Karim's (Old Delhi)

 Visiting Old Delhi was high on our priority list for two "must do things before I die" To have a go at all the delicacies at Karim's and to visit their Spice Market. This was the first welcome I got as I alighted from my cycle rickshaw-bought it from him for Rs. 20/- just to please him in order to click this but just ended up with petals in my bag.

Commuting by the metro seems the fastest way into this crowded place. Let me tell you my personal experience( this being the first time I traveled by the metro in India); mind you we are talking about the capital of India-and trust me although everything looks so fancy schmancy and one is in awe of how the systems work...mine was an ordeal!

We got down at the nearest metro point which is Chandni Chowk which also means "Moonlit Market" From there after walking a bit we realized in order to visit the spice market Khari Baoli (which can be done by foot as well) which is Asia's largest wholesale spice market, we had to avail the cycle rickshaw wallahs. Our chap was an interesting fellow who stuck by us for two journeys. He charged us rs. 20 per person from point A to B.Reasonable!

 Mental note :- unreasonable and insensitive considering the weight he had to carry as he pedaled! I mean like C'mon, the three of us weren't Lilliputians!

                                               Bless you dear brother!
None of us are here in these pics. These were random shots taken while I was in my rickshaw.

 We found many of these kitchen wares mostly stuff our grandmother's grandmother would have used during her time and boy do they look priceless! be smart to bargain or haggle! My husband respects women too much to haggle with them.

                                    Yup! He's the man! He took us to the spice market http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khari_Baoli

. Then from there he took us to Karim's. Karim's should not be missed if you fancy non veg food.The food there is a delicacy that has to be experienced. It is located quite close to the Jama Masjid.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karim's

                 
The following are a few pictures from the Spice Market:-

                                               Betel Leaf-HIGHLY INJURIOUS TO HEALTH along with the betel                                           nut and other accompaniments.

                                                              Papads-Ready to fry

                                                    Our chap riding us to Karim's. Another long ride!

The Jama Masjid

      Do visit! Do travel but Do be alert and aware of everything around you. India is Incredible indeed! The sights and sounds do beckon but be mindful and extremely careful of your surroundings and the people. Women, please be very careful! It is a country with many frustrated and sex starved hooligans and lumpens! Do travel in groups! Don't venture out alone too much especially women!

Earlier on I did mention that my journey in the metro was an ordeal, Guess what a BA #$Z%& old enough to be my son had a hard on against me in all the chaos and crowd. Despite trying to wriggle myself away, I was unable to as the next guy had a huge tummy pressed against me!

My male companions later protected me on the other journeys but it is something that I avoided during our future journeys. It wasn't fair! Despite all that, once I disembarked, I tried to be brave and held my dignity high and with a smiling face, carried on with my curiosity and hunger to see and learn more. My male companions were apologetic for the ordeal I went through and then on hugged me and were more protective over me.

Water Chestnuts

 I was revisiting Karim's after a decade and it felt good. Not different at all from the earlier experience. Everything about it was nostalgic for me! The difference may be that I am older and also able to appreciate food more now, look at things from another angle. I owe my husband a lot for the interest he took to show me and patiently watch me click pics and enjoy the food!

The kebabs being skewered. Succulent babies!

Chicken Burra

Sheek Kebabs

Mint  dip

Rotis-Oh so yumm and their Mutton Curry

Mutton Korma

It was a delightful gastronomical journey for us! The place was not unfamiliar! Chaotic indeed! Those cycle wallahs would signal with their hands and loud whistles or screams to the pedestrians to clear off. Another guy who took us back on our return hit against many people.

A foreigner almost cried out in pain when our guy hit his shoulder while meandering his way through.

The rickshaw walla was young and very impatient. So do be careful while you are walking by.

A lovely journey, fulfilling in every sense but for the ordeal in the metro. Would love to do this again perhaps cover more areas. Perhaps the next time I would be here would be with a grandchild to show them around. Que Sera Sera! Whatever Will Be Will Be!