All or Nothing

So in the last few days, we have been getting our tourist freak on. TG and I have visited...

• Red Fort, an amazing sprawling example of Mughal prowess taken over by the British during their rule here, is now preserved as a cultural monument and serves as house for several museums.
• India Habitat Centre, a contemporary coming together of Indian art, history, music, and environmental studies. We took a moment and listened to some accomplished classical Indian musicians that were playing in the theatre that day.  Also within the centre is the hilariously accurate 'All American Diner' , where one can have milkshakes and listen to American 50's tunes. 
• Spice Market, found in Old Delhi, its open aired stalls are overflowing with barrels of turmeric, pepper, rice, dried fruits, and pickles, etc. 
• Dilli Haat, a formal craft market that sells food and wares from rural areas all over the country. 
• the Imperial, considered one of Asia's finest luxury hotels where the reign of the British in India is celebrated in the art deco design, and the many paintings of English royals and military that hang on the ornate walls. It is the only place to have a real martini that I've found, as long as you don't mind spending 800 rupees per cocktail.
•  Lodhi Gardens, a 90 acre green enclave of trees, ancient mosques, and kingly tombs.

Today I vomited, and slept. Maybe too much too soon, but all of the places were worth visiting. I have seen more foreigners these last few days than I would care to admit. These destinations are popular with tourists, and also the ex-pats and the privileged locals. The chaos of Delhi drives people to these spots, which are more expensive and westernized, but the search for quiet is a commodity that seemingly only money can buy here.

We are planning on going South this next week. "Got a ticket to ride". The railway is to be our way of going, and how I love traveling by train! Our destination is Alleppey, the "Venice of the East", for hopefully some quiet, warmth, and water relaxing time. TG's presentation has been put off again, oh India time, so we are packing our bags and getting out of Delhi while we can. Not a second too soon. There is plenty of India still to see, and I intend on experiencing more of it before I give up on this place all together.