We started the day exploring the vibrant streets of Delhi before travelling towards Jaipur, where colourful markets, lively traffic and historic temples set the scene for the next stage of this India adventure.
Delhi
We left the hotel this morning for a coach tour of Delhi. We drove through both Delhi and New Delhi, and our guide pointed out places of interest as we passed them, before we stopped to walk around different sites.
Jama Mosque
Our coach dropped us off at the Jama Mosque so we could walk around it. We climbed the steps to the tourist entrance, and our guide paid the entrance fee for all of us. The women were asked to wear shawls over their heads and sarongs to cover their legs. The men were not allowed to wear shorts that showed their legs either, so because I was wearing shorts, I was also given a fetching blue sarong to cover mine.
We walked into the complex, and our guide, who had accompanied us, told us all about it. After his explanation, we were given a short time to explore and take photos.
Old Delhi & tuk-tuks
When we left the Jama Mosque, we all got into different tuk‑tuks for a tour of Old Delhi. A driver grabbed Vijay and me and told us to get into his tuk‑tuk. I believe he later regretted this, as neither of us could be described as slim or lightweight. Soon we were in a line of around fourteen tuk‑tuks, being taken through the back streets and alleyways of Old Delhi.
We passed tiny shops selling local goods and produce. We travelled underneath thousands of electric and fibre‑optic cables strung above us, feeding the homes and businesses we passed. The roads were full of ruts and potholes, and it quickly became clear to the driver that putting two large men in one tuk‑tuk had not been his best idea. He struggled to pull us up the small rises in the road or across the potholes. Several times, he had to get out to pull the tuk‑tuk’s wheels out of a pothole. On one slightly larger slope, he had to get out and pull the bike up the hill because his legs couldn’t manage it with us onboard.
It was surreal: the roads were full of traffic, yet he weaved through it, dragging us behind him. Twice, he passed a police van on the wrong side of the road or cut it off to get through the traffic, and the police did nothing. It was a wild ride, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and managed to capture the entire experience.
Raj Ghat
Our next stop was the Raj Ghat complex. I enjoyed the gardens, and the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi was pleasant and straightforward. It matched the picture I had in my mind, not extravagant like many memorials, but done in good taste. Our guide, Digamber, shared some history of Raj Ghat and told us that the former Indian prime minister, Indira Gandhi, was not related to Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi was her married name, and the name Gandhi is common in India, meaning “grocer.”
Drama restaurant
As we left Delhi, we stopped at a restaurant called Drama for lunch. The service was slow, and despite ordering before anyone else, I was still waiting for my meal as everyone else finished theirs. Most of the group had ordered curries or vegetable dishes. I had something like chicken nuggets with a mayonnaise dip. It tasted nice enough, but I later wished it hadn’t arrived at all.
I was also disappointed that the waiter never returned with my change. Instead, he lingered at the bar pretending to be busy while the coach party left. I had to follow without my change to make sure I didn’t miss the coach.
Jaipur
On our way to Jaipur, about an hour out of the city, the coach stopped at a service station along the motorway. We all got off, stretched our legs, and bought coffee or other drinks. I stopped at a place called Nothing Before Coffee. The coffee was good and significantly cheaper than similar places in the UK or Spain.
The traffic in Jaipur was crazy, but I soon got used to it as I travelled through India. At times, it seemed like there was a competition to see how many people could fit on one motorbike. Seeing four or more people on a single bike quickly became a regular sight.
Ramada by Wyndham, Jaipur
My hotel in Jaipur was the Ramada Jaipur. I went downstairs to the hotel restaurant for dinner, but I couldn’t eat much as my stomach had started to rumble and I was beginning to feel unwell. I stayed long enough to see some of the ladies on the trip present my dinner companion, Michael, with a piece of cake and a candle to celebrate his birthday.
After everyone had sung Happy Birthday to Michael, I went back to my room to try to sleep.
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