New Delhi, Old Dehli intense!

 What a day in Dehli. We began by "walking" to the metro (above ground subway transport) which was a challenge due to broken, uneven sidewalks, people passing, traffic speeding, and horns blaring. Many stairs to climb into the station with a railing which I nearly grabbed, covered by pigeon droppings. Security is tight. All bags are scanned and both men and women (each in their separate lane) are screened by a person holding a wand.

Trains are so packed with humanity that we had to wait for another train to arrive.  I was impressed with the kindness of everyone in transit as we shoved our way into the next train. We took two separate trains to get to our destination,  Old Delhi. This place defies description, you have to be there. Like most Asian cities the tangle of wires on poles make an impression.  How is it possible to figure out where each wire leads and how do you tell which ones need repair. Our leader said it's a mix of electricity,  wifi cables, TV cables and phone. "It's sparks sometimes,  but mostly  it all functions just fine!" Then one notices the peddling rickshaws that crowd the narrow streets.

Venders and walkers vie for sidewalk space to sell food and chai. We stopped and watched the tea vendor as his pots in front of him boiled away, one with milk and another packed with tea leaves, spices and fresh ginger. Our leader offered us to try this sweet aromatic concoction and most of us enjoyed the very tasty experience.  The flavor of cloves, ginger and cinnamon lingered long after one finished the four ounce cup.

It was difficult to navigate these crowded streets and sidewalks.  One must look down to avoid hazards like garbage, uneven pavement, dogs, people, dog poop and vendors.  Motor bikes zoom down narrow alleyways forcing everyone to one side.

The air is a haze making monuments in the distance seem shrouded in mystery. Eventually,  we arrive at our first Mosque.  It's is the largest and "grandest" in all of India, the Jama Masjid, which can accommodate more than 20,000 worshippers at a time during festivals. At our visit it was quite empty with just a few  tourists taking pictures like us.

At another stop a temple was visited. Everyone had to remove shoes and socks and wear a head covering. Women are seen preparing food to feed anyone who cares to have a meal. We were told that 10,000 partake in food and worship each day. Volunteers from all walks of life assist in meeting the needs of those that visit.
After a thrilling rickshaw ride, we had lunch in "India's take on fast food." It's was fun to taste small portions of their common fare.

Then it was time to navigate the metro back to our hotel and have a free afternoon.  Annalisa and I opted to hire a taxi and travel to a shopping area that I'd read about before the trip. We were not disappointed.  We both bought outfits for our visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra which we will visit tomorrow.  It will be an early departure tomorrow by train.