| December
18th Log |
Dec 18th Pics |
| Well, there's good days and bad
days. My camera stop working. Lousy son-of-gun. I had to buy a
new one. India is cost more and more each day. I met my guide
at 10 AM. I have the same driver for the next four days. His
name is Mr. Singh. It is extremely fogging this morning in
Delhi. So much so, that planes were being diverted.
Our first stop is an area name Chandi Chowk ("Silvery,
Moonlit Square"). This is the heart of Old Delhi and it's
packed. It takes about 30 minutes to get to the place we are
headed, which is Jami Masjid, the largest mosque in India. It is
very impressive. I wish I had some pictures.
From Eyewitness Travel Guides India
Once Shahjahanabad's most elegant boulevard, Chandi Chowk,
laid out in 1648, had a canal running through it, and was lined
with grand shops and mansions. Today, it is still the heart of
Old Delhi, where religious and commercial activity mix easily.
Next, we go to Rajghat - the cremation site of Mahatma
Gandhi. It is a very nice monument. Many people are there. I
wish I had some pictures.
From Eyewitness Travel Guides India
India's most potent symbol of nationhood, Rajghat is the site
of Mahatma Gandhi's cremation. A somber, black granite platform
inscribed with his last works, He Ram! ("Oh God") now
stands here. The only splash of color comes for the garlands of
orange marigolds that are draped over the platform. All visiting
heads of state are taken to this samadhi (memorial) to
lay wreaths in memory of the "Father of the Nation".
We go to a camera shop. Long story short - bought a new
(maybe) camera for 15,000 rupees. No warranty. I have an
extended warranty on my broke camera, but a lot of good that
does me here. Worse things could happen, it's just very
frustrating.
After getting my new (maybe) camera, we go to Vijay Chowk or
'Victory Square'. It was originally laid out by the British. It
is were the government is run in India. Big buildings and lots
of guards.
Vijay Chowk |
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| After that, onto Mehrauli
Archaeological Park. It is another UNESCO World Heritage
Monument. The most impressive thing is the Qutb Minar, which is
India's highest stone tower. There is lots of carvings and it is
very big. From Eyewitness Travel Guides India
Best known for the Qutb Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage
Monument, Mehrauli was built over Rajput territories call Lal
Kot and Qila Rai Pithora. In 1193, Qutbuddin Aibak, then a
slave-general of Muhammad of Ghur, made it the center of the
Delhi Sultanate. By the 13th century the small village,
Mehruali had grown around the shrine of the Sufi saint, Qutb
Sahid. Later, Mughal princes came here to hunt and some
19th-century British officials built weekend house, attracted
by the area's orchards, ponds and game. Many of Delhi's rich
and famous now own sprawling retreats in the area.
The Qutb Minar towers over this historical area where
Qutbuddin Aibak laid the foundation of the Delhi Sultanate. In
1193, he built the Quwwat-ul-Islan ("Might of Islam") Mosque
and the Qutb Minar to announce the advent of the Muslim
sultans. The mosque is a patchwork of fusion of
decorative Hindu panels, salvaged from razed temples around
the site, and Islamic domes and arches. Later, Iltutmish,
Alauddin Khliji and Feroze Shah Tughluq added more structures,
heralding a new architectural style.
Mehrauli
Archaeological Park |
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| For lunch, I had some very good
Indian food. Then, onto one of the best sites in Delhi,
Humayun's Tomb. It is said that it was the inspiration for the
Taj Mahal. I hope the pictures do it justice.
From Eyewitness Travel Guides India
Humayun, the second Mughal emperor, is buried is this tomb,
the first great example of a Mughal garden tomb, and
inspiration for several later monuments, such as the
incomparable Taj Mahal. Built in 1565 by Persian architect
Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, it was commissioned by Mumayan's senior
widow, Haji Begum. Often called "a dormitory of the House of
Timur", the graves in its chambers include Humayun's wives and
Dara Shikoh, Shah Jahan's scholarly son. Also in the complex
are the octagonal tomb and mosque of Isa Khan, a 16th-century
nobleman, and the tomb of Humayun's favorite barber.
Humayun's
Tomb |
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| I was then able to see some really
Kashmir carpets. Very nice. The workmanship is incredible, as
well as the price. On the way back, we stop by the India gate.
Except for the camera breaking, a very good day.
Did I mention tipping? Everybody expects a tip, everyone. The
guy watching your shoes at the temple, 10 rupees. They guy
handing you a paper towel in the restroom, 20 rupees. The guy
carrying you bag to the room, 50 rupees. Your tour guide, 500
rupees. Plus, I bought a $6 Heinkein in the bar. Smart move. |
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