When we last saw our heroes, they were exiting the train station in New Delhi, heading for a day of adventure in the big city.
The women were heading off to Janpath Market to do some shopping. Interesting that several locals we met were trying to convince us that there were better places to go. Makes one wonder who is paying them to direct traffic to a different shopping area.
Shopping was not a time for clicking pics! The scene was ugly with rupees flying everywhere!
Jackie actually bought a snake! Again, not something I was going to click. When we asked why she would do that, she said that it was the only way to get rid of the annoying vendor. I'm sure he was thinking, "Gotcha!"
The sweet-looking lady selling cushion covers wasn't so sweet with her selling technique. But in the end, she agreed to 70 rupees each, not the 300 to 400 she asked originally.
In the meantime, the gentlemen half of our group hopped on the Metro and went to the 100 acre site of the Swaminarayan Akshardham. This is a Hindu temple and a showcase for Indian art, wisdom, heritage and values. It took five years to build and was consecrated in 2005.
No photography was allowed and so we only have a brochure as the memory of George's visit to this amazing site.
Next, the phone call came to say we should meet the men at the beautiful, old colonial hotel, The Imperial, which was just down the street from the market.
We wondered if they had arrived in the automobiles that were parked outside!
A pause in the lobby to take advantage of the display of hundreds of individually held orchids.
This elegant hotel was built in 1931.
We found the rest of our group comfortably seated where Winston Churchill once imbibed, in Patiala Peg. This is a very popular social spot in Delhi, the name originating from a tent pegging competition in the early 1900's between the Maharaja of Patiala and the Viceroy. Apparently, a peg or measure of whisky here is larger than in other places.
Next, we went to the dining area, 1911, for lunch. There must be a "sitting around a table eating" photo taken at times like this.
If you are wondering what President Mark ate that day, well here it is. In addition to multiple vegetarian dishes, there was an entire section of meats including beef tenderloin, lamb, chicken and salmon at the buffet.
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| With the help of Mark, Gurneet put on a tie (the new elephant one I had bought for George) for the business meeting we were going to attend. |
One last look at The Imperial Hotel and we were on our way to........
......the Canadian High Commission.
They certainly had heard of us thanks to our Bhangra Team's performance for the Prime Minister, Minister Fast's visit to our campus, and Scot Slesser, Consul General in Chandigarh.
No photos allowed here either!
At this point, we were all exhausted from trying to keep up with that 25-year-old Gurneet! That man has energy!
So, we decided to relax at the Radisson Hotel where Gurneet, George and I were staying for the night.
Mark, Satwinder and Jackie had to be at the airport by midnight to catch their 3:00 am flight home.
This was a magnificent property as well.
Here is our last glimpse of the trio from UFV Canada before they departed. Now Mark and Jackie are already home--and I suspect taking time to absorb the many experiences of the past week.
Everyone here had a great time hosting them!
But, back to reality for G, G, and S. Early the next morning, we were at Indira Gandhi Airport catching our flight back to Chandigarh. The students awaited.
We have just two weeks of classes remaining and in one month's time, we will be back at Indira Gandhi on our way home to Canada.
I will leave that thought for later!
The airport was still decorated for Diwali. Here is some of the unique Rangoli patterns drawn on the floor with coloured powders.
Every day brings a new adventure!!!!
