Delhi

Chandni Chowk, Red Fort

We arrived on a exceptionally beautiful morning. The red sun that just rose above the horizon welcomed us in India. The taxivalas a bit confused (because they were waiting for us the previous day) took our cases and rushed through the huge airport surroundings to the car. The driver, native Punjabi explained with details the difficulties and advantages of his life in Delhi. After refreshening at the hotel Ajanta (Pahar Ganj) we set out for a first glance at the city.

Although very tired (two nights without sleep) we went to explore the vastness of Indian bazar life in Chandni Chowk. However it turned out that the market is closed on Sundays. Nevertheless there were crowds everywhere, though not so overwhelming as the people say. It's a nice feeling that so many things are going on around you, so many deals done just as you pass. Of course every one was gazing at us and wanted to stop us and offer some or other service. Fortunately we had a guide in a person of a young men - Mahinder, very shy but an excellent driver, who rushed us through the crowd and showed us the way.

That's how we found the Sikh temple, where we had to take off shoes and the men at the door tied the cloth on our heads. We walked through the entrance wet with the fresh water to the hall filled with songs.

When we walked out back to the crowds we headed to the Red Ford. In front of the entrance we saw the huge queue. However our guide told us it's for Indians (though we later saw few foreigners standing patiently somewhere in the middle of the line). Closer to the entrance the line changed to two lines, one longer for men and shorter one for women. The plain evidence that there are much more men than women in India.

The fort amazed us with it's skillfully carved moghol ornaments. The sunny and clear sky distinguished its perfect shapes and slim profiles. Passing by women looked like flowers in their bright colored suits. Men didn't attract the eye as easily, but they gazed so intensely at you that one couldn't escaped it.

After sightseeing we wanted to go to the Church, but then the driver took us to the amazing shop with Indian cloths. So much choice, and so many beautiful dresses. I couldn't decide which one to buy. Finally I bought one salvar kameez in an anarkali, Punjabi style. I don't want to take it off!!!!

After a fruitful visit in the Indian shop we rushed Mahinder to hurry up to the hotel and the church. The way he maneuvered between the cars and the skill of his driving amazed us. Nothing is impossible in India!

The Mass was a great spiritual experience. Indians as expected almost sang out the whole Mass. The songs had American origin, I guess, but adapted by Indians turned to the amazing spontaneous and energetic hymns to the glory of God.

As you may guess we came home exhausted and rushed to bed.

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