Delhi-1

Coming to Delhi is a dream come true to me. It took too long, but finally I am in Delhi, and I feel great. I am here for an 8-weeks Summer Internship program with the Times Group. Like it usually happens, you experience a place more (by visiting popular spots and seeing people) when you go there for a short visit like for a few weeks, than when you go for a longer period, say a few years. This may not be totally correct, coz one who stays longer relegates places of tourist importance to a low priority and focusses more on issues which matter for a comfortable living, which is not an unimportant thing and can give deep insights into the cultural and social aspects of any place. But nothing happens to everyone in the same way, and perceptions differ, and so do our understandings.

I saw the Lal Quila (Red Fort) yesterday. It was beautiful. Something reminded me, as I was walking between its walls, that I am a Civil Engineer, by education. I don't remember much of what I must know because of having a Civil Engineering degree, but I do get drawn to my past for a few nostalgic moments whenever I see any architectural masterpiece. And Lal Quila is one of them.

Since it was the World Heritage Day yesterday, entrance to the fort was free. We were not allowed to carry our bag, which we had to keep in a nice locker-room adjacent to the ticket counter for Rs.5/-. We entered the fort through the Lahore Gate. I was surprised to find shops inside, selling jewelry, art works, handicrafts, perfumes, etc. There is also a small cafeteria inside. We went around, saw Diwan-e-aam, Diwan-e-khaas, overheard a tourist guide explaining their significance to his bakraas (giving analogies like high court and supreme court), then we rolled on grass in the huge lawns, took pictures, I thought about life and its problems for a few minutes, tried to convince myself that worrying is of no use, took more pictures and came out feeling proud of India, especially Dilli.

Then we went to Parathe wali gali in Chandni Chowk and enjoyed delicious aloo parathas with the best lassi I ever had. We walked some distance through the gali and were overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle. The shops were all brightly lit and were full of energy and business activity. I turned my eyes up and saw electric cables running here, there, everywhere. It's so intricate, I was surprised it worked at all. There certainly must be problems, but since it works, there clearly are ways to fix them efficiently.

We were so full after having the parathas and the lassi that there was no way we could eat the famous Chandni-Chowk-ki-Chaat. I found that very frustrating. Being a big lover of chaat items, this was too damn frustrating. I somehow managed to have a plate of gol-gappe so as to get the taste of it. They were different from any pani-puri I had ever eaten. Though good, they were not among the best. But it's chaat in that place that's famous. I will go there again to have chaat, before my internship gets over.

And ya, this was Dilli-6 - the area in and around Chandni Chowk. I found many Indian tourits singing songs from the movie as they were seeing the Lal Quila. Particularly - ye dilli hai mere yaar, bas ishq mohabbat pyar. The song was running through my mind too. It was spontaneous.

From there, we went to the India Gate. Didn't spend much time there, as it was getting late. It was pretty dark by that time. The structure looked exquisite in lights. There was virtually no security there. People were entering the area from all sides. There were no metal detectors, no frisking. We could not go beyond the chains a few meters from the gate, both in the front and the back. I touched the gate at the left side of it (just a moment before my friend showed me a board saying the gate should not be touched). Realized that the surface of the India Gate was just cement plaster. Got confused whether this was fine or I should re-evaluate my opinion about the greatness of the structure. I kept asking myself - what's wrong with cement? - but followed by  - cement??? That was weird. I sometimes find it so difficult to be sure of what I feel about something. Is it so with everybody?

I had a great day. I didn't mention earlier about how I spent the afternoon at Connaught Place known as CP by most Delhiites. Besides learning a lot about Delhi, its people and its cultural aspects, I did the usual roaming around in the Malls and sitting and chatting in CCD and Barista over coffee. I think it's too early to comment on the people and the culture of this city. I think I am liking the city. Will explore more and write more. Keep reading.