Delhi

My hotel window overlooks a large roundabout and all I can see (and hear) are motorbikes, 3 wheelers, buses and cars honking each other as they jockey for position so they can get off at the required exit. It reminded me of National Lampoon's European Vacation when Chevy Chase drove around the Arc de Triumph for hours, except these Delhians are experts and just push there way through.

Speaking of the Arc de Triumph, I went for a walk (with a map supplied by the hotel) and came across the arch known as India Arch. Its in the middle of a large park with 'a lot' of stray dogs (now I know why they suggest rabies shots) although to be fair, I didn't bother them so they didn't bother me. Generally the parklands have a lot of rubbish and parts are quite smelly. Having said that there was no shortage of people ostensibly employed to clean the streets - its just that I think the task may be beyond them..

On the way back I passed the National Museum of India and the picture below is a wooden chariot that was used to carry around a replica of the deity so the people could be near it. It was fortified to ensure the figure inside couldnt be damaged by an overzealous public. So, to quote Erich von Daniken, this really was a Chariot of the Gods.

Things that have surprised me so far: considering how hot it is here, there are not very many people wear shorts or sunglasses. So yes, a lot of people in long pants squinting a lot.

In the afternoon, we travelled to Mercer's (NGS' administrator) Indian offshore processing office. This was located in Gurgaon which is a dedicated business district to the north of Delhi and we experienced Delhi traffic in all its unregulated glory. Road markings are not even suggestions - they are completely ignored. Drivers drift across lanes to gain precious feet of crowded roadway. To assist other drivers know you're there, Delhi drivers beep their horn every few seconds. So its sort of an aural positioning system - a APS instead of a GPS. And, as you'll see from the picture to the right there is almost no limit to the number of people you can get on a motor scooter.

Off to Agra tomorrow to see the Taj Mahal.