1. We went to the Delhi Mosque – biggest Mosque in India – and were escorted by a good guide who latched onto us and later stung us for r400 (a lessom learnt). That was our first ‘tipping’ experience closely followed by the man who stole my shoes and wanted r10 for their safe return. They’re black suede and he was stroking one of them like Mr Bond’s cat. The Mosque was wonderful and 25,000 worshippers would attend on major feast days.
2. Next our driver, Anil, pin-balled his way through a myriad of combative vehicles of every bizarre complexion to Gandhi’s memorial where we were confronted by a constant stream of beaming uniformed schoolboys whose main activity of the day was to shake the hand of two unfortunate westerners.
3. Then off to Humayon’s tomb, the first World Heritage site of the day, an impressive if eccentric and expensive memorial where we experienced for the first time our improbable alluring attraction to the local youths wishing to be photographed with two aging queens, it seems.
4. More driving extravaganza before Qutub Minar, another W H site and the tallest tower in India. Very intricate masonry carvings, worthy of a day of anyone’s interest.
5. Finally, India Gate, a magnificent construction similar but superior to Arc de Triumph and much admired by a multitude of Indian tourists. We managed to avoid many persistent opportunities to purchase a plethora of useless artifacts that would normally attract a child of 7 years old. Clearly age is no deterrent to sales technique.
Overall, stunning examples of India’s fine heritage and in marked contrast to some of the modern day squalor in parts of Old Delhi. Time for beer!Donny + Billo
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