After a fantastic sleep on a very comfortable mattress ( nothing to look at but so good) we wandered up to the rooftop for a bit of brekkie. Just toast and cornflakes with coffee and juice this morning, will ease our way into the local food. Last night's meal of cumin pakora and some small boiled potatoes in spices were great, along with a kingfisher of course.
Shower was good and trying desperately not to injest the water. Oh well we will soon see how good we are.
Off to the ATM to get some cash, asked the doorman where one was, so he walked us the two blocks to it and then escorted us back. Not because of safety, just courtesy, lovely.
Today we have booked a taxi for 8 hours for the grand sum of $50 who will drive us to a number of the sights. Just seemed easy and at the end of the day was a great move.
First stop was the Parliament house, Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential residence) and the north and south secretariat offices, which are just a stop and look due to security. Great examples of early 20th century British architecture. At the end of the Rajpath was the enormous India gate, which built to honour the 90,000 fallen of WW1. The names are inscribed in the stonework.
It was then onto Humayun's tomb. Amazing collection of buildings and gardens, but halfway through totally invaded by hundreds of schoolchildren. Built by 16th century Mugul emperor it predates the Taj Mahal and was well worth the visit.
Then onto the Qutb Minar raised in 1193 by conquering Afghan Muslim who destroyed the city to build this complex. Crowds were amazing as it was Sunday and these 3 days are when all India come to visit these places. Gotta love the foreigners lane though, no queueing for the excessive price of$10, love it.
Then we were taken to a textile place and the onto a stop for lunch, by now after 2pm. I had a fantastic chickpea with pomegranate seeds and ajwain, kasoori methi and spices called Chana peshawari with some garlic naan, exquisite, definitely have this again. It was then onto the monkey temple and a Sihk temple before returning to the HP for a little rest.
On dusk we then ventured out into the night markets which are everything you imagine India to be. Busy, crowded, noisy, dirty and FUN, just a wonderful experience. Didn't even buy anything!
Back for dinner which were some excellent veg spring rolls with a green chilli sauce and a Cottage cheese and veg curry for Isabel. Oh and a kingfisher of course. Not too late but a long fun packed day and now for a bit of shut eye.
Maybe the Red fort tomorrow.
Shower was good and trying desperately not to injest the water. Oh well we will soon see how good we are.
Off to the ATM to get some cash, asked the doorman where one was, so he walked us the two blocks to it and then escorted us back. Not because of safety, just courtesy, lovely.
Today we have booked a taxi for 8 hours for the grand sum of $50 who will drive us to a number of the sights. Just seemed easy and at the end of the day was a great move.
First stop was the Parliament house, Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential residence) and the north and south secretariat offices, which are just a stop and look due to security. Great examples of early 20th century British architecture. At the end of the Rajpath was the enormous India gate, which built to honour the 90,000 fallen of WW1. The names are inscribed in the stonework.
It was then onto Humayun's tomb. Amazing collection of buildings and gardens, but halfway through totally invaded by hundreds of schoolchildren. Built by 16th century Mugul emperor it predates the Taj Mahal and was well worth the visit.
Then onto the Qutb Minar raised in 1193 by conquering Afghan Muslim who destroyed the city to build this complex. Crowds were amazing as it was Sunday and these 3 days are when all India come to visit these places. Gotta love the foreigners lane though, no queueing for the excessive price of$10, love it.
Then we were taken to a textile place and the onto a stop for lunch, by now after 2pm. I had a fantastic chickpea with pomegranate seeds and ajwain, kasoori methi and spices called Chana peshawari with some garlic naan, exquisite, definitely have this again. It was then onto the monkey temple and a Sihk temple before returning to the HP for a little rest.
On dusk we then ventured out into the night markets which are everything you imagine India to be. Busy, crowded, noisy, dirty and FUN, just a wonderful experience. Didn't even buy anything!
Back for dinner which were some excellent veg spring rolls with a green chilli sauce and a Cottage cheese and veg curry for Isabel. Oh and a kingfisher of course. Not too late but a long fun packed day and now for a bit of shut eye.
Maybe the Red fort tomorrow.
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