Nostalgic Notes

Delhi

We were assigned Inspection of Haily Mandi Branch in Haryana. Lack of boarding and lodging facilities forced us to stay in Delhi and operate daily.

We  used to catch a train leaving daily around 7 am and arrive at Pataudi Road Station at about 9.30 . From there we had to walk 3 km to reach the branch

Pataudi is the native place of cricketer Pataudi Nawab married to Shrmila Tagore, Hindi Cine Heroin.  There is a very big palace of the Nawab 

Haily Mandi is the only place in North India where good food was not available. Once we ventured to go to a small eatery near branch but seeing the unhygienic condition and stale food we came back without taking anything

From next day onwards we got our lunch- idli or dosa packed from the hotel where we had the same idli or dosa as breakfast

Despite all these, our stay in Delhi was very pleasant

On returning to Delhi by evening train we would take rest in the room and go out for sightseeing cum shopping

Night bazaar is one of the specialties of Delhi. The shops are spread simply on the platforms on the side of roads.

One walking through this he will become oblivious of time. Almost all household articles will be sold at a very cheap price .But one has to bargain a lot and there is no limit for bargaining . One evening we went to the bazaar and went on strolling till past midnight. Thank God next day was a holiday

Normally tasty, fresh food at reasonable rate is available in Delhi unless you are very particular about Idli, dosa and sambaar . But there was one exception .One day we entered a restaurant – actually we were misguided by the crowd there. Food items were not very familiar and price also seemed too much on the higher side. After going through the menu card we selected one item

Like a government office, we paid the price amount in advance and got a token.. And when the number is called we ourselves have to go and get the items .

After ten minutes wait our number was called and we got the item. We were expecting something big and tasty for the price- but it was just a bun- a normal size bun split into two pieces with a thin piece of carrot and a green chilly stuffed inside secured by a toothpick

We felt hungry, angry and irritated after the food. We cooled ourselves by taking a tasty ice cream from a different place

Tajmahal – with too much expectation I went and was disappointed. Akbar’s tomb on the way to Agra seemed to be more beautiful in structure and art

On Sundays    Red Fort ground becomes a market for used goods. One can purchase posh sofa sets, very big size flower vases, beautifully designed dresses and so many other items at unbelievably low price..

We visited Paliga Bazaar and Kutab Minar ..

Like any other places Delhi also was a nice experience still lingering in memory

Notes will continue Next Week

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