New Delhi - Day 30
Trip Start
Jan 31, 2008
1
35
251
Trip End
Ongoing
Delhi,
India
Monday, March 24, 2008
I find Indians on planes rather amusing, nobody sits in the correct seats, so there are various reshuffles taking place while the poor flight attendants try and sort out the heated discussions. It's like pre flight entertainment for me.
What really impressed me about the Kashmiri's is their moderate view of religion. Most people in Kashmir are Muslims, but it appears to me that it's Islam with choices, some women wear head scarfs, some wear burkha's, while others wear nothing. You see young couples being affectionate on the streets and no one takes any notice. It reminds me a little of Iran in the days of the Shah, before the 1979 Islamic revolution, the people are free and the women appear to be equally free, which is a great thing.
I think there's a lot of old money in Kashmir as a result of the British and due to the trade of Cashmere and carpets. The Brits use to holiday here in the days of the Raj and the concept of the houseboat was British because of local land disputes. The people look pretty well off compared to the rest of India . You don't see any beggars on the streets and the people are very well educated. It's a very interesting and magical place, its a shame many tourists are put off coming to Kashmir due to the continuing disputes with Pakistan . I felt very safe and had no problems, you quickly forget about the troops with rifles on the streets when you realise that their only there for your protection. I would recommend Kashmir to anyone who likes the mountains Or if you just want to unwind on a houseboat in beautiful lakes. My host in Kashmir wants me to visit again for his wedding so I think I'll be back.
Back in crazy Delhi , staying in the same hotel as last time. It was the Hindu Holi festival yesterday, I purposely wanted to avoid Delhi on this day due to the chemical paint throwing that occurs, spoken to people who became very ill after the festival, even today I've seen plenty of stained people wondering the streets. Can take days and even weeks for the paint to fade from your skin.
Went for chi and a nan tonight in the main bazaar and was invited to sit with a Hindu holy man and his friend. Had a good chat, but when the holy man slopped off somewhere, his friend said he wasn't really that holy. He told me that any holy men you meet in Delhi aren't the real deal. The true holy men live in caves in the mountains and live the life of hermits. A good bit of advice I reckon. The so called holy man returned and we continued to chat about the ways of the world, then I said I was heading back to the hotel. He didn't ask anything from me but invited me for breakfast tomorrow. I'll sleep on it.
Going to book the train to Agra tomorrow, hopefully should get a ticket for Tuesday or Wednesday, I can't leave India without seeing the Taj Mahal!
