Delhi, India

Feb 15
Flying First class on Luftansa airline was a fantastic experience, and it will be difficult to go back to flying coach. I land in Delhi at 2am. and arrive to the Hotel Claridges at 4am. After very little sleep, I work out, and am picked up by my driver and guide at 10:30am We drive past the Presidential Palace, Parliament Building, India Gate, and Government ambassidor neighborhood on our way to the beautiful recently completed Askshardham Temple Monument to World Peace. It has intricately carved red sandstone on the outside and marble on the inside by 11,000 craftsman in honor of Swami Narayan, believed to be the reincarnation of Vishnu . It was very busy with at least 1000 students visiting. There is very tight security and I was patted down twice before entering.
India, the largest democratic republic in the world has over 1 Billion people with Dehli, the capital, having a population of 16 mil.

We then visited Old Delhi, walking around the Chand Chowk area of narrow streets and vendors who sit on the floor of their small stalls. Each street sells a different product, wedding decorations and supplies, bread, cameras, bicylcles, etc. I was approached by a very charming dirty 9 yr old street girl named Sonita who I bought post cards from. It is too bad she will never go to school because she could become successful if she had an education. We walked through Raj Ghat park where Gandi was creamated. Upon seeing me, many young female students waved, smiled, said hi, and came to shake my hand. I was taken to the Cottage Industry store in Connaught Place and saw carpets, jewelry, pashminas, and great mens cotton shirts for under $50.

Calvin, friends of Pete and Heather, arranged for his parents to pick me up and take me out to dinner. Their driver took us to Hotel Marina, one of their family owned hotels with a great restaurant. They were so accomodating and gracious, and I truly enjoyed being with them.

Feb 16
With my guide and driver I visited the Bahai Lotus Temple made of white Italian marble in the shape of a Lotus, surrounded by 9 water pools on 23 acres of beatiful gardens. It is architecturally very interesting both inside and out. Again many of the female students say hello, run up to me and shake my hand. My guide suggests it is due to my being a caucasion woman wit curly hair.

Next drove by Qutub Minar, a tall tapering 240 ft tower built in the 12 century and the first Islamic architectural building.

Went to Ansal Plaza to see live Indian music in outdoor courtyard with perfect weather (sunny yet cool breeze) . In this Mall there were many foreign chain stores which were twice as expensive as in the US. At Amrapali, a jewelry store in the Khan market, I bought a victorian antique style uncut diamond ring and a pair of silver earings. This store had many large, flashy pieces of jewelry which Indians seem to prefer. We walked to the Ambassador hotel to see its eclectic bar and cafe. The traffic is slow and congested with cars weaving in and out. I returned to my hotel to sit in the relaxing garden.

I was invited again to have dinner with Mr and Mrs Kohli and 2 of their daoughter-in-laws (Anu and Bebe). They took me to another family owned restaurant(actually 5 great rest. in one building). Mr Kohli then took me to see his Club. They all make me feel like a part of the family.