Paharaganj Markets - 01/15/2013

Paharaganj Market

BEN - Today we slept in again and when we woke up, went and bought some internet to use.  Today’s goal was to post as much as possible on our blog (which is currently way behind).  After our multiple posts our checkout time was fast approaching.  The hotel had agreed to let us leave our bags in the lobby, so we didn’t have to lug them around town until our bus ride at 4:30.  We headed out and went to find Delhi’s famous markets.  This was really our first time walking alone on the streets of India, so we were both a bit skeptical and nervous.  We followed the hotel’s half English, confusing directions.  This meant crossing a busy road, which puts Frogger to shame.  It certainly got the heart pumping.  We walked the main road for a bit before turning down what seemed like an alley.  The way was busy with people, lots of food vendors grilling up various tasty treats and fruit stands.  This didn’t seem like the huge market catering to tourists with hand-made traditional clothing, pashminas, etc.  We wound our way through the narrow street, dodging the occasional motorbike as they came roaring through, when the alley ended and suddenly opened up into just what we were looking for. 

We were hit with a cacophony of sound, smell, and color.  All sorts of people milled about, from beggars to tourists, all bargaining, selling, and wandering along the huge stretch of small street stores.  Gabby was instantly in heaven and found the loose-fitting, colorful pants she had been looking for since we got here.  We strolled through the markets, examining all the interesting ware and brushing off aggressive beggars,  but truly enjoying the atmosphere.  We slipped into our South African bartering ways, knowing the usual tricks of the owners and always making sure we got the fair price.  Gabby bought various presents for various people.  My big buy was a colorful, warm wool cap that I really like (I look forward to testing it out up north).  After our shopping spree, we went to a small restaurant that a nice store owner recommended where we had an absolute feast of murgh makhani and murgh tikka masala; of course accompanied by heaps of delicious butter garlic naan. 

Inlaid marble master craftsman

After our late lunch it was time to head back, grab our bags, and go meet our overnight bus.  The bus stop was in front of a movie theater, and when we arrived a guy told us the bus wouldn’t be getting there until at least 5:00, but offered for us to sit and lounge on the theater’s front steps.  We must be good for business?   Eventually the bus showed and we boarded a nice semi-sleeper.  The tickets for this 14 hour ride cost us just $20 each; not bad.  We got situated and were entertained by the Bollywood Action movie that they showed.  We made a stop at around 7:00 for food, but we were both too stuffed from lunch, and ended up just having a cold drink.  We boarded the bus soon after and quickly fell asleep, excited to find out what we would be waking up to tomorrow.