New Delhi!

Note to readers *** The photography below does not belong to any of us. I am using photos from the internet as we have not had an opportunity to upload any of our own. Also the time of these posts does not reflect India time, but it shows as current Vancouver time. Thanks.

In the past 48 hours we have experienced enough to write a book. From our first moments of meeting our dear driver, Dharmender to this evening's sunset in Mandawa, we have had the opportunity to witness the real India. Dharmender helped us explore the morning sights and sounds of Delhi but these events would prove to be small in contrast to our afternoon and evening. We were invited into the private homes of the extended Shokeen Family where we experienced the gracious hospitality that was second to none. It left us speechless. Day one was filled with memories that will last a lifetime as we learned about the Indian culture and their way of life firsthand. Dharmender's family could not have been more welcoming, the New Years Day feast any more delicious, the children more precious. Kerry and Cathy immediately bonded with the teenagers and Leslie gravitated towards the Grandma or Daadeema as she is called. It was quite a start to our India experience and we will be forever grateful for their generous and welcoming spirit.

To drive in Delhi one must learn the game of "chicken." You compete with donkeys, motorbikes, tuktuks, and camels. The horn is the main means of communication, not in anger as it is used in North America, but as a friendly reminder that someone is close on your tail. There are driving laws but they are a suggestion more than a rule. Amazingly, we all feel very safe.

Leslie and Shelley had a laughing fit at bedtime and on reflection cannot remember quite why but it was a great moment.

Today was "The Road to Mandawa" - 7.5 hours of road travel. Mandawa is considered to be a small village of 30,000 and it is famous for it's heritage havelis which were once mansions owned by princes years ago. We hired a local guide who took us on an amazing walking tour which included a rooftop view of the city. A walk down the main drag of the town allowed us to take pictures of a procession of camels coming home from their work day and a cast of local characters who seemed quite fine with our picture taking frenzy. I can only imagine what they might have thought of the four of us oohing and aahing over the cows, the camels and donkeys. One would think we had never seen animals before.

Chai tea is fabulous. All the food thus far has been terrific. We all feel great but are still struggling with the time change. Tonight we hope for a better sleep. On that note....night night sleep tight.

Leslie