The next day after our majestic trip to Agra for the famous Taj Mahal, we roamed around New Delhi where we booked our hotel. It was on a Monday and little did we know that most of the tourist attractions in the city are closed every first weekday. Charge it to spontaneity and laziness, we didn’t really prepare an itinerary in New Delhi since the main reason of the trip is just to see Taj Mahal. Hehe. . But since we were already in New Delhi, we decided to check out what the city has to offer (again, on a Monday. . Brrr. .) via a tour package offered by the hotel.
The package includes a private car that brought us to specific attractions around the city. . Riding auto rickshaws or tuktuks can be something fun to experience in New Delhi but the overly paranoids do not prefer, so no thanks. . Hehe. . We were able to see the India Gate, Hamayun’s Tomb, Isa Khan’s Garden Tomb, then spent the afternoon at House Khas Village before we headed to the airport just before the sunset.
Before I show you pictures of the places we’ve been, let me describe firstly how we, a group of 3, survived India with all these crazy sh*ts in our head. Being the only girl in the group, I must abide all my brothers’ rules – like 2 Presidents reigning at the same time declaring a Martial Law over a mischievous woman and right after these 2 stroke the gavel, I have no right to ask questions anymore. Haha. . We have this line formation that’s mandatory when in crowded areas in which I should always be in the middle sandwiched by these 2 overly protective gentlemen (I’m grateful I was not the only paranoid during the trip) to make sure nobody snatches me while we enjoy the sights. . Haha, months have passed but I still find this arrangement funny. The same formation strategy was done during our trip in Agra. More rules? I should always sit either in the middle of them or beside one of them, making sure no stranger can sit beside me. They cannot go to restrooms/toilets at the same time because one should look after me outside. When I needed to go to restroom, both of them were waiting for me outside just beside the door. I cannot run away from them to take pictures; they were always with me wherever I go. I can’t talk to local men, not even to the hotel receptionist, or waiter, or driver, or tour guide, not to anyone. . The only time I was able to talk to a local is when I bought the ruby pendant in Agra. When I got hungry, they bought food for me. They asked people where the toilet is when I needed one. I can’t do this, I can’t do that, blah blah blah. . . . I loved it actually. Haha. . The list has put me to an extremely safe position like a royal princess or a possessive daddy’s spoiled brat. Hihi!
First on the list of our New Delhi experience is the India Gate. We have researched that the arch is meant for commemorating Indian soldiers who fought during the World War I.
Next is the amazing infrastructure with red walls and all of Hamayun’s Tomb. Hamayun is one of the Emperors of India who reigned around 16th century (thanks google!). I just realized how much money ancient Indian people spent on mausoleums. They must be so rich, like beyond my imagination. Now I’m interested how their castles and temples or mosques look like during the ancient times. It must be filled with gems and fanciful walls and interiors with people wearing the most colorful clothing and ravishing accessories, which I really liked most in India’s fashion by the way.
Third on our list is the Isa Khan’s Garden Tomb. Again, another splendid mausoleum. . I liked the halls. . We walked above the walls like kids. . But yeah, still in the line formation I described earlier.
We had late lunch at House Khas Village in a resto called Zaas where we had my favorite butter chicken + garlic and cheese na’an. We spent the rest of the remaining time we had around the village. House Khas has lots of bars and sophisticated restaurants, high end boutiques and shops, lots of tourists and cool kids too. . It’s loud and lively which I wasn’t expecting im New Delhi but I was too glad to see. At the end is the House Khas Fort with sights of pavilion or monument ruins and a view of a lake – man-made I guess. We saw lots of young locals hanging out at the popular park, snacking and jamming with their guitar.
I must say India is my most favorite country I’ve been to so far though I have only seen it for a couple of days. I think the people are warm and kind but the media and news have magnified the worst of the country. The local men’s stares are really uncomfortable though but I think danger exists in all sides of the world apart from India. What makes me fond of India is its out-of-this-world driving norms. Hehe. . They don’t need side mirrors there. When another car hit your side mirror, that’s your fault because you didn’t remove it before getting on the road. . You only need 2 things when you drive in Delhi – a good car horn and good luck. Haha, don’t tell me it’s corny, I actually laughed when the tour guide was delivering this. . Hehe. . 3 lane roads become 5 with small cars and tuktuks, no traffic rules as long as you’re a dare devil on the road. hahaha. . I had a good laugh while truly admiring the locals’ driving skills.
I don’t know if I can still come back to India. Our trip was disquieting but is really really a worthwhile one. I wish we were able to see more of India and have the courage to stay longer. I wanted to see south of India, and Jaipur and Goa too. I wonder when the “next time” will be.
And oh, staying at the airport for long hours isn’t that bad, I have to say (and I’m sorry Philippines) it’s a lot way better and comfortable than NAIA.
The Restless Firefly 