Our Life in Delhi, Two Busy Weeks, August 1-14, on John ki Jaan

Two Busy Weeks – August 1–14, 2007

Jhandewalan & window shopping.

So I accompanied John for a job interview to this area that sounds like it is in the boonies of Old Delhi, but it turned out to be just west of Connaught Place, the central business district in Delhi.

It did feel like time stood still here. Shops looked old and decrepit (not old and charming) and had clearly remained the same for decades. We arrived really early for the interview (one never knows what the traffic is like in this area), so we walked around and stumbled upon a nice little park like an oasis in the middle of all the chaos.

Left John for his interview and went off “window shopping.” The State Emporia have gone through a major facelift. I forget how incredible and rich is India’s history of arts and crafts of all kinds from weaving, to wood carvings, to embroidery. Just magnificent. It was such a joy to walk around and revel in the splendor of the beautifully displayed goods.

First experience of bar/lounge in Delhi.

Went to this bar/lounge that is part of this four-level bar and restaurant called Moets—it used to be a grungy place (with good food), but now it is spruced up and has amazing décor. There is Indian food, sushi, Chinese, and a bar with snacks (like pizza and pasta).

The service was good, but the margaritas we had were really bad. We requested them to add more tequila, which they did, but it was still pretty bad. But company, music, and food made up for this.

TimeOut Delhi.

Loved going through this magazine. Nostalgia for NYC TimeOut reached an all-time high when I was reading the Delhi version. Former is incomparable, but clearly, a lot has changed in Delhi in the last few years, and it had become way more cosmopolitan, hip, and cool while I wasn’t looking!

Aside from a widening selection of restaurants, there are endless numbers of plays, dance performances, music concerts, film festivals, and readings going on at the same time. A lot to look forward to in the coming months.

Of course, food is not cheap in the restaurants, especially if one drinks, but there are a lot of places that do “happy hour” and “ladies nites” so will definitely explore those.