We're here!

Welcome to India!

(This one's by Sarah...)
Its our second day in India - and what a couple of days its been... We arrived yesterday morning at Delhi International Airport - and were collected by our booked hotel - 'Cottage Yes Please'. A half hour induction into Indian driving later (constant use of the honker gives you a clue as to how they drive!) and we arrived at the hotel, situated in the Pahar Ganj area of Delhi, not far from the main train station. After a quick power nap in our room - neither of us got much sleep on the plane - too excited!, we headed out to explore. Preparing ourselves for absolute chaos... we were pleasantly surprised. Whilst Delhi is busy, noisy, a bit smelly and incredibly hot, on our first day we also found plenty to like. We walked to Connaught Place - Jamie will be pleased to know that the poo scam did not happen to either of us, and then on to India Gate.

The impressive India Gate

We finished the day strolling around Lodi Garden, a beautiful garden towards the South of the city. Incredibly quiet and peaceful, the park was home to a number of Mughal tombs and monuments - an amazing place to relax.

Lodi Garden - happy honeymooners!

After finding the metro - very modern and CHEAP (c.25p each for a 10 stop journey) we collapsed back in our room - we had planned not to over do it on the first day... but several miles of walking later were both a bit pooped. Having recuperated, we headed out for dinner to a great Lonely Planet recommendation - Tadka, a few streets away just off the main bazaar. We both had a thali (set meal) for a couple of quid. Delish combo with veg curry (no meat options and no beers on the menu for Matt though. Might be a veggie/dry few weeks! Probably a good thing!), daal, raita, rice, roti breads, salad (don't worry Mums - we abstained) and pappads (like poppadoms). Having polished it all off, we headed back to the hotel for much needed showers, and a Modern Family (just like being at home!)

Planned for an early start this morning... Didn't happen when I awoke at 10am to find Matt still asleep (this NEVER happens, I was worried he might have gone into a coma at first)! After an omelette brekkie over the road we headed on the tube to the Red Fort. Our visit to the Fort was courtesy of Ally (thank you!) - the first of the wedding presents from people for our trip and what a great pressie the Fort was. We explored for about 3 hours - walking the gardens and exploring the amazing buildings which used to make up the Mughal Palace.

The Red Fort - thank you Ally!

Matt's new ride

After a quick visit to the largest mosque in India, Jama Masjid, we headed to the Raj Ghat Park seeing the Gandhi monument. Another beautiful and stunningly empty park. Where are all the tourists?

Children playing inside the courtyard of Jama Masjid mosque

A long walk to the metro was rescued by a tuk tuk/auto-rickshaw drive, after we had walked past the TB hospital and A&E. Suffice to say neither of us want to get ill here. Followed by Dal and Paneer for dinner, and some foot washing back at the hotel. Grubby evidence below!

Grubby toots!