations. That is why I haven't taken too many pictures of people on the streets. Today, for example, I saw my first snake charmer! But I was shy about taking his picture. Would it mean I have to pay him? I just don't know these things yet, and I feel better to be safe than sorry. I have a feeling I will see many more snake charmers before I leave India.
(This is the reason I wanted to buy some Indian clothes. I just didn't feel comfortable in the clothes I brought from Canada. I was getting a lot of stares and I wasn't sure whether I was offending. Today I went out in my salwar kameez and felt perfectly comfortable. It's not exactly a sexy outfit, but it is feminine and the fabric is lovely (silk) and very comfortable. It's like wearing pajamas.)
I also saw a stretch of slums along the highway, the like of which I don't think I have seen before, and several camels being ridden on the street. Delhi is such a city of contrasts. It is a world capital, the centre of
Ajay
Ajay waited for me on the platform that surrounds the memorial. He hadn't been here for 10 years, but he lived near here when he was growing up and played soccer in a nearby park, coming here to drink water from the taps where people wash before entering. the world's largest democracy, and very sophisticated (or sophistimicated as we say in my family). But it is also in some ways like a traditional Indian village. Plus it is home to the very rich and the very poor, and people of every nationality and religion.
I feel I am acclimatizing. I had an amazing sleep last night and feel like my normal self for the first time since landing. And my lung congestion is better. I am coughing less. I think I am adjusting to the different eating schedule, too. Phew, hopefully the worst of the adjustment phase is over!
P.S. I am loving your comments! Thanks everyone. It makes me feel connected and supported.
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Lynne
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Hi, Mariellen, I have been following your blog with great interest! REally takes me away from Toronto in winter! Thanks for being a great travel guide. - Lynne