Wow! What a shock to the senses we’ve had today.

After landing in Delhi around 2 a.m. and getting only a few hours of sleep, we were up and at ’em again by 7:30 a.m. for a guided tour of the city. No rest for the intrepid!

We were joined by another Deb and Loren – two lovely ladies also from Nottingham – which made for great company as we took on India’s bustling capital together.

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First Impressions of Delhi

Delhi has been everything we expected and more: busy, colourful, noisy, and so incredibly full of life (and people!). It’s a true feast for the senses — the sounds, the smells, the colours, all blending into one unforgettable experience.

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Exploring the Old City

Our first stop was Gandhi’s Memorial, a surprisingly peaceful park tucked away in an otherwise chaotic city.

From there, we headed to the Jama Masjid, a stunning mosque and one of the largest in India.

Then came one of the day’s highlights — an eye-opening tuk-tuk ride through Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest and busiest markets in Delhi. It sold everything you could imagine, from spices and silks to gadgets and sweets. The tangle of electric wires overhead left… let’s just say, a lot to be desired!

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From Old Delhi to New

After surviving the tuk-tuk traffic, we explored New Delhi, passing by grand landmarks including the Red Fort, India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and Parliament House.

We squeezed in a quick stop for some sari shopping (photos coming soon!) and a whistle-stop visit to the breathtaking Qutub Minar, a 72.5-metre-tall victory tower and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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End of a Very Long Day

We’ve seen so many incredible — and at times, curious — sights today. It’s been a whirlwind introduction to India, and right now, we’re all in desperate need of a lie-down!

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Fundraising

P.S. We’re still fundraising!

A massive thank you to everyone who’s donated so far — you’ve all been so generous that we’ve actually had to increase our fundraising targets. 🙏

Please donate at Macmillan Cancer Support and/or The British Heart Foundation.