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Delhi was so busy I couldn't write about everything else we did but after our last blog we visited Lodi Gardens in New Delhi, after recent issues with Rickshaws we decided to experience public transport and got the metro which was very good, it was busy on the Metro and there are lots of security but it is very cheap and fast.
Lodi gardens was beautiful with an old mosque and guesthouses. They were so well kept and tidy we walked around then went to their cafe, we liked it so much we went back for another walk and sat under a tree for a while. Much different from the rest of Delhi's Manic streets, there's a much more peaceful atmosphere there.
The next day we went to the Ghandi museum which was very interesting and also had beautiful gardens, we walked along the path where he walked just before he was shot then visited his memorial it was really sad but people are very proud of the museum which has lots of interactive bits and lots of schools visit.
We are getting more used to getting around and a better idea of how much things really cost!
However, we nearly got caught up in a scam just before we left Delhi. We went to visit India Gate, which is a huge monument in the government area of Delhi. We were walking towards the gate, down the main road to it (there's huge parkland either side of the road where several games of cricket were being played which was good to watch), anyway we were getting closer to the gate when it began getting alot busier with people traffic, next thing a woman approaches us offering handmade bracelets for 2 ruppees. Stupidly we stop and act interested and after a short time decide to let them make one for us, next thing another then another woman approaches selling the same thing, so before we know it they're making 2 bracelets for us. What made it strange was that several members of the public stopped to start filming what was going on (probably to record the dumb white people). Then suddenly one of the women selling bracelets grabs Sinead's hand and starts painting a really wonky henna tatoo! At first Sinead can't get her hand free but eventually does and wipes the paint off before it sets. By this time the 2 bracelets are finished, so we go to hand over the money but they want 200 ruppees instead! Not happy we have a small argument then proceed to walk off after parting with 20 ruppees, saying it's not worth the bother. However it doesn't end there because these women proceed to harrass for the next 10 minutes until we eventually got a rickshaw the heck out of there (not before getting a good picture of India Gate), it was like a scene from a film, i had to say to the driver 'just drive, just drive.' We learned a good lesson there, which we should have spoted a mile off. 'In India, if it sounds to good to be true, then it is'
We then got on our first train to Agra, it was really busy! We had lunch on the train rice and dahl.
Arriving in Agra we got a really nice Taxi driver who took us to see sunset over the Taj Mahal (for a cost) after we'd checked our bags at the hotel. He was called Jameil and he made us pose for really cheesy photo's that nobody will be allowed to see! the next morning we also paid to go into the Taj complex for a close up at sunrise, it truely is a magnificent building, words can't describe it so there's a picture attached to the show you.
Leaving Agra we had a 5 hour wait at the train station (the train was delayed 4.5 hours! which apparently is the norm here), as we frustratedly travelled to Sawai Madhopur which is where we are now. We've done a Tiger safari this morning and whilst we didn't see any Tigers we did see some other good wildlife.
We're leaving for Jaipur tomorrow, hopefully the train won't be late!
- comments
jennifer watts Sounds like you're having lots of fun you two even with a frustrating delay on your train journey. Re your bracelet scam, they must have seen you coming!!! Hope you have been more successful with the one to Jaipur. Hope you're taking lots of photos of the places you have been visiting. Looking forward to your next blog. (I check several times a day and this one has only arrived today (12th) even though you seem to have updated it on the 10th). Take care and keep safe. Lmdx
Karen Todd Sounds exciting!! Lots of stuff you've been up to and seen - i wish i was there! Keep posting and we'll keep reading... Can't wait to see the photos too. Take care, love Kaz & co xx
Dave Whitfield Keep going Andrew, keep your hat on your head and your hand in your pocket, then have a beer! Sounds familiar, it's great though !
Jennie Finney You're learning how to it Indian style. Check out the Bollywood films later in the year, I'm sure the bracelet escapade will be in it somewhere. I'm feeling quite proud of the both of you. Take care and ENJOY xxx
Howard Ellison Andy - Glad to hear you're having such a fabulous time. I can't believe you've found somewhere more frantic and chaotic than working in corrugated packaging!! It all sounds exciting. Your blog is great and I look forward to reading more about your experiences. Best wishes to you both.
Melanie King Ah gosh, that bracelet episode sounds very stressful. Though I bet keeping the bracelet will give you some interesting memories.