Day 50 – Delhi, India

Oct 17th

Humayun’s Tomb
Breakfast at the hotel was the largest buffet I had ever seen. It even had a real honeycomb drinking fresh honey into a dish! It catered to every tourist, including Japanese, American and Indian breakfast options. I noticed that Americans tend to eat really sweet and “breakfast” oriented food, while most other countries just eat “normal” meal foods for breakfast. The Indian masala dosa, which is a flat pancake with various sauces, was a delicious, spicy way to wake up. We couldn’t possible try everything, but we made a valiant effort. After leaving the hotel, we headed to Humayun’s Tomb. Humayun’s widow Queen Haji Begum built it during her rein in the 16th century. It showcases Monghal-era architecture with flat roofs, box-like buildings and detailed arches. The most interesting thing about the site was the barber’s tomb built next door. The Emperor’s built it to show his appreciation that the barber never slit his throat while getting a morning shave.

Qutub Minar
While visiting this UNIESCO world heritage site, a Bollywood set was emerging as stages and screens were being set up among the ruins. The main, Islamic tower, which dates back to the 13th century, rose 72 meter above the palace walls. At the base is the Quwatul-Islam Masjiad, one of the earliest mosques in India. Most notable, however, a cast-iron pillar, which was built in the 5th century, stands completely rust-free in the middle of it all. Legend has it if you can make your arms wrap around it, you can have your wish come true. (Once again, I was asked to have my picture taken with a group of guys. Then one of them wanted a picture of just my smile. Creepy.)

Final Meal
Lunch was prepared at the Sahara Garden banquet hall with buffet style food and a trio of music performers. I decided my favorite Indian food (besides just plain nan) is murg marnhi (a chicken dish). One of the young men danced by hoping each time he started a new move. Nichole and I studied him carefully, so we could practice the head bob and hip motions later. Unbeknownst to us, we would be staring in our own Bollywood film the next day. After eating, Cory and I decided to venture off into the side streets to experience “real” India. I realized along the way that the things I thought were condoms handing in every store window, were actually single use shampoos. (Apparently, marketing companies figured out that poor individuals can only afford to wash their hair occasionally or for special occasions. Thus, they package it smaller.) After wandering along some winding streets for 30 mins, Cory started to worry that his nickname “Coconut Cory” (referring to the time we strolled up 20 mins late to the bus in Rio with coconut drinks in our hands) would be replaced with something worse so we sprinted back. I’m not sure if it was my blonde hair or my Baywatch-like run that distracted the locals, but everyone stopped to stare at us. Luckily, we made it back with 20 mins to spare, but Cory is still stuck with the nickname.

Flight to Chennai
Security at the Indira Gandhi International Airport proved to be harder than imagined as they insisted I get a “security approval” stamp on my travel pillow, even if there was no way to attach a tag to it. For some reason, the stoic security guard didn’t seem to fall for my blonde hair or dimple smile like the others. Regardless, I was forced to turn back to security before I could board. Eventually, I made it on the flight with the other hundred SAS Taj Mahal trips, which were heading back to Chennai on the same plane. We literally almost filled every seat. (FYI: Indigo airlines only serves Pepsi and chicken salad sandwiches.)

Highs and Lows
My “high” was being India’s walking tourist attraction. My “low” was realizing my beautiful light-blue travel pillow is now a dingy brown after traveling through India.