Taking A Closer Look

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After breakfast we met up again with Mukesh, the driver who had waited patiently for us at Delhi airport.

Although Delhi was just our stop-over and we have both been there before, as with any vast and ancient city there is always plenty more to see.  We had decided to spend the first day of our holiday just enjoying the pleasures of exploring the capital.

Our plan was to begin by visiting Chandni Chowk, the centuries-old market area, based around a very narrow and bustling street from which countless shop-lined alleyways and bazaars emerge.

But as Mukesh explained, during market hours the road was practically impassable by car. It was better that he take us to the Red Fort from where we could hire a bicycle-rickshaw, which could more easily navigate this byzantine maze of shopping opportunities.

Our first task was to find a suitable rickshaw cyclist and negotiate the rate.
Between us, Robin and I must weigh a combined total of about 150 kg (330 lbs). Many of the drivers looked far too old or frail to pedal such a load.
Mukesh carefully selected a younger cyclist: slight in build but with extremely hefty thighs which, despite his being very modestly dressed, visibly bulged through the legs of his trousers.

Just as carefully, to avoid distressing any reader of a sensitive disposition, I have cropped this picture to save you from the unnerving sight of such rippling leg muscles..

Our cyclist-driver also acted as a guide, pointing out buildings of interest, while gently guiding his rickshaw through the narrow streets, passing shop-keepers, tea-rooms and a small army of fellow cycle-rickshaws

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It’s an amazing and exhilarating way to take a closer look at the city.

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An Art Installation?

Or maybe just parts of Shaji’s bicycle-frame hanging in my yard,
and in the process of being repainted.
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Deliverance

A take-away service.

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Pictures taken in Fort Cochin.

An Early Morning Pause

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Picture taken in Fort Cochin

Managing Inflation

Bicycle tyre maintenance in Pattalam, Fort Cochin.
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Unchained Melodies

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Picture taken in Fort Cochin

Well Played

Schoolboys return from dawn football practice.
After a quick wash and breakfast, they will start their classes.
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Picture taken at 8 o’clock in the morning, Patallam, Fort Cochin.

Team Orange

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Picture taken at 6:30am in Patallam, Fort Cochin.

Thursday’s Child

Thursday’s child has far to go.
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Man with hand-powered, disability tricycle, pausing on his journey.

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Monday’s child is fair of face
Tuesday’s child is full of grace
Wednesday’s child is full of woe 
Thursday’s child has far to go
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Picture taken on Palace Road, Cochin.

A Determined Perch

“Perch”
Its definitions include
An elevated place for resting or sitting:
A position that is secure, advantageous, or prominent.
 Derived from Middle English perche, from Old French, from Latin pertica: stick, pole
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Elevated and prominent?
Certainly.

Advantageous?
Perhaps.

Secure?

Determinedly so!
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