Delhi - Part 1

The morning after the wedding we woke up early to pack, run a few errands and then catch our flight to Delhi.  The flight lasted about 1.5 hours and was uneventful (the best kind of flight, right?).  We arrived in the early afternoon and took a taxi to another luxurious hotel, the ITC Maurya (thank you Starwood points!).  There was no time to waste, since we only had a day and a half in Delhi.  We had a quick room service lunch, changed and then headed out just before sunset.

Our first stop was the India Gate (not to be confused with the Gateway to India in Mumbai.  The India Gate is a large arch, which sits near the city center and most of the government buildings.  On the way we passed Parliament and a bunch of other official looking buildings.  There were large crowds in front of the India Gate and vendors selling everything from postcards to Santa Claus masks.  Christmas seems to have become quite big in India.  The stores play Christmas music, the hotels display trees and wreaths, and they sell Santa Claus masks on the street.  Who knew?

Random government building

After the India Gate we continued on to Connaught Place, a large circle in the center of Delhi with shopping, shopping and more shopping.  Delhi (at least the New Delhi) is very different from Mumbai.  The cars travel on large boulevards, there is extensive "green space" - Delhi is one of the greenest capitals in the world, and the locals dress in more Western clothing.  Apparently there is a big rivalry between Delhi (the political capital) and Mumbai (the commerce capital).  We're on the fence but think we prefer Delhi.

India Gate up close

Us with the India Gate

Att Connaught Place we found a few stores that we liked - a Levi's brand called dENiZEN and a shop that sold Indian household wares.  Felipe also found a bookstore that sold The Little Prince in Hindi (he collects the book in any language he can find).  We also ventured into some of the street markets, like Janpath Market.  There were hundreds of stalls selling a range of clothing, jewelry, shoes, belts, handicrafts, wood carvings, etc.  Felipe swears that the last time he visited Janpath someone tried to sell him a live cobra!

Our new favorite jeans

After a couple of hours wandering around we were ready to head back to the hotel.  There were no cabs in sight and we were feeling adventurous so we decided to take a tuk tuk.  A tuk tuk is basically a moped attached to a shell with a bench where customers can sit.  This was a wild ride.  The tuk tuks weave in and out of traffic, honking their tiny horns at trucks and busses.  Also, because the shell isn't fully enclosed, you're breathing the fumes from all of the other cars.  It was fun but I don't think we'll make a habit of it.

Tuk tuk

Psychedelic tuk tuk

Once we were back at the hotel we settled in for the night and watched 2012.  If you're never seen 2012, don't.