Dusty Delhi

On a Sunday in New Delhi, we slept-in a little. The bottom of my feet are hurting! We begin our journey going to a famous temple "Akshardham". http://www.akshardham.com/. The security is super tight because this type of temple in another city was the target of terrorism. We were only allowed to bring in a small wallet and a water bottle. Before the temple, there is a huge courtyard the leads up to the temple dressed with grass, flowers, and fountains. The temple’s architect is amazingly detailed. Crowds of people that follow this particular sect of Hinduism- "Swaminarayans" have journeyed on that same day to visit the temple. We observe the ceremony that is performed and walk through the temple and visit each god that is represented in the temple. It was a very comforting experience. After we leave the temple we spend some time in the courtyard and get snacks/drink. This is where I experience another part of Indian life-food sharing. People reach into each others plates and drink from each other’s cups. One of my coworkers, who is a native Indian, takes my “pulpy orange” juice and drinks it. I was dayum thirsty, but you know me, I had a backup! We leave the temple and visit the Ghandi mausoleum and museum, do some shopping (browsing), go to the President’s House and India Gate which is very similar to The Mall in Washington, DC. While riding around, New Delhi, it is clear that this is one of the more advanced cities in India. It is also one of the hottest. The heat began to take a toll on us again (even my camera overheated) so we retreated back to the hotel to freshen up. During this time of the year the weather is changing (temperatures will reach 110 degrees) so New Delhi is dusty and windy. It was nice to shower and then relax in the club lounge with food until it was time to catch our flight back to Pune. At the airport while waiting on our delayed flight, I befriend two men. I happened to sit in between them and both ironically start talking to me. I guess men in North India like my style. One starts talking about the delayed flight. Then the other asks where I am from. We chat about the cities in India, flight delays, and what each one of us does for work. One is in IT and the other is a CPA for the Income Tax Department (it is income tax season here as well). The CPA says "may I ask your good name". We exchange names and then unfortunately..goodbyes.
Facts about North India:
1. Women will cover the head with their scarf out of respect for elders.
2. Men will bow their heads and point to an elders foot as a sign of respect.
3. Con Agra is a famous candy.
4. Children of a certain age, especially female children, are expected home before dark.
5. It is H-O-T.
6. 12 or more people fit in an auto-rickshaw.
7. The men love Charisse (LOL).