BozAround

It’s fun to arrive in Delhi in the midst of the Commonwealth Games last minute preps. There’s a lot of hype. You sense it as soon as you come out of the brand new international airport.

While it’s unlikely that you will come here with very young children, I completely see how tweens & teens would be fascinated by this city:  car honkings every second, cows in the middle of the streets, rickshaws somehow making their way in this mess. A big and bustling city.

SLEEP:

I wish we were able to stay at the charming Amarya Haveli guest house. But it was full (the commonwealth games…). It’s in South Delhi, run by 2 French men related to the very nice French kids brand Nana Ki (made in India). A must-bookmark b&b.

Instead, we’re at the Colonel’s Retreat. Not exactly a boutique b&b (they say it, not me!) as it’s quite charmless, but it’s clean, well priced for Delhi and well located in a quiet part of town. It would be convenient for families as you could get an entire floor with 3 rooms and a dining room. Ask for the 3rd floor.

My favorite sightseeings:

The views of the Red Fort from the beautiful mosque Jama Masjid (photo left below). Humayun’s Tomb (photo right below) as a prelude to a visit of the Taj Mahal. The Qutb Minar Complex at sunset.

I particularly liked the tantric symbol pictured below right. It looks like the jewish Star of David but in fact, it’s a symbol of fertility whereby the triangle pointing down represents the man, the bottom one is the woman, and in the middle is… the baby.

BozAround tip 1: Get the Rough Guide Rajasthan, Delhi & Agra as it’s literally just been re-edited.

BozAround tip 2: Plan your whole trip with Equinox Travel. I met the owner Gita in Kerala last winter. She and her brother Vikram normally cater to European tour operators. By skipping the middle man, we were able to save 30% on our trip. Another must-bookmark.

Ps: Shall we make a case of today’s headlines: poisonous cobra found in one of the CG athlete’s room…??