Once again, pictures aren't much of an option and I fear they may not be in the future. I apologize as you are missing out on our experience. It's been an incredible few days.
Sunday we went to a church. Christianity isn't banned in India, but it is frowned on and there are many restrictions that we do our best to respect. The church was incredible and it was wonderful to see people of so many nationalities (New Zealand, Australia, India, America, South Africa, South Asian, etc) worshiping together. God is working here in Delhi, and his love is spreading. The Christians here are not "missionaries" or "evangelists" and even find the "missionary" title a little offensive as it is not much of a Biblical term. No, they chose to live among the people in India and love them, and let Christ’s love move people as opposed to touting them with religion.
The first three nights we spent in a hotel nearby, which was pricey and even annoying as the owner was desperate for our business. As funds run tight due to some banking issues, we can't afford Rs (rupees) 2500 ($60US), but God moved very quickly. The church has allowed us to use a guest bedroom for a donation. I can't thank them enough.
We spent Saturday arranging for Brittany's traditional Indian clothes to be made (salwar kamese). Then Sunday, after church we went to another bazaar (market) which was very poor. It was quite an experience.
Yesterday was our first day without Kate and her friends' help. We went to Connaught Place, which is in the central hub of New Delhi. With all of the "touts" manipulating us into using their travel agencies (we are not so easily fooled) we were worn out by Connaught Place and decided to walk south to the India Gate. It was very neat to see, almost like their Arc de Triumph. There was a man with monkeys and he did a show for us and tried force us to pay him afterwards. This happens a lot here. You get a tour from someone seeming to just want to practice their English or find out where you're from, only for them to hit you up for money afterwards. I'm cheap, too bad for them.
We then walked to Lodhi's Garden, the 400 year old tomb of King Lodhi. The gardens were glorious; however, I was more struck by the tomb itself. It is the most beautiful thing I've seen in India thus far. There was Quran scripture carved into the wall that gave me a sense of awe. I'm not a Muslim nor do I speak the language that the carvings were in, but it was somehow moving in its beauty. I have a feeling a picture couldn't even explain it.
Today we traveled to Old Delhi, which is the ancient area of Delhi. It has little British influence and is dominated by Muslims, as one of the largest mosque in the world lies there. First we went to the Red Fort, a gigantic military fortress. There were some old barracks that might have been British built, but the fort itself was Indian. What was more interesting was the mosque not too far away, which was really incredible. You take your shoes off (as you must many "holy" places). We marched up the stairs of a tower to behold all of Delhi. It was pretty scary how high we were. If I ever build a temple, remind me to throw in an elevator...just saying.
The primary means of transportation is an auto-rickshaw, which is much like a three-wheeler with a carriage built over it. We take them everywhere (we are across the street from a market, so they are readily available). It's strange how frugal we must be with money, parting American-cents-worth of rupees for each ride, but it is the way of things here. The ride reminds me of the bus ride at the beginning of the third Harry Potter movie. We somehow manage to survive each ride, but I wonder how we made it past the two buses, three motorcycles, and eight cars all jostling for our spot (there are no lanes). Crazy, yes.
I'm sure I left something just glorious out, but time is of the essence. I hope you are keeping up with this blog, and it's not a waste of my rupees.
No comments:
Post a Comment