From Brahma to Buddha, Fall 2009

A couple minutes after leaving our hostel in the Tibetan Colony Majnu Ka Tilla, we were weaving through the chaotic traffic and jolting through pot holes in a rickshaw on the way to the nearest Delhi Metro station. The cleanliness and modernity of the metro was a pleasant surprise and made for a quick and comfortable journey to the middle of Old Delhi. Then another rickshaw to Delhi's principal mosque. We strolled through its cool colonnades and having climbed to the top of a tower, enjoyed a sweeping view over Old Delhi. A final quick rickshaw ride brought us to the magnificent Red Fort. Its red walls enclose several important buildings and elegant lawns including the ornate imperial private apartments. A lunch of Dhosa, Rice Curries, Naan, Vegetable Biryani and Lassi was strongly appreciated after we cautiously 'Delhi-walked' through a bustling street. Our last stop of the day was Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi's memorial, which we attained via a typical yellow and green, three-wheeled auto. Only a first blast of life from this amazing city!