Culture Shock - Indian Style

Mrs. Davila in front the Sikh Temple

Humayun's Tomb

Flash Mob with Women at Qutab Minar

Qutab Minar

We arrived to the hotel in Delhi, India about 2am and quickly hit the sack. Our guide Aki picked us up about 9am and took us to see the Qutab Minar. As we entered the site we were greeted by every Indian woman we saw with a warm “Hello”. The ruins were breathtaking and we received schooling on Islam vs. Hindu architecture. While there a women asked us if we would take a picture with her. What started with one ended up with fifteen women surrounding us smiling! Everyone in the place had cameras out snapping photos. I had to wonder if they had mistaken us for someone famous. It was a photo flash mob that had us laughing for hours!

We then headed to Humayan’s tomb. This amazing display of a wife’s love for her husband and the sheer magnitude and intricacy of the architecture was a sight to behold. The Red Fort was next on our list. When we got there the line was too long to get in so we opted for a Mac attack and headed for the closest McDonald’s. Finding it was an education in Indian culture. The streets are crowded with cars and people and lots of shops, but we eventually made it to the golden arches. There are no hamburgers in India because beef is not part of their diet. We opted for some good ol’ chicken McNuggets and fries.

From there we asked the driver to take us to a place we could shop for souvenirs. After winding down several crowded streets we pulled up to a door. We walked down a staircase into a basement filled with beautiful Indian garments. The women wanted to show us everything. They were very kind and we were able to pick-up some beautiful items.

On our way back to the hotel our driver decided we needed to see the Sikh temple. We thought we would be passing by to look at it, but he had other ideas! Before we knew it we were inside, feet washed, head’s covered, walking around. It was a quick visit, but we were able to see another part of Indian culture.

And now….we are back to rest up for tomorrow’s trek to Agra!