Blue crab tango

Today found us on the road to help a new friend relax before she leaves to go back home to Florida. She stayed here at the house in Neels room for one night. She is fresh off a medical mission trip and talked about the experiences she had while working in the villages. She is a delight and lives in Ft. Lauderdale and wants to see a show when we come back down to Melbourne. I will be so glad to call her friend.
We started out our morning at the Durga Puja site where the statues are still being built. She loved the artistry and complexity of the statues. The framework built from bamboi is now being covered in fabric and tarps for the coming market that is before the big holiday next month. Hand made articles from all over India will be for sale, as well as street food of all types. I'm certain it will be a feast for the eyes and I am certain I will want to overindulge in the beautiful works. It opens on September 23rd and I can't wait!

We again found ourselves at Lodi garden again in the heart of Delhi. These gardens are truly lush, with plants from all over the world. We found periwinkle, crape myrtle, roses, honeysuckle, and the strangest lawnmower we've ever seen! The lawnmower is a beast, weighing in at a couple hundred pounds. Did I mention it's a walk behind too? We came in at gate number one, and followed the trail from the front to the Lodi burial tomb near the back. There is a large lake here, that winds it's way around the tomb. We went inside, they are in the beginning process of restoration,  and saw some of the most beautiful hand painted tiles near the ceiling. We also went into the mosque on the grounds, covered in the remnants of incised plaster arabic(?) writings. Niches, arches, and beautiful carved stones made what was probably resplendent in it's day. The history here is amazing and they left beautiful architecture to let us get a small glimpse into their lives. The domes to me are the most intriguing parts of the buildings. How they were built in such gorgeous detail, with iron rings in the walls. The iron rings I imagine were used for either lanterns or fabric hung from the walls. How beautiful they must have been before robbers took the pieces for sale to make a living. We walked the entire garden, with Chris taking us on a wrong turn going backwards instead of forwards. Our new friend told him was fired as our guide and could no longer lead! By then we were all soaking wet with sweat and grateful we had purchased drinks at the beginning. Cokes 16 oz are 40 rupies here (about 60 cents).

We then traveled to Kahn market. Kushal and Christina told us about a restaurant and we were on the hunt. We also stepped into shops filled to the brim with merchandise of all types. Uneven sidewalks,  cars crammed into every possible spot, motorcycles and people all jammed into a square block area. We even had one guy with his wife pass us with their groceries,  looked at Chris and said Gday mate! People visiting here from everywhere in the world. 

We found the restaurant called The Big Chill but found a wait of 15 minutes, Chris wandered and found a barber shop in the corner that has been there for 32 years! He went in and enjoyed their air conditioning, a head massage, and a much needed trim. Meanwhile we were seated and ordered our meals. Turns out The Big Chill is a wonderful Italian, Mediterranean,  Continental cuisine restaurant. I ordered Rosemary chicken for Chris, Tuscany chicken for myself, and our new friend ordered a smoked grilled cheese and vegetables plate. I cannot speak for the others, but mine was amazing! Heavy cream, butter, parm cheese, roasted dried tomatos and spinach  combined with tender chicken. The green beans and carrots were cooked to perfection with just the right amount of garlic and crunch. I did not even try the potatoes, the rest was all so good! Italian paradise in the form of chicken in the heart of Delhi!

We finished our day watching Neel for a bit so the parents could have some time at a wedding for a bit.

Painting?

Did that too!
Blue crab tango, acrylic on canvas,  8 x 16
Day 82 of the 100 days-100 paintings 2018