This tomb was built for Humayun, the second Mughal emperoro. The Mughals were responsible for building many of the monuments found in Northern India, including the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort.
As you might expect, our past three days in Delhi have been pretty exciting. We’ve been amazed with all of the contrasts in this complex culture, and are slowly getting used to the way things work.
While waiting for the wedding on Friday we’ve had a chance to get a good look at most of Delhi’s famous sites, and got a full rundown on Northern India’s history from our guide Manju and driver Kimi. These sites are all amazing and represent the fabulous wealth that India has had over the centuries.
With temperatures reaching 43 degrees the ground tends to get a little hot. You're required to remove your shoes when entering a Mosque (and most other sites where respect is shown), but they kindly set out cloth paths for you to walk on.The Qutub Minas was started by the first Muslim ruler of india in the 1100s. The iron pillar in the foreground is over 1600 years old and remains uncorroded. Something very interesting to science types.These footprints mark the last steps Mohandas Gandhi took before being shot to death in 1948, just 6 months after India won its independence.
We’ve also had the chance to walk the streets a bit and check out the markets. On our first day I was amazed at how “untouristy” these bazaars were… then came day two.
This street vendor is selling paan, which is a mixture containing betel leaf and tobacco. You also find this stuff in little packages at shops along the roads.Food vendors like this one are all over the place.A vendor taking a break before the bazaar gets too busy.This man is making roti bread by sticking the dough inside a round clay oven.This wiring is pretty typical of what's found in Old Delhi. When folks need electricity for their homes they just tap into the main line and take it. Notice the electical engineer shop in the background.
Then came Day Two when our tour guide took us to see the “best places for the deals” where we met the hard-sell professionals.
My folks playing along with a carpet salesman. The shtick these guys have is pretty amazing.
On Day Three we found a mall, which was pretty weird considering the families we passed that were living on the sidewalks are making roughly $20 a day. Huge gap between the rich and the poor in India.
After three days in the streets of Delhi we were pretty shocked to find this very western mall.
Getting around town has been very interesting. I’m still trying to take a photo that comes close to capturing how truly insane the traffic and drivers are here.
A rare (and dangerous) glimpse at stopped traffic at one of the few traffic lights we've seen so far.We saw this elephant walking down the freeway.These pedal trikes are all over the place and are a good, cheap form of transportation.
Even when they’re trying to sell you something, the people here are very friendly and laid back.
Another guy taking a nap, this one wasn't a vendor though I don't think.
The Indians are a very colourful bunch and make some cute kids. It's customary for Hindu children to wear a dark paste under their eyes like this little guy.These families are taking a break in the shade of a tree.
Well, that’s it for now. I have a new found respect for all of the work Chris and Laura have been doing for their site! All photos are by myself and my mom, Margie. At this point I’m not sure which ones are which!
We’re expecting my sister Dana to arrive sometime tonight from Europe (the airports appear to be open and flying now so fingers crossed), then we’ve got the wedding tomorrow and are heading to Jaipur on Saturday. Exciting Stuff!
To Dale, Marg, Kim and Dana – The pictures are wonderful. Hope the wedding was fun and that the Taj Mahal was as beautiful as mom always said it was. Can’t wait to hear of your trip to Seoni, mom’s birthplace. Give India a hug from me… Love, Auntie Sue
Thanks guys! The heat isn’t as bad as we expected. Though the temp is in the 40s during the day it’s like being in a sauna rather than a steamroom. the A/C car helps too!
Off to Agra today to see the Taj Mahal, then to Seoni in two days time. More pictures soon! I got a good one with 3 camels on the highway.
Thank you for the interesting pics and dialogue, I feel like I am on the trip with you.
It sounds like a fairytale, I am so happy you are all now at your intended destinations.
Amazing photos! (At first I actually thought you grabbed them off the web. Sorry!) I’m just waiting for the one of you in local garb. Or do you blend in THAT well? Happy Dana got there. Can’t wait to see and hear about the wedding. How’s the heat?
Muhulu
Me & Bean
Hi Chris and Laura, I am so enjoying my armchair travels with you guys! What a fabulous time you are having. We got your postcard today from Rome. That was pretty quick! I can’t even get mail from ,y daughter in Toronto that fast! We are all doing good, Teri is still here and hope she will be here for at least another couple of months. I am glad because she is a big help to me. Chris, your photos are absolutely wonderful. Keep having a great time!
Love, Lynne
Thanks Lynne. Just to be clear though, this one’s from our friend Dale. We won’t get to India for a few months yet. I’m sure he’ll appreciate it though.
Cheers,
Chris
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