So, today, Gene and I went to Old Delhi. Gene had been surprised he had not seen poverty in New Delhi. The roadways are well kept, manicured and the traffic is somewhat orderly. Gone are the shacks by the road, that I remember from the brief time I lived in Delhi. The people and the government of India have worked very hard at improving this city. And, to their credit they have achieved success. I am very happy to see what can be accomplished with perseverence.
Old Delhi is another story, it does have the chaos and squaler most people identify with India. I don't understand how one part of the city can be so organized and yet cross over to the other side and it's mayhem? Perhaps the lifestyle is too ingrained by now and the problem is too large to tackle and it seems most of the people who live in Old Delhi have accepted, or at least have learnt to live with their set of circumstances.
After Old Delhi, we saw the historic Red Fort built out of red sand stone. A structure built by Shah Jahan, the same king who built the Taj Mahal.
After Red Fort we went to see the place where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Indira Gandhi was also cremated in the same area. The site is calm and serene. We took our shoes off and walked to the cremation site. Removing shoes is showing respect. Hindus remove their shoes when entering a place of worship also. It was hard to see the sadness of the history of Gandhi's death.
This was a busy and somber day. I think I am ready for some lighthearted diversion, so off I go to do some serious shopping!
More later!
Sunita.
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