How to sum up Old Delhi

This may not be my technically best image of the day, but I want to communicate to you something of the seething mass of humanity and vehicles that occupy Old Delhi. There was probably a motorbike just behind me and you can see bicycle rickshaws coming towards me.

This was a group visit and the other 4 people were 2 hours late and pretty grumpy because of problems with their tour operator. My advice is "don't do this tour within hours of arriving in India". It's too much of a culture shock.

What did we do and see?

Pigeon fanciers on the roofs. They fly flocks of pigeons and try to capture pigeons from other owners. If they do, they sell them back. It's a popular sport!

Ate from street vendors - all sorts of delicious foods. I had no ill effects, but ate only freshly cooked items.

Battled through streets clogged with every sort of vehicle.

Visited the spice market where the chilli powder induced mass coughing fits.

Saw the wedding shops where elaborate invitations are constructed by hand.

Met an elderly man whose forebears had built a tiny mosque, tucked away from view. He was obsessed with the number 9 and how it is lucky for him.

Met an elderly flower seller who has sat at the same pitch since her father died. She is the 5th generation there and her son will follow her.

A visit to the magnificent Sikh temple, the Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, where every day, thousands of people flock to worship. We saw the kitchens where food is prepared and given freely to all who wish to eat. It was impressive. Tomorrow is the birthday of Guru Nanak, and the celebrations were already well underway.

Eating dinner in a restored haveli.

And much more........