Old Delhi

The sprawl of old Delhi was rather overwhelming, especially how busy it was. It follows the classic bazaar style - narrow streets, far too many people, and rows of shops selling the same thing! For what of something a bit out of the ordinary, I visited the Jain bird hospital, where they look after any birds brought in by the public. 90% pigeons, but some housebirds and 4 very sad peacocks. After that the Jamma Mosque. It is the largest mosque in India, and the most expensive to visit! 300rs in camera fees and entry to the tower, but the view was worth it, and I dont have to feel guilty about giving less when visiting other mosques now.

The spice market, while aimed squarely at the wholesale market, was still interesting to visit, and it was rather funny to see everyone coughing and sneezing the whole time, as the air is thick with chili dust. As a visitor though, it is not nearly as interesting at the one in Istanbul, with all of the spices piled up to see. This was just giant sacks everywhere.

Final morning in Delhi was of mixed success. I tried to visit the Akshardham Temple, which is the biggest Hindu temple in the world, but it is closed on Mondays apparently, which was news to the driver, and not mentioned in the guide book. Tughlaqabad fort was open though, and it was fun to explore the extensive ruins. It differs from a ruin in the UK, where while the walls would be left, the ground would have been cleared of rubble, and have been thoroughly sanitized. In India, a ruin is just that, left as it is, and all the bricks and stones just lying where they fell. Which adds a certain something to the experience.

Few final notes from Delhi. Asian faces and black people. There are a large number of other Asians here, from all over the continent, which, apart from the odd Tibetan, is not something seen in other parts of India. There are also Africans, in large enough numbers to suggest there is some from of industry they are involved in. Something else not I haven't seen in India.

Felt very tired on the way to the station. The week in Delhi felt alot more like being home, than the travelling I have been doing, and the thought of 10 hours on a dirty train wasn't very appealing. But thankfully got over that, as I am not very half way through this trip!