Three months in Delhi

Hi all, its over three months since arriving in India!

My ‘volunteership’, as it's called here is coming to an end soon. The last month has been all work and a bit frustrating at times. I’ve been working hard to a deadline but two projects I’m involved with have been put on hold because they’re waiting for further funding approvals, so I might be leaving DA a few weeks early in mid April.

Still, I’ve been continuing to explore Delhi on my Sundays. The highlight of last month was visiting Humayun's Tomb. Built around the 16 century it was the inspiration emperor Shah Jahan's Taj Mahal! Set in a huge garden, the tomb sits on a grand processional axis with smaller tombs dotted in and around it - the best being that of Ali Isa Khan Niazi and its mosque.

Tomb of Ali Isa Khan Niazi

Humayun's Tomb

In and around my neighbourhood I've found some great places to explore. Not far from my place is Khirki Masjid, a mosque built during the Tughlaq dynasty in the 14th century. It's hemmed in on all sides by apartments and incongrously sits directly across the road from Delhi's biggest mega mall! The building is setout around four symeterical courtyards and a maze of internal columns which makes from some great spaces.

View through to internal courtyard

Another great find was Begumpuri Masjid, a huge crumbling Tughlaq era mosque and part of a larger fort. This is on my way to work but didn't get around to exploring it until a few weeks back. The big courtyard seems to be the local cricket pitch for the neighbourhood's kids.

Entrance to Begumpuri Masjid

Also nearby is Bijai Mandal - what is left of Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq's plush palace.

In March we had the Hindu spring festival of Holi which involves throwing/smearing/splashing bulk quantities of coloured powder/paint/dyed water over anyone and everyone – essentially an all day free for all. The results were hordes of stained technicolour people for at least a week after – lots of fun.

Neighbour and deepfried goodies

Dance off between housemates and neighbours

Last months big treat was an outing to the All American Diner with my flatmate for great pancakes, strange sausages and ok coffee. Done up like a true 50’s diner it’s a funny thing to find in the heart of Delhi, and mainly packed with expats getting a western breakfast fix.

I'm really looking forward to heading to Goa, Kerala and Tamil Nadu later this month and escaping Delhi for a while - it will be great to see a completely different part of India, so expect more photos soon! I hope everyone's well and good wherever you may be. Love James.

Kabari (waste collector) and his collection of cardboard

Wicker chairs and man asleep under his tricycle