We spent what seemed like hours weaving in and out of the crazy traffic, slipping through impossible spaces that an American driver could never manage. Periodically, young girls, maybe 6 or 7 years old, would splay themselves against the car window selling flowers. Our driver warned us not to encourage this. These children are school age and school is free in India, including a free lunch. But at the same time there is a mafia controlling child beggars throughout India. So we are told not to participate. Meanwhile, the children are victimized.
Our first stop was the QTUB complex....a mosque and minar from the 11th century. Apparently the complex was started by a former slave who rose to sultanship. Apparently a female descendent rose to prominence as well — certainly this would never happen today.
Following is a description from the site if there is any interest:
The real history of the complex
In front of the Minar
View of minar from the decaying gates
A gallery in the complex
A sales pitch is obligatory here, so our driver took us to a place called Village Arts that sold rugs from Kashmir, pashminas, and so on. We were treated to a half hour sales pitch along with tea and water. I was tempted, really tempted since I am looking for a hall rug. But I cannot make snap decisions. This is fortunate, because the place had only 2.5 stars and a lot of bad reviews. I know nothing about rugs, so am happy I held off. At any rate, the products were all lovely, but I have no idea about fairprices....exasperating.
The rugs I didn’t buy.
After this, we did drivebys of India Gate, the Lotus Temple (Bahai, who knew?), and the immense Hanuman Temple.
India Gate
Lotus Temple
Hanuman Temple
Our final stop was lunch at a very fancy restaurant filled with farengi (foreigners). It was quite good although the meal totaled around $20 each...crazy high prices for India!
Cheese and mango paratha (I think)...fabulous.
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