Images from my Neighborhood and Home

Some photos from what is in and around my neighborhood and home in New Delhi.


1.  I live very near the railroad line.  I can hear the trains blowing their whistles throughout the day and night.  There is a road crossing not far from my home where I can cross to get to Lajpat Nagar or Defense Colony neighborhoods.  This crossing is at road level, and there is also a 'foot-over-bridge' for pedestrians.  Poor people live in shanty homes along the railroad track, and near the crossing.  Dozens of men who drive cycle-rickshaws wait on either side of the crossing.  They will take you anywhere in their neighborhood. But they will not often cross the tracks.  Territory.

2. Squint your eyes, see the Black Kite bird perched on the roof top.  My neighborhood is alive with so many bird species.  Hawks and eagles soar high above.  Parakeets perch in trees, vivid green.  Pigeons make a mess and a noise all day long.  And so many others. I recently got "the Book of Indian Birds" by Salim Ali, to learn all of the feathers above my head.  If you go to Humayuns Tomb, just down the road, at dusk you'll see dozens of eagles and kites circling amidst the crowns of stately trees.

3. Sufi music at West Nizamuddin.  If you go to this neighborhood, just up the road you will find a twisted mesh of narrow alleyways and footpaths, amidst steep canyons of worn concrete buildings, and in the centre there is an old and beautiful mosque, and numerous tombs of Sufi masters and Sufi poets, and ancient kings.  It is a magical place.  Like stepping back into another distant point in time.  In the evenings, and especially on thursdays, great Sufi singers perform, seated and playing the Harmonium, drums, or some strings.  They sing with such devotional passion. They carry you away.  They show you a glimpse of what might be divine.  I don't know.

4.  My house has a maid named Veena who works here.  She works downstairs, for my 1st floor neighbor. But she also cooks and cleans for me.  She is a sweet woman, who rarely says a word.  A woman who works hard, and provides for her young son.  She makes healthy and tasty dal, curries, rice, and chappatis.  The flavors are both subtle and intense.  Spiced with heat and flavor.  The food is simple, but wholesome and good.  I will be well fed and happy in my home in Delhi.  Come visit me, and you can have a taste!