Roddy, you're gonna hate me for this...
Trip Start
Sep 08, 2011
1
20
35
Trip End
Oct 12, 2011
What I did
World Heritage Site day
New Delhi, NCT, India
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
WHS [World Heritage Site] #1: Qtub Minar is the tallest minar in the world. The grounds are peaceful. The Iron Pillar has been a curiosity throughout history, having never rusted in over two millenia. The remnants of an even higher minar--barely started--were nearby, testament to the grandiose design of a past omnipotent ruler.
Back to the Florence Hotel to check out and transfer to the Florence Inn, a slightly less well appointed place but closer to the subway which I was soon on again, exiting at Nehru Station. A short tuktuk ride followed.
WHS #@: Humayun's Tomb was striking. One's first impression is the Taj Mahal in red sandstone, very similar in style and also on a raised platform. It is not completely restored and loses out somewhat on closer inspection. Its grounds were more impressive than those of the Taj Mahal and there are other mausoleums on site, including the Tomb of the Barber. Tourists were at a premium at these two sites.
A big Sikh tuktuk driver took me on the ring road up to Chandri Chowk. I had a chuckle at some of his use of English: a] pointing out a school for the blind, he asked 'do you know blind?' and b] passing the Rajghat, he asked 'do you know Gandhi?'.
Went to Vineet's for a raj kachauri all for myself, along with a couple of Sprites. The exterior sign boasts 'A hygenic vegetable Indian take away'. Even here one got resistance to 500 rupee notes. Back out into the blistering heat.
WHS #3: The Red Fort was built by Shan Jahan [of Taj Mahal fame] as a new city. It soon became the capital of the Mughal empire. The lustre and finish may be gone but the core buildings evoke their original grandeur with a bit of imagination. These Mughal cities were not for the masses.
Subway back and wifi for email/two days of blogging. To the Florence Hotel to meet up with the others. Went to the Royal Treat, a spot the Tassies had stumbled into weeks ago originally seeking a beer. My chicken dish was very tender but again could not finish the naan; no such trouble, however, re the Kingfisher Ultra and a G+T; go figure. Caught some cricket on the telly, the clear sport of kings in India.
Outside farewell to the Lovebirds; good riddance! A final nightcap and bon voyage to two-thirds of the troika of interesting people I met on this trip [Phil, in case you forgot, you complete the picture].
