Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Day with Swati - Akshardham Temple

 Spent the day with Swati, a woman I met in exercise class. Unfortunately her job is moving her to Mumbai next week. Great opportunity for her, disappointing for me as I found a friend anyway we had a good day together.  Visited Akshardham temple, went food shopping and Swati cooked dinner for me.  It was a good day!
Akshardham Temple in New Delhi is a beautiful structure with spiritual surroundings.  A temple dedicated by spiritual followers. Its mostly made of pink sandstone, different from the red sand stone used for Agra and the Red Fort.  The hand carvings are amazing and intricate. My favorite are the 148 elephants at the base of the temple, each panel reflects the messages of social harmony, peace and spiritual faith.  We went into the exhibit, which is definitely worth doing, especially as it was air conditioned!  We arrived in the hottest part of the day- 116F with sun which really takes away from the enjoyment so the inside exhibits and boat tour depicting Indian life many years ago.
Pictures attached were taken from the web as one is not allowed to bring in any electronic device - not even headphones.  My recommendation is to deposit everything besides your wallet at the check-in so not to be stopped at the gate search before entry. 
I would definitely return when the day is cooler to be able to appreciate the carvings and go inside the temple. 

Swati and I arrived by auto rickshaw.  I figured as she is a native that the price would be much lower than would be quoted for me.  Not true.  She showed me how to negotiate and walk away if the price is too high.  It's good to learn these tips and see it in action.

Now dinner.  There are certain things at the market that I don't know what they are. There are bunches of greens but nothing looks familiar. I had an education, bought spinach and paneer.  She made a delicious dinner of chickpea dal and spinach/paneer - palak paneer - oh so good.  Probably my best meal so far! 
It was a great day, good company, good activity and followed by dinner. 

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