Lotus Temple and Old Fort, Delhi - CG

Today we started out late. We did some exercise (running around the rooftop in circles!), Bela and the helpers (Pushpi, Ram & ?) made an incredible breakfast of whole wheat rotis, spicy scrambled eggs and a whole grain sauteed with green beans and spices. We watched the BBC for a little while, and headed out. We had a driver for the day, named Krishna. He was very quiet and didn't speak English, but Ron and I tried to communicate with him in sign language and some in English. He responded in very fast Hindi and didn't make as much effort in communicating!

Our first stop was the Lotus Temple. On our way, we were stopped at a light and a very old woman approached, begging and trying to sell two packs of incense. She stopped at the window on the driver's side while a small boy stopped at Ron's window. Ron and I looked at eachother and decided to give one of our nutri bars. While we were giving it to him, Krishna signaled that Bela (Mansi's mother) had put the bag of bisquits in the front seat (as discussed last night). As we started getting a pack, 3 more kids showed up. We gave each of them a pack of vitamin cookies and the grandmother as well. It was a long light, but in that time the group went from begging and displaying their suffering, to smiling and waving. The grandmother folder her hands in a sign of "Namaste" to me as the Taxi rolled away. Ron and I felt relieved that we were able to give something to them. This is the right approach from now on.

Then at another light I was able to photograph a family on packed on top of a motorbike. Hopefully I can figure out how to upload photos here. The Lotus Temple is beautiful. Glistening white marble petals, blossoming against a blue sky. The meditation/prayer hall was serene and simple.

People were staring at us everywhere. Today we got a little more used to it - the curiosity of people was incredible. Ron commented on that a lot through the day.

The next stop was supposed to be the Craft Museum, but Krishna got lost and we ended up at the Old Fort instead. I am actually not sure if it was Lal Quila instead! I will show Mansi the photos and ask her. But the architecture was amazing. The fine stone engraving. But the most memorable moment was a group of children ran up to us, excited yet very shy in saying hello. They were not street kids. The oldest, a girl of about 11/12 years (named Vishal?) of age was striking. Very strong and warm personality, expressive and direct eyes. When we responded warmly to them, they exploded with happiness and cheerfully demanded for us to take photos of them - which I was happy to have the opportunity of doing.

Upon leaving, they called out to us to introduce us to their smallest sister with a huge red bindi placed lopsided on her forehead - but even larger eyes. Kohl (black eyeliner) rimmed eyes, and about 2/3 years old. Her brother pinched her cheeks to pose her for the camera. She looked like a small, wise goddess.

Then we had dinner right outside India Gate, at an excellent place called Gulati's. Wow what deliciously spiced and grilled chicken.

We were supposed to stop at the Akshadan Temple on the way back, but I was exhausted from not sleeping enough last night. We cam right back and talked to the family about the after dinner digestive mixes that are popular in India (Supari?).

More tomorrow...

-CG

NOW FOR RON'S OBSERVATIONS!