On my first day in Delhi Neha took me to the Hauz Khas Village, a fancy place in the center of the town with a lot of boutiques and nice restaurants. In the neighborhood there is also a nice park with ruins from the Mughal empire, really old stuff it is and it gives the park a nice atmospheric touch.
The second day two oncles of Neha met us to have lunch together. Neetu just arrived from California this very morning and Jassi who brought us all together. After a nive meal and a lot of discussions jumping from history, to politics, to cycling and travellling Neetu needed to catch a train at the Old Delhi Junction, so I got to ride across half of the town passing the president residence, the parlament house and the India Gate that resembles the Arc de Triomphe. Once we made sure Neetu and his luggage found the right carrige, Jassi dropped us off at the Kahn Market, but on a Sunday it was rather quiet and most of the stores were closed. The afternoon ended in the Lodi Gardens, another green oasis in this huge metropolis.
In the evening we went to Rahul, a cousin of Neha who lives in the same building. He was kind enough to have us to watch the Wimbeldon final. It so happened that a very old school friend came to pay him a visit too after one decade out of touch. It was a funny evening, a smooth match accompanied by cold beers in lovley company... a perfect ending to an eventful day.
On the third day I lay around like a dead fly for most of the day. With Neha working again the house was empty... a day of blissful lazyness.
After some reflection about the weather, my equipment that screems "maintenance!", budget and my motivation, I finally reached a decision on what will happen next. I was anxious to see the himalaya and took my chances after waiting for a monsun that would not come. Now however the rains will soon reach also the north of the country. It is said to be an irregular monsun this year, but I settled for a round trip to Manali by bus instead of venturing a crazy cycling tour in rough terrain and high altitudes with worn down tires, rather low morals, an almost exhausted budget and hazardous weather. I take another go at picking the crowning cherry, take it easy, give my poor buttom a rest and go hiking instead cycling. I've gotten pretty home sick these last weeks. The symptom that tipped me off was that my patience is getting lesser and lesser. So back from Manali I will catch a plane the coming Monday, that will fly me to Zurich.
In the evening we went to Rahul, a cousin of Neha who lives in the same building. He was kind enough to have us to watch the Wimbeldon final. It so happened that a very old school friend came to pay him a visit too after one decade out of touch. It was a funny evening, a smooth match accompanied by cold beers in lovley company... a perfect ending to an eventful day.
On the third day I lay around like a dead fly for most of the day. With Neha working again the house was empty... a day of blissful lazyness.
After some reflection about the weather, my equipment that screems "maintenance!", budget and my motivation, I finally reached a decision on what will happen next. I was anxious to see the himalaya and took my chances after waiting for a monsun that would not come. Now however the rains will soon reach also the north of the country. It is said to be an irregular monsun this year, but I settled for a round trip to Manali by bus instead of venturing a crazy cycling tour in rough terrain and high altitudes with worn down tires, rather low morals, an almost exhausted budget and hazardous weather. I take another go at picking the crowning cherry, take it easy, give my poor buttom a rest and go hiking instead cycling. I've gotten pretty home sick these last weeks. The symptom that tipped me off was that my patience is getting lesser and lesser. So back from Manali I will catch a plane the coming Monday, that will fly me to Zurich.
