India, Last Day

I lie in bed, watch TV to get updated on world’s events before I go home. A local cricket scandal dominates the media. The presenter uses a wide English vocabulary, I don’t understand many words. After breakfast, I visit Indira Gandhi’s Memorial Museum. It’s the mansion she and Rajiv lived in. All brilliantly documented, well described. I read every wall posting, amazed at her diversity and talents. At the end, I see her bloodied sari displayed behind a glass. Rajiv’s section follows. He was a keen photographer, I like his work. The walk ends with cloth pieces that survived the bombing, displayed in a similar fashion.

I head for Bahai Temple. It’s a miniature of Sydney’s Opera House, represents lotus patels opening up. The outside board reads it’s a place for all religions to worship and find god. I see nuns, muslim traditionalists, hindus and me all sitting in silence, appreciating the calmness of the place.

I head for Hauz Khas, also called ‘The Village’. I find good quality jewelers and do some diamond shopping. I head back to Connaught Place and do book shopping. The bookshops here are well equipped, prices are far better than back home, the staff know exactly what to recommend. The Kamasutra editions are beautiful. I move on to CDs. I plan to buy 2-3, I walk out with 10. The salesman knows his stuff, he makes all the right recommendations.

I'm leaving tonite with a heavy heart. Only to be back soon for more.