Chalo Delhi - 1

Murphy law does apply to most of the life situation. When something has to go wrong, it will. Even though I had planned to attend my friend Sameer’s wedding since the past few months and arranged all the necessary documents, the last day was hectic. When I thought everything was under control, the last day seems like a lot has to be done. Right from packing the bags to even arranging the finance to spend.

The funny thing about the finance was I had enough of it but no means to use it. My debit card had expired, I don’t use a credit card, my cheque book had only one cheque and then I could not transfer to my brother’s account because of my mobile not being registered on the bank website. With just a few hours to go, it was turning out to be a desperate situation. Thankfully and fortunately, it did not turn out to be that bad but not before I had spent some sleepless moments.

My mom had never been in a plane. The main objective of attending Sameer’s wedding was to let mom have a feel of a airplane. However I have never flown in domestic airline and never in a Deccan Airways flight. So when I entered the flight, I was searching for my seat which in fact was free seating. The windows seat were already taken. I so much wanted to show her out of the plane. I remembered my first time when I had to sit in the aisle seat and missed looking out of the window.

Compared to the tension I took the day before, the Plane ride was a smooth affair, actually a boring affair because we boarded the plane actually 2 hours after we checked in. We landed at 11:00 AM and the first thing I see are people in winter clothes. Coming from Mumbai where I don’t see people using sweaters and winter clothing, this sight was different. Although it was a bright sunny day and the temperature was about 18 degree Celsius, I did not understand people wearing such heavy winter clothing.

As the invitation said that the marriage was scheduled in the evening, we thought of using the time to look around in Delhi. Although we did not have much time, we were able to see some of Delhi.

I found Delhi a lot similar like Mumbai in terms of looks. In fact debating on whether Mumbai or Delhi is better, I think both the cities are on the edge in terms of infrastructure. The charm is different for both cities and cannot be compared to each other. And yes! Delhi does goes to sleep early!

The Swami Narayan temple in Delhi also known famously as the Birla Temple. Built in 1933

The South Block. the office of the Prime Minister of India. It also houses other important offices.

The India Gate, honouring the 85000 soldiers who died in WW2.

Another View of the India Gate.

Protecting the dead. A barricade is erected around the India gate due to the Republic day next month.

The top of the India Gate memorial which says the following

To the dead of the Indian armies who fell honoured in France and Flanders Mesopotamia and Persia East Africa Gallipoli and elsewhere in the near and the far-east and in sacred memory also of those whose names are recorded and who fell in India or the north-west frontier and during the Third Afgan War.

The Amar Jawan Jyoti honouring the ‘Unknown’ soldiers who gave their life for the country.

Gandhigiri - It all started here. The samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.