Chandni Chowk to China

My boss is cool. I said "My friend is coming for a day..." and he cut me off saying "Go take the day off! Enjoy the city a bit!". So Aadi came to Delhi on transit for his flight back to Singapore and in that one day, we visited more things than i've seen in my 3 weeks here, put together. That's Aadi..

First stop: Lal-Qila (The Red Fort)
Taking 10 years for construction, it was completed in 1648. A project by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the Red Fort was used as both a residence to the imperial family and as an administration building for the Mughal Emperors. Made of red sandstone, this is one of the most magnificient palaces in the world. It was also from here that the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawharlal Nehru, announced to the nation that India was free form colonial rule in 1947. So historically significant, it is impossible to not feel some sort of national pride emanating.

Second stop: Chandni Chowk - Parathe Wali Gali
Literally translated, it means Paratha Wala (Paratha man) Street. Though known for many other things, Chandni Chowk is famous for the Parathas (flat bread). These Parathas however, are stuffed with all the things you can imagine! Aadi and I arrived at a small, rickety, but fully patronized corner shop - the Pandit Babu Ram Devi - which is Aadi's favourite! We tried 4 different types of Parathas: Stuffed with Aloo (potato), Methi (fenugreek leaves), Gobhi (cauliflower) and Mooli (white radish), if i got the names right. You'll be greeted by none other but the Paratha man himself, perched on a platform at the entrance. Just thinking about it now makes me hungry. And the Banana Chutney it came with... *drools*

Above: That's the Paratha shop.

These are the colourful streets of a small area in Chandni Chowk.

Third stop: Jama Masjid
Standing across from the Red Fort, Jama Masjid was also built by Shah Jahan between 1644 and 1658. Given his habit of building massive structures, this mosque is the largest in India. It can accomodate up to 20,000 people to pray at any one time. The grandiosity struck me, leaving me in awe. Because you have to leave your shoes outside, I was literally on my toes, skittering across the burning sandstone flooring of the capacious courtyard of the mosque. You see people praying in the inner halls and people performing abolution (wudhu) before their prayers. You also find poor kids running around playing and some, sleeping in the shaded corners. The Jama Masjid is covered with intricate carvings and has verses inscribed from the holy Quran.

Fourth stop: Connaught Place
Taking the metro to Rajiv Chowk was an experience in itself. I was surprised at the modernity of the metro station and the discipline people had to queue up to enter the train (only at extremely busy stations though, like Rajiv Chowk). At Chandni Chowk, people were running, pushing and shoving, trampling and almost jumping over others as though the doors were closing on them! That's probably why they have women-only carriages.

As much as I would have loved for Aadi to stay longer, he had to go spend time with his two adorable cousins! Thanks for the great first-for-many-things day! See you in Singapore!