Exploring the center of Delhi

When I travel away from my apartment area to the tourist sites I need to refer to it as the center of town. I am living on the outskirts in South Delhi in more of a residential area.  I was accompanied by JC and Melinda. We are the three GHF in India.  Nice to do things all together.  We started out around 11am. In retrospect this wasn't the best time as it was HOT!!!  Prem, the driver from Project Hope, (PH for all future postings)  drove us to Sacred Heart Church were we dropped JC off and then Melinda and I wandered around by ourselves for awhile.  We headed towards Connought Place. Many of the shops closed on Sunday, but we did find a place selling clothes and both Melinda and I purchased a few items.  Saw Bangla Sahib Grudwara, Sikh house of worship.  We did not go in, but it looked really nice.Crowded.  Met JC for lunch at a really nice hotel with great airconditioning, ate a burger which is the  first time I have eaten animal product since being in India.  Took a taxi to the Red Fort. It was crazy around the Red Fort, street flea market that was really crowded and entering the Red Fort grounds. Built in the 1600s.  If you are a tourist you don't have to wait on the local line to purchase tickets.  The local line was really long, so it was good that JC had some tourist knowledge.  It's 250 rupees for foreigners and only 10 rupees for Indians.  250 rupees is equivalent to 5 USD.  Pic above is me in the red fort area.  A large area with many buildings.  The most striking aspect is the marble buildings with decorative inlay of flowers.  Once I download my pics I can send the link to you for more pictures. We spent a little time here but it was hot walking around.  Once you get inside the red fort not so many people, as you can see from above.  A curious event is that young men want to take pictures with us.  Not sure why, I need to do a bit of research on this, but a little annoying.  I don't want to be rude, but I don't want to be bothered.  Usually I ignore them.  While walking around on the streets we were approached buy a few beggars, mostly children asking for ice cream.  Again, we ignored them.  Took a rickshaw home which cost about 4 USD. Very inexpensive for a 30 minute drive.  It was nice to get inside and take a shower as I was sweating most of the day due to the dry heat.  I was relaxing in the apt and I heard music outside.  Went to explore, it is an Indian concert in the neighborhood.  Stayed for a few songs, but not my cup of tea (yet).  I am tired from a busy day and I had a long day yesterday. That will be a different posting. Today was a good day and I am happy that I am getting out to see the sights and learning the best way to get around.  Melinda and I seem to be comfortable with each other and a good team, it's nice to have friends here.  Facetime is also wonderful as I know I have my friends at home whom I can see!!