Advertisement
Published: December 17th 2005
Edit Blog Post
all dressed up
Varada took this as I wait for Vivek to pick me up for dinner, December 16
Finally ... the drugs have taken effect, and today I felt well. I am definitely on the mend. I celebrated by getting an Indian cell phone, having an Ayurvedic massage at Sivananda Yoga centre, visiting Qutb Minar at twilight and going out for dinner with Vivek, a friend of my friend Cynthia's.
I am thrilled I managed to get all my ducks lined up and actually purchase a cell phone. It is only for use in India, but it is really going to come in handy. (It already has!)
The Ayurvedic massage was a great experience. I was slathered in oils on a hard wood table (looked like teak), thoroughly massaged, including my head, and then I sat in a steam cabinet. It was great. Expensive by Indian standards, the massage cost 6oo rupees (about $15). I also checked out the Sivananda yoga centre, and picked up a schedule. I want to start taking hatha yoga classes there. I feel I have put on about 5-10 pounds already, due to lack of exercise and quantities of rich, high-carb food. Oh well. (Ajay laughed at this, and said I am now the "Indian Mariellen" ... meaning fatter ...)
Ganesha
The popular elephant-headed Hindu diety, in the garden of Sivananda Yoga centre. Then I went to Qutb Minar, one of Delhi's most famous landmarks. It's not too far from where I am staying in South Delhi, which was the site of several of the early incarnations of this city. (Delhi is the 8th or 9th city to stand on this spot, I forget which.)
Qutb Minar dates from the 12th century, at the onset of Islamic rule in India. It is a soaring tower, intricately carved, and surrounded by the first mosque built in India, some ruins, tombs and lovely grounds. I saw it at the end of the day, when there was few people there and the sky was pink. The buildings are red sandstone, so the effect was magical.
Then, Vivek came by and picked me up and we went for dinner to the golf club, where we had Indian food in the bar. It was very comfortable -- except going outside to get to the bathroom; it's very cold in Delhi tonight (about 5 C.) and the fog is rolling in.
Vivek is a journalist who writes on government affairs for domestic and international publications, so the conversation was very interesting. I think that the
the first mosque
This was the moment it hit me ... I am in India ... the place I have dreamed of since childhood ... most important thing he told me was to not try to simplify, categorize or stereotype India or Indians. This place is just waaayyy too diverse. There's a new culture, a different dialect, other traditions, every five kilometres.
December 17
I didn't finish yesterday -- so many pictures I want to load, and each one takes time. Today I feel almost 100% better. I had a very relaxing day, sitting on the terrace, sunning. I am getting a tan! The terrace at this house is thus far my favourite place in Delhi. It's sunny, relaxing, the air is not bad (above the street pollution), the people are great and wonderful food, tea, sweet lassi's, etc. are brought to you whenever you want.
I also went for a manicure, pedicure and eyebrow threading -- not things I usually do in Canada, but it is the thing to do among this crowd and the total cost was less than $10. Everything I do here is an adventure and a learning opportunity, so I am open to whatever experiences come my way. For example, I went to a beauty salon in Greater Kailash Market (recommended by Ajay's sister-in-law, Meera) that would never
Qutb Minar
Here is the tower, Qutb Minar. This picture definitely does not do it justice. be visited by tourists. It was so interesting to be among real Delhi-ites, and it reminds me (again) of when I lived in Japan. Living somewhere and visiting as a tourist are completely different experiences --- and here in Delhi, I feel I live here.
However, I was not the only blonde at the Affinity Salon! A young woman from New Zealand came in and we started talking. She is marrying an Indian man in two weeks and is a little freaked out (but in a good way). I told her I felt I needed someone to talk to, as well, so we are going to get together for tea next week.
Then, I broke down and bought a sweater and coat. I was so mad at myself for not bringing the right clothes -- not realizing how chilly it gets here at night -- that I have been hesitating to spend the money and cold every time I go out at night.
I have so many wonderful experiences shopping. People here are so warm, open, kind and helpful. I almost always end up shopping "with" some women I meet, and we give each other tips, etc.
sunset at Qutb Minar
Here I am trying to be arty .... I think so far I am learning more about India by shopping than any other way! Who knew!?
I have also met a really great taxi driver who speaks good English. His name is Kamal and he is a Sikh from Punjab (and he wants to take me to visit his home and family there! Of course! That's what people are like here.). So I have his number and he is someone I can call and book a half-day or day-long taxi. For the day it is only 600 rupees ($15). It will be very useful for sightseeing. Now that I'm well, and my lungs and skin are better able to withstand the pollution, there's loads of sights I want to see here.
But in the meantime, I have made all my plans for a three-day trip out of town next week, to Hardiwar and Rishikesk -- the yoga capital of the world! I am so excited about my impending adventure -- and so glad I have my own cell phone to keep in touch with Ajay.
Tonight, I am taking Ajay out for dinner (for a change -- I haven't spent a dime on food or
detail
Here is a detail of the intricate carvings on the red sandstone at Qutb Minar. accommodation yet!). We are going to the Imperial Hotel, which is supposed to be a magnificent example of Raj era architecture, and one of the many five-star hotels in Delhi. My Lonely Planet Guide says that Gandhi, Nehru, Jinnah and Mountbatten met there to discuss "the thorny matter of India's partition." I have read a lot about partition, so it will be moving for me. If you want to see a GREAT movie about it, watch Deepa Mehta's "Earth."
Fifty years later, people here are still discussing the decisions that were made at that time, and Gandhi especially is heavily criticized for his role. Partition resulted in the death of about 3 million people. Personally, I think that people are so critical of Gandhi because they expect so much from him.
P.S. I just figured out today how to access my personal /private messages on this blog. Sorry everyoine who was expecting a reply! But please keep the messages coming. I am loving them.
Advertisement
Tot: 0.105s; Tpl: 0.012s; cc: 6; qc: 56; dbt: 0.0729s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.2mb
Marilyn
non-member comment
glad you are feeling better!
Hello Mariellen, I am enjoying your "letters" so much. Really getting a sense of your adventures. I'm glad that you are feeling better.