Day 6 Part 1 - Gummed by a Cobra

Did I mention that we were staying at a beautiful hotel in Delhi? Here are a few shots of my room. Talk about posh!

After a few short hours of sleep, we were all ready for a full day of site seeing in Delhi. We started our day at 11 am when our driver picked us up. There were a few destinations we had in mind, he had some additional ideas. Overall, the day was packed. We were all really excited - especially Schick!

Stop 1: Parliament Buildings

Delhi is the capital of India. The government buildings were absolutely stunning. All in red brick and decorated with elaborate stone carvings and wrought iron designs. From the main Parliament building you can see down to the India Gate (it reminds me of the Mall in Washington DC). 

Stop 2: India Gate

Each large International city has to have it's own arch. Delhi is no different. This arch is in the memory of soldiers fighting in mid-twentieth century. It is a huge monument with a smaller cupola on the grounds with it. All around the arch, there were people of all ages trying to sell their wares. Mike really wanted to buy a helicopter toy for his son Miles but opening your wallet in a crowd like that is just asking for trouble. 

As we were walking back to our car, a man to the left of Mike and I opened a rice cooker and much to my displeasure there was a small Cobra. Mike didn't notice until the Cobra launched at his ankle at which time Mike began cursing the likes I've never seen before. We continued on and the man followed us. Kevin had always wanted to hold a Cobra and since these Cobras are de-fanged when they are captured, he decided there was no time like the present. Schick and I watched from a good distance of about 20 feet while Mike took video. 

Stop 3: Humayun Tomb

This was a stop that we hadn't planned on making but N Singh suggested it. We were all pleasantly surprised by the grounds of this tomb. The tomb was built in memory of Mughal Emperor Humayun by his wife. There are several buildings on the grounds, including the main tomb and a tomb for the architect. While we were atop the Emperor's tomb, Schick almost died. Along the edges of the top platform, there are drainage trenches. Mike stepped into one, lost his balance and almost went over the edge - the drop would have been over 20 feet onto solid stone. Thankfully he caught himself; and thankfully I wasn't watching when it happened. The rest of the day, I was afraid of every step I took (and Schick took). 

Stop 4: Raj Ghat
Raj Ghat is a gorgeous park in the heart of Delhi where Mahatma Ghandi's remains have been laid to rest. People from all over the country make a pilgrimage to this park to visit the grave of the 'Father of India'. There were people from each of the different states - noticeable through their diverse dress and appearance.

Stop 5: Lunch

We stopped into another Havmor (it's a known entity) for lunch. Before we dined, we gave our driver money for lunch and released him to have his own meal.

Stop 6: High-end Market

Our driver must have thought we were high-rollers, after all we were staying at the Taj Palace and had a private driver for the entire weekend, so he took us to a high-end market selling hand woven rugs, gold, etc. Everything was out of our price range so we asked him to take us to a more reasonably priced market.

Stop 7: Delhi Haat - Local Market / Bizarre

Eureka! We found what we were looking for. A sprawling market with just about anything a foreigner would want. Kevin and I bought some scarves (I'm helping him shop for the woman in his family), Schick bought some tapestries, and I bought a bunch of beautiful gifts for my team in Florida. 

Stop 8: Home

By 6 pm, we were all exhausted and just wanted to sit by the pool and sip some cocktails. Look at this - could you blame us after all? :)

More to come in Part 2 . . . .