Today I was "had" by a street peddler.



Note the above elephant with a broken leg - in complete form this would have been a nice memento for a loved one. This trinket was sold to me for a negotiated cost of 100 rupees (around $2.35). The jerk gave it to me wrapped up in bubble wrap. I saw something in his eye and should have known. But didn't realize the damaged goods till I got back to the room. Man I was ticked off!

I am absolutely sick of all these guys shoving crap into my face and asking for money. I tell them that I don't want it so they go "OK, I give to you for (some lower price.)" Going through this rigamarole at every site we have seen has caused me to now engage with them in ways I shouldn't. Such as "what part of I don't want it don't you understand." But of course they don't understand this. Sometimes when I am really crowded by them I feel like stretching my arms out and spinning in circles so they all go flying and their crappy gifts crash to the ground.

In fact everyone wants money here. You can't squat in a disgusting, smell infested toilet without someone outside asking for money. I was walking around a mosque today and some random guy is telling me some history and when I left he goes
"money, rupees, money". Man it is irritating.

In fact this guy with the snakes below asked me for $20 US dollars after I took a picture with him. I felt sorry for him and gave him 200 rupees.


Today, we toured Delhi which is an ancient, clean and bustling metropolis. Some # like 90% of the people there work for the government as it is the capital. Beautiful government buildings are everywhere as well as ancient forts built by the mughal emperor Akbar.

We also had a great run through the narrow streets of the local market on a rickshaw. I got some great pictures including this one.


And here is UR on his rickshaw - hahahaha RICKshaw!!


Lastly, here is a picture of moi sporting a fashionable bindi on my forehead.


Found out some more info on the Swastika today at this huge Hindu temple in Delhi - in fact it is the temple that Mother Theresa was a part of. There were swastikas everywhere. And in the hand out is said this:

"This symbol is most sacred and ancient. At least for more than last 8000 years, it has been the mark of Aryan (Hindu) civilisation and culture. (Do not confuse it with the Nazi Swastika which was in reverse form).

This symbol signifies and implied prayer for success, accomplishment and perfection, in every walk of life, under the guidance of the Almighty. It is found not only in India, but in the Buddhist and other foreign countries."

Too bad Hitler had to pervert this symbol.

Here are some more pictures of Delhi.