Indelibly Rajasthan Part 11 – Delhi ( first posted on thebarefootfoodie.org on 26 Nov 2014 )

Indelibly Rajasthan Part 11 – Delhi

NOVEMBER 26, 2014BAREFOOT TRAVELS, INDIA

This was the last leg of our journey. Tip to fellow travelers – do Delhi before Agra and Jaipur. Otherwise, it pales in comparison. It was also a bit of a turn-off to arrive at one of the heritage sites only to be asked to remove your shoes and pay a whopping US $1 for a pair of disposable slippers to step into the mosque. We passed, but noticed every other tourist dutifully removing their shoes and doling up good money for the slippers. By the way, in Agra and Jaipur, the disposable slippers or slip-ons are included in the admission fee.

Ramesh was our driver in Delhi. Like Surjit, he was always on time, reliable, positive, keeping his cool throughout the very trying traffic conditions.

Humayun’s Tomb and Gandhi’s Memorial were worth a visit and mention. The first merits bragging rights as yet another UNESCO world heritage site. It is made up of red sandstone, very similar to the Fathepur Sikri monuments. Gandhi Memorial was a sobering reminder of the legacy of the “Father of India” and a fitting resting place for the martyr. Throngs of school children march past in an orderly file to commemorate Gandhi Ji, and I watched as one man dutifully conducted a solemn ritual to pay his respects. In that space in time, I held my own watch in silence. He has certainly made his mark in history and paid the ultimate price.

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