Friends in the City

Sarah and Travis came to Delhi to explore the city for two days as a reprieve from the rainy Goan beaches and and getting accustomed back to Civilization after spending two months in the beautiful little village of Jarang where I was a couple months ago working on the school. Travis was the architect and designer while Sarah patiently photographed and showed each woman, man and child each picture after the click.

I absolutely love showing people around Delhi. I know that these two would have no problem finding their way through the city after being in Jarang, Gorka and Kathmandu, but India can be a harsh place for foreigners and I find it my duty to make sure that each person who comes though what I now consider to be "my city" has a positive and enjoyable experience. It is such a fascinating place and people want to see as much as possible but all of the haggling and begging can wear down even the hardest of minds including those who live here and see it every day.

So I arrange a car, one of my two trusty drivers who I can count on to be friendly, knowledgeable and reliable who also have seat belts, AC and window to keep out the grabbing hands of the street children.

The normal sites that cannot be missed:

• Qutab Minar
• (drink at Magique in the garden of 5 senses or Olive bar & kitchen if the time)
• Lotus Temple
• Dilli Haat Bazaar
• (touristy and overpriced, but great stuff and fun place to haggle without the hassle of hundreds of people)
• Humayan's Tomb
• Drive through Connaught Place (CP) for a view of the colonial impact and financial district
• (if here around lunch go into the
• Presidents House, Parliament and India Gate (drive-by are fine)
• Red Fort
• Bike Rickshaw Ride through the allies of Old Delhi
• Jama Masjid - largest mosque in Asia
• (climb the minaret. It is worth every second of it, unless you are scared of heights or are claustrophobic. The climb is up a tight spiral staircase)
• Sufi Singers in Nizamuddin
• (Only on Thursdays and really intense so be ready for it. Down a small alley, just ask the auto driver to go to the Nizamuddin Karim's Restaurant).
• A ride in an Auto Rickshaw

If you have the time:

• Akshardham
• (across the Yumana - and go early before the school children take over)
• Ghandi Smirti
• Safdarjung's Tomb
• Jantar Mantar
• Lodi Gardens
• (Relax with a drink at the Lodi Restaurant)
• Ruins of Hauz Khas
• (While here eat a Dosa at Navidium or Karelan food at Gun Powder - if you can find it)
• Tapas and Wine at the Aman Hotel
• (usually jazz music in the background on Fridays)
• Sarojini Nagar Market
• (Packed! Best place for clothes - usually you can haggle a dress down to 150 Rs. and a shirt to 50-100 Rs.)

There is so much to see in this great city and this list just scratches the surface. Come prepared with tons of water, a shirt that doesn't show sweat, comfortable shoes and a attitude ready for adventure and you will love it here!