We have really enjoyed our time in Delhi. Despite most locals telling us that we are mad to spend two weeks here its great just wandering around, and there is plenty to see. The atmosphere has been generally friendly, and not felt threatening at all. We have used the new metro extensively, it is very cheap, clean and reliable, only opened in 2002 and is still being extended. Unfortunately the locals are not very good at letting passengers off before they get on, so can be quite a fight at busy times, which is most of the time.

There are armed police and soldiers everywhere due to the high risk of terrorism at present following the bombings in Mumbai and hence the big show of state security. To use the metro we have to walk through a metal detector and have our bags xrayed. It was Republic day on Monday 26th Jan, and this was expected to be disrupted by some sort of attack. We decided to stay near our hotel, and not go anywhere near the city centre. So we watched the parade and show of military might by India on the television. But in the afternoon we went for a walk for some fresh air and came across a residents street party for the Republic Day which we stopped to listen to, the local children were all performing their party pieces and we were invited in. Following the childrens performances there was a raffle and then bingo. They had food supplied by a local restaurant and insisted that we join in the festivities.

Other strange things that have happened include waking up one morning to find that the road outside our hotel had been resurfaced, quite amazing when you see the state of the surrounding roads, that have probably not had any new tarmac laid in about 20 years.

We went to see a film nominated for 10 oscars called Slumdog Millionaire on Sunday night, which has been very big news over here. We can see why the Indians might not appreciate its depiction of some of thier culture, but it was quite funny and the good guy gets the girl in the end, so we enjoyed it.

We are ready to move on now, as the security is starting to get a bit annoying. We went to an out of town supermarket the other day and were not allowed in because we had bags with us!!!! Today we were stopped from entering a park in the city centre, first of all because Eric had a camera in his rucksack (but mobile phone camera's were not a problem), then because Abby had two bags of crisps in her rucksack (which the security guard would have happily relieved us of).

There are a lot of beggars, both small children and sick/disabled people that you learn to ignore. We can not help them all although we have given money to the ones that appeared to be in a very bad way and suffering the most.

Looking forward to meeting up with our group tomorrow, to start our tour of Rajasthan.

A&E