Should I be concerned, that you are asking me for directions

Today we (Sharanjit and myself) experienced some (ok most) the what Delhi had to offer. We started off in one of the "Fun Cabs", which meant no AC. I think the fact that the cab had AC should have told us it was a "fun" cab, like everywhere running AC puts extra strain on the motor, and in Old Delhi traffic, (not the stop and go we normally experience in Canadian Rush hours, but more like stop and stop and move forward and stop), the car overheated, and our driver had to push us out of the way. I guess we could have gotten out and pushed, but there was not enough room to open any doors, and I don't think I could have climbed out a window. Eventually, the car started, and we braved the Delhi heat and pollution, without AC. We survived.

At this time we were about 1.5 km, from the Red fort, (I will check GPS for exact distance later), but we did not want to lose our ride back to our "crash pad", So we stayed in the Cab, and rode for another click, and then we decided to get out and walk the remaining distance and then call the driver to pick us up. After a excellent tour of the fort, where it was strongly advised that I should not take a picture of the machine gun emplacement, (pointed at the entrance, I suspect that the fort may still hold significant strategic importance, unlike Canada, where the defense of our forts has not kept up with the times, and what is the rate of fire for a cannon or musket now adays anyway, but I digress). I did take a picture of the moat, (which has been dry for many years). After calling the cab, and taking a few more pictures, I managed (ok, did not say no forcefully enough) to bargain for some postcard books. I think I did pretty good, in any case way better than how I have felt leaving some car dealerships, we started to look for our ride.

As we approached the gate, it became apparent that the driver was unable to meet us at the gate, (Wellington and Sussex, at rush hour and with Canada Day pedestrian levels). So following the instruction we "crossed" at the lights and started looking for our ride. Well, I was not sure why we had to play "squirrel" during rush hour, I have not seen a the friendly little walking man, or red hand anywhere, they may exist, but I am pretty sure the walking man would be burried some place if he stopped long enough for someone to draw a stick figure of him. Anyway, we crossed, and "no blood, no foul", HOWEVER, I suspect that my instructions to remember direction pretty important and should not be taken lightly. I am sure it was the stress of being stuck in downtown Delhi as night approached which flustered my friend, but I was glad I remembered where the subway was, and when we exited it we had to turn left. Eventually we contacted our driver again, and were told that we had to "cross back" to the same side as the fort. This time we were going to use the subway tunnel. This time it must have been my, stress level which heightened my vision, as I had to hold back my friends enthousiastic scramble past the Subway entrance, personally I think he wanted to brave the street crossing one more time. Well, it turns out that "cross the light" can also be translated into exit the fort, then turn left and cross the lights on the same side of the street.

We made it back to our "crash pad", and with only a little snag at the front gates, we reached safety, or so we thought......

A few observations that could be their own complete entry. Motorcycles can easily hole two adults, two children and their luggage, especially if one child does not mind sleeping on the tank. for adults, three is the limit. Fear is an alien concept to young children everywhere, but more importantly to young children in Delhi, riding in a rickshaw being pulled diagonally across traffic. I tried to figure out how many lines, (not lanes) there were, but I am not sure if I took a picture I or anyone else not used to this traffic could count.

Next: Our flight from safety, or it may be easier to ask for forgiveness, than ask for permission, but you have to deal with the consequences.