More Delhi!

On the second day of Delhi we visited Old Delhi. We took our first ride in the Delhi Metro to Chandi Chowk. The Metro is new and fairly well kept. The city is overhauling its public transportation system for, I suppose, the Commonwealth Games in 2010. Most of the city should be connected by then.

Above: Axel studying the Delhi Metro.

The first monument we visited is the Red Fort (Lal Qila). Completed in 1648, this massive fort extend for 2 km and vary in height from 18m on the river ride to 33 m on the city side. The Red Fort dates back during the peak of Mughal power. However, the Mughal reign did not last very long as Aurangzeb was the first and last Mughal emperor to rule from here.

Above: Lahore Gate is the entryway into the fort.

Above: Joeri (newly arrived from Netherland) and I being silly.

Next we visited the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque and the final architectural piece of Shah Jahan. The mosque is so large that it can hold 25,000 prayers! The square has three entrances and 2 towers standing 40m high. We went during a less busy time and it was about 2 hours away from the next prayer, which is too bad because it would've been quite the sight. There were countless pigeons feeding in the square and with a loud bang, they all flew away.... I managed to caught a decent picture of it.

We decided to take a manual rick-shaw and I have to tell you, I'm impressed with our driver. He was able to pull 4 good-size guys up the street for about 1-2 km. He starts off slow but once he kicks into 4th or 5th gear.... we actually at a decent speed. But you know... red light is a b**** :) Check out the video below.

The Lotus Temple is probably the most simple, yet pure, monument I've seen so far in India. As the name suggests, this temple, in a shape of a lotus flower, invites people of all religions to pray. Similar to its exterior, the temple's white marbles inside gives a sense of peacefulness and purity. This is a really nice and quiet sanctuary in a busy city like Delhi.