MandyMcGregor.co.nz

12, Mar, 2010

Woke up feeling a bit better about the results and with a bit more determination to turn things around fo rthe next event we attend.  Headspace has  alot to do with it.  Went to breakfast after a nice lie in, and chatted to the Jersey team of Steve, Mike, Lucy and Jeff. They had last evening with Prince Andrew at the consulate and had a great time.  They all had a free day as Lucy is in the Individuals tomorrow, and being they had 3 guys, we decided to tag along with them to the shops down the road.  Steph also wanted to try McDonalds which wasnt far away, and so we headed out for the morning.

The first place we went to was a huge emporium of everything Indian. There were floors and floors of brass, gold, wood, toys, silks and saris and fabrics and anything else you could possibly imagine.  It was hot and stuffy but good becasue they didnt hassle you in there, and so we spent a bit of money and time. I ventured to the toilet, that was another experience - a squatting one!! I looked at it, then back at the lady usshering me in, then back to the toilet, and said 'oh'. She just grinned at me.  I come out of the loo and she's throwing buckets of water all over the place, so I got out before I wore one!

Across the road was McDonalds, and Steph was stoked, it was just like home - almost.  I was thinking cheeseburger but looked at the menu, no beef!! Of course not!  So I had a filet of fish and chips, and it tasted just like it should. They had everything chicken available, and fish, and a paneer wrap, and I think it is safe to say we will be going back there again, especially as Anne and Steph indulged in the sundaes!

Our first tuk tuk ride today was to India Gate as the Jersey guys hadnt been, so we went along, what a ride, there are no rules on the road, you just get in a tuk tuk and they find a gap, everyone cuts everyone else off, its amazing, scary and funny all at the same time.  Every time you stop someone comes up to you trying to sell you something, or young kids begging for money or to sell you something.   Then there are guys walking along the road with coconut pieces for sale, or fruit.  We left India Gate & went to the Red Fort which was in old Delhi, but we didnt go inside as the queue was very long and it was hot, and expensive.  Every corner you are collared to buy this and that, and we got some indians wanting to take us around old delhi in their rickshaws. We agreed, (2 hours $300 rupees - $9.40) and they ducked and weaved thru the old alleys to give us a tour.  We stopped at a Sikh?? temple where they were praying, and eating, and you had to take your shows and socks off, and wear a headscarf. The indians that went in all were kissing the steps of the temple, we were freaking out about germs, and it was quite unnerving to go inside. There were people sitting around praying, kneeling to the feet of peoplespeaking and singing, and a man outside with his head against a statue wailing and singing. Scary.  I was happy to leave that area.

We went deeper into the alleys and to the spice markets. Oh my goodness, we went in this dark alley and they tried to get us to come upstairs to somewhere but we wouldnt go. The smell of the spices at first was great, then totally overpowering, you were coughing and spluttering and it was good to get out into the 'fresh' air.  The spices were amazing. On the side of the pavement were people selling goods, one guy had millions of dates he was selling. Becasue we were white we attracted a lot of attention, but everyone except the crazy man who kept chasing us saying 'god bless you' were polite.

We passed a Mosque, and went down some alleys where the buildings are over 250 years old, and into some shops where they tried to sell us all sorts of goods. We saw monkeys running along the powerlines in the old area, cats and dogs on the street, goats, cows and squirrels, not to mention the other days passing of elephants and camels.

I was happy to be getting back in a tuk tuk to get back to semi - civilisation in the area we are staying. It was scary with pickpockets and homeless at every turn, and everyone watching you. We had good guides whom advised us and took us everywhere, but I am glad to be out of there.

Sitting back now writing this I know I have missed so much, but there is so much you cant describe, the pollution, the smell, the dirt, contrasting the alleys of wedding saris and bright coloured fabrics, spices and jewellery.

Blown away.