Monday, October 5, 2015

Two days in New Delhi



Half your battle is won if you get the right material to complete a handicraft project. We made this “quiet book” from fabric and felt material.  (mostly hand stitched) 




Had been to Delhi recently and went scouting for some good fabric. We were advised to go to the Paharaganj market or the Connaught Place for fabrics. Finally we got some good stuff from Shanker market. 


It is one of the oldest local markets in Central Delhi and was set up a few years before Indian Independence.
While walking down the street, this sign caught my eye. A real good idea to attract customers. 


This guy sitting outside his shop was busy with his alteration work. 


Some shops had some good display along with their products. Proper lighting is the key factor here. 


At Connaught Place we went into this shop by the name of Wenger’s.  Later on I realised that it is the oldest Bakery in New Delhi (started  way back in 1933) 


Their displays were really tempting especially the pastries and the cakes. 







But what I liked best was their shemi kebab and the chicken patty. 


One thing that I observed at Wenger’s is the efficiency of the people behind the counter. By the time you pay your bill and get to the next counter, your stuff is packed and ready. 


Wenger’s is located right opposite Rajiv Chowk. The Chowk which has a huge flag in the middle. Don’t go by the picture below. You can see its actual size in the first video.


Rajiv chowk also has a huge metro station below the garden (by the same name) Talking of metro trains, I think the Delhi metro is the best thing that has happened to Delhi. The ticket rates are affordable and people use it extensively. Considering the lateral spread of Delhi, this is the best mode of transport. 
I heard that the rates of the second metro line (the Airport Metro) were further slashed by 50% 

This was a picture that I clicked at the starting point at Dwarka. After a few stations it was so jam packed that there was no way I could click again. 

  
While driving around New Delhi, I was impressed by the green on both sides.  I wonder if it is like this all over Delhi. (maybe Delhites can comment on this)


In the evening we had been to the newly opened Vivanta by Taj. (the one at Dwarka) The food was good (as expected from a five star hotel) but what I liked better was the music by Mario - the multi-lingual singer.  
It is always interesting to have live music (see second video) than piped music when you are eating out.




A special mention should be made about the ambiance especially the write up and the paintings of Kabir.




Kabir was a weaver, a simple and unlettered man, who earned his living at the loom. 


I remember learning a few of his “dohe” (verse) during my school days. Like the write up says, each doha is an aphorism in itself, a perspective that rings true, at times seemingly obscure yet profound. 


Ahead of his times, he moved about with his disciples, continuing in exile, the life of an apostle of love. . . . . . . . something very much required in the present strife torn world.






29 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow... I will have a piece of that Butterscotch cake.

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari OM
Kabir is truly inspiring... and you just had to show the bakery displays, didn't you???? &*> YAM xx

messymimi said...

You have given me a new appreciation for and fascination with Delhi!

Connie said...

Your trip to New Delhi looks like it was both entertaining and interesting. I like the book made from fabric. It is sure to be enjoyed. Those cakes at the bakery look delicious! I liked the musician in the video too.

Midlife Roadtripper said...

You've sold me on how lovely this visit would be. I love all the color one can see in India. I'm much into color as so often we tend to go with a neutral color of brown. Color brings such delight.

tina said...

I always think of New Delhi, and in general India, as an ancient place so I am surprised Wenger's bakery is not even 100 years old. It looks very delicious!

Sandee said...

I got stuck in the bakery. I tasted every thing in your photographs. Yummy.

Have a fabulous day. ☺

Anonymous said...

Dear Joe,
Wonderful description of Delhi sights, flavours and sounds!
Warmly,
Bharat Wakhlu

sujata sengupta said...

I love Delhi, though it has been in news recently for all the wrong reasons but to me it is like a second home. The broad walks lined with trees, the chaat, the markets of old Delhi and the beautiful architecture is everlasting.

Lovely post and the hand stitched book is super cool.

sujata sengupta said...

I love Delhi, though it has been in news recently for all the wrong reasons but to me it is like a second home. The broad walks lined with trees, the chaat, the markets of old Delhi and the beautiful architecture is everlasting.

Lovely post and the hand stitched book is super cool.

Rabbit said...

The shots are great. But, somehow, to me they didn't reflect the real Dilli.
I miss the chaos.

Fundy Blue said...

What a delight to read your post, Haddock! It was fun to see New Delhi through your photos. It's a place I'd love to visit! Have a good one!

Linda said...

Lovely to see all the items and colours here! The materials, and wow, baked goods too? :)

Anonymous said...

You get so many wonderful comments on your blogs, so let me add mine - Its good to read and see your take on the places you visit, keep up the good work - Theresa Mathews

trees said...

As someone who lived in Delhi and knows Wenger's, let me say this, they are really good! As a baker myself, I can also confirm that Wenger products do not have a 'commercial' taste, the bane of most such upmarket bakeries. And as Haddock has already said here, the chicken patties are truly scrumptious.

Launna said...

These pictures are incredible... the cakes and pastries look delicious... I would have to stay away from that store or I would have to walk many more miles... :)

Have a great week and thank you for commenting on my blog xox

Hilary said...

You know how to make your readers drool with those bakery images.. yum. And the quiet book is absolutely amazing. Nicely done.

orvokki said...

Pastry look really appetizing… mmm
This is very nice series.
Wish you happy autumn day (if you have autumn there?)

Janie Junebug said...

The quiet book is a beautiful project. I made something similar many years ago. Butterscotch cake? I'll place my order now, please.

Love,
Janie

Megha @ Meinblogland... said...

Good work with the book! Maybe I can attempt something similar with my daughters in a few years for a creative home art project!

A Cuban In London said...

That cake... Yummy yum.

Greetings from London.

Traveling Bells said...

Look at those beautiful fabrics and threads! Eye candy for me for sure. I'm tapping my foot at Mario's music. What a fun visit! Thanks for sharing...

Insignia said...

The pastries look yum yum and paintings of Kabir is awesome

Sunny Harris said...

Those books are amazing--and those sweets! I would love to spend a little time in there :)

Tammy said...

Your quiet book is very sweet. Loved New Delhi when we visited several years ago. It was definitely very green around the area we stayed. Always nice to hear good live music.

sandy said...

Enjoyed all the photos! It was about 2003 i got my first digital camera also and I never leave home without a camera now - i have so many photos filed away. I've always wanted to visit India - maybe some day my dream will come true.

D.Nambiar said...

The dohas! I remember learning some in Hindi class. I'm not sure I learnt that he was a weaver.

Very attractive pictures. I love the image of the spools of thread!

Conniecrafter said...

Wow your stitched book is so cute and amazing it is all hand stitched, the fabric shop looks so nice!! Thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting :)

Dr. Theda said...

You seem to have a rather "uplifting" and "inspiring" blog ...
Thank you for dropping by the "Crypt".....
Those deserts look Great...!!!
a great day to you and yours...