Mumbai

Mum is leaving on Sunday, so we had planned to visit some of Delhi's monuments today. When we woke up to news of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, we briefly discussed not going. Having decided that as

1) Mumbai is one and a half thousand kilometres away

and 2) terrorists (probably Islamic) are targetting luxury hotels and areas that westerners frequent

that 3) going to Lal Qila (the Red Fort) in Islamic Old Delhi was, all things considered, a relatively safe place to be.

Raju was not exactly pleased with our plans. He doesn't like Old Delhi. There are Muslims there. Unfortunately for him, that's where the Red Fort is, and that is where we wanted to go. We explained to him we have done plenty of shopping, and with Mum leaving soon, she wanted to see something that was old. Lal Qila was built by Shah Jahan in 1638 to be his residence, so it's certainly old. It's also the largest of Old Delhi's monuments. My other choice was Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. Knowing Raju's feelings, I didn't even suggest that.

While driving (reluctantly) to Lal Qila, Raju passes the Indira Gandhi Memorial on Safdarjang Road. He points it out, and asks if we'd like to visit it. Mum and I decline his offer.

To make matters worse, while Mum and I were inside Lal Qila, Raju gets a parking challan (ticket). It's not improved his opinion of Old Delhi.