Day Three in Delhi

We visited Qutub Minar which also had beautiful carvings into the sandstone, similar to the Red Fort. The stonework was probably the most elaborate that I have ever seen. The pillar that stands tall and for which the site is named after, was built in the 12th century while the iron pillar that stands in the square was built in the 4th century. I was just so awed when we went around Delhi because of the history that far surpasses anything that exists in America. The above picture is an example of some of the beautiful artwork that was at Qutub Minar. Whenever I look at some of the elaborate artistry, I am reminded of my dad and how much he would appreciate everything that I have been able to see (however I think he would stop and stare until he had to be herded to the next thing...his staring would rival that of the Indian people who constantly stare at me for being pale).

After Qutub Minar we made our way to the Meharauli area and walked around. There were many young boys around playing cricket and they seemed especially interested in us visitors. The Meharauli area had a tomb which our guide had the caretaker allow us to enter. I wish I could have taken a picture of the beautiful tiled ceiling but my camera battery had died by then. We proceeded on to more of the area and it was so fun to explore around the area because it reminded me of a playground with its secret staircases. We climbed up to the top of the structure and were able to see out through the trees to the urban area of Delhi.

After leaving Meharauli, we went to a Hindu Temple. This temple was one of the most extravagant religious buildings I have ever seen (even Kingshuk, Sucharita's husband, said that he had never been to a temple that was so decorated and he is Hindu). We saw a shrine devoted to Krishna, Hanuman, and numerous other Hindu deities. Near the entrance was a tree in which people tied red and gold pieces of cloth to it in as a symbol of their prayers. Once their prayer has been answered then the person is supposed to come back to the tree and give an offering.

After the Hindu Temple we went back to the hotel for a short while and then went to a shop to get Indian clothes. I ended up not buying anything (due of course to my frugal nature) and we celebrated New Years Eve in a fellow students hotel room, playing games and drinking sparkling cider. The clubs and parties in Delhi cost quite a bit of money so we decided to stay in and toast the New Year. However, Kingshuk informed us a couple minutes after midnight that we could go downstairs to the party at the hotel and we wouldn't have to pay. We made our way down and proceeded to dance in a huge circle. Adam and Erik tucked their shirts into their basketball shorts and gyrated around. I could not stop laughing the entire time. A few Indian people were brave enough to join our circle and the DJs were nice enough to start playing American/Latino music. The fun was worth it because the next morning we received a prize for best dancing group at the party (the prize was a pen set which we were all a little sad about because we were hoping it was chocolate). Well, we definitely lived up to the "rowdy Americans" persona (even though when Indian people ask its our little inside joke but we always tell them we are Canadians). After an hour or two we all climbed into our beds and got ready for the drive to Jaipur the next day.

Oh, I think it is also important to mention the waiter at the Hilton in Delhi. He tried to come off as smooth I think but mainly it's just creepy. Slowly I am starting to acclimate to the stares that the Indian people give us (and staring back does nothing. I tried and they don't look away at all). Anyway, so the Indian waiter told me one of the first days we were there that I have a nice smile and then proceeded to talk to me and was extremely surprised that more people don't tell me that I have a beautiful smile (AHEM to you people out there, it would be nice to be told I have a nice smile once and awhile). Anyway, he was somewhat creepy with his attention and then on the last day we were there he told me that I was too slender and should eat more, even though I was beautiful. I told Sucharita (my program director) about the waiter and she said that I should just tell him to shut it, or any man for that matter who acts like that. Her husband then replied that I wouldn't be able to talk to any of the boys at school because they would all act like that. As I have probably stated before, I am uncomfortable with any amount of attention so it seems quite strange to be paid attention too all the time. I just am starting to get into the groove of things and trying to be open-minded with the attention. I have made an effort to try new things (especially the food, never got delhi belly but fingers crossed). I just hope by the end of my trip I can learn how to be more patient (things run very slow here) in all aspects of my life and also how to be a little more spontaneous.