We did Delhi!!

Breakfast.

I think it's fair to say both Mark and I had been a little apprehensive about Delhi. So many stories from so many people about poverty, getting ill,  scams etc etc. And at this end of the trip we're flagging abit. This morning we just didn't know what to expect when we stepped outside.

Happy to report IT WAS AWESOME!! Blinking hot, but awesome.

We got a driver at the hotel and headed for the Red Fort. Big old Sandstone Fort commissioned by Emperor Shah Jan in 1639 when he decided to shift his capital from Agra to Delhi.

It's impressive.

Then a little girl in a pink dress wanders over to us to say hello. Followed by her family who all shake our hands and ask for a photo.

We manage to get a few of our own shots but most of the next hour is spent hugging strangers for photos.

Not content with a group shot these ladies insisted on individual poses too.

Quick, get one of just us!

Boys and new friend.

And more.

Me and the lads.

Posing.

This little boy really did not want his photo taken but his Mum was so insistent.

The beautiful grounds of the Red Fort. Freddy was convinced we were being tailed by Paperatzzi the whole time.

Fort with Black Kites.

Leaving the fort.

At Raj That, Ghandi's memorial.

It's like a family reunion. We met these guys at the Red Fort. Such lovely people, told us all about their family. Freddy had had enough though.

But managed a cheeky selfie.

The memorial.

We had to remove shoes here and the paving was red hot.

After about 3 hours and in 41°c we are melting. Can't ask the boys to do any more so we head back to hotel.

So many Black Kites circling for food.

Autoricks.

We spend about 4 hours in the room, showering, chilling, writing journals, relaxing. You would never know the heat and craziness going on outside. We are lucky.

Trip advisor informs us of a lovely veggie restaurant just a short walk from out place.

 And what a walk it is. On the narrow dusty street there's heaps of traffic of all descriptions,beeping and shouting and staring. It's hard to manouver rounds cars, trucks, animals, bikes laden with stuff. We make it and are treated to such delicious food. Tandoori veg, paneer, butter naans, gravies and mango lassi. It's a taste sensation.

Carrot butterflies adorn the rice.

Tandoori veg and cheese, what's not to like?

A full up Mark.

Back to hotel. We did it. We did Delhi!! 

We did see some distressing sights, there is no escaping the poverty of so many.  But today amongst that  we experienced friendliness, openess, curiosity and so many smiling faces.