Gandhi Day

Mahatma Gandhi fasting with future prime minister Indira Gandhi at his side.

It's not a national holiday or anything... it was just "Gandhi" day for the Kelley boys and me. We decided to do a field trip today into Delhi since it's been awhile since we've left the comforts of Gurgaon and our theme was "Gandhi". My intention was to spend the morning at the Mahatma Gandhi Museum and then take the boys to some of the more authentic markets in Old and New Delhi so they didn't think all of India was an American style Mall like it is in Gurgaon.

On our way into Delhi we stopped at the Indira Gandhi Museum since it's on the way (Indira is not related to Gandhi but she it Gandhi's good friend/PM of India post Independence Nehru's daughter - she just married another Gandhi to get the name). She was the first woman PM of Independent India - very famous lady) and it was a wonderful modest museum. Her pre-assassination home in Delhi has become her Museum which included some very interesting things for the boys to look at including the clothing she was wearing when assassinated, a sword (which was a gift to her), and the roped off gardens where she was walking when she was so unfortunately shot by her bodyguards (something VERY wrong about that).

The fact that Gandhi himself, Indira Gandhi AND her son Rajiv Gandhi (he was prime minister after Indira) were all assassinated was the notable thread that kept the boys engaged. To tour Indira's home and feel her international reach throughout her home was special and somehow I felt myself falling in love with India and it's rich history.

We decided that was enough history for one day and headed over to the outdoor markets which always makes me a bit uneasy with 3 boys who draw lots of attention - plus it was getting hot - Delhi is HOT. We managed to get out of the car in the middle of Connaught Place and walk around to find lunch and then headed over to a Government run market called Cottage Industries where each state in India is represented for it's specialty craft (leather, rugs, wood carvings, stone inlay etc.). We met a cobbler working in one small corner outside the market fixing a pair of shoes that Jack immediately recognized we would have thrown away. They sat and watched the man and he enjoyed them watching. His hands were as leathery as the shoes on which he worked.

The prized purchase of the day came unexpectedly as we waited for Micky, our driver, to pick us up outside the Cottage Industries building. I never buy from the kids in the street but today I did. We bought a large map of India for the wall in the boys room (for 90 rupees - $2.00). Negotiations started at 250 rupees - Micky was proud of me. Now, when we are trying to plan a trip - we can actually see where we are going and I won't be squinting at the globe or rummaging through my books for a little map of a special area etc... I'm thrilled! Jack took down a picture in our dining room and hung it when we got home. Perfect.

Lastly, I continue to be amazed at how many times the boys are approached, touched and questioned. Especially Matt and Owen - Jack must be too big. Just today I would bet at least 12+ people - all men touched their cheeks, asked them their names and wanted to talk or take a picture with them. There is one thing that I find intriguing... when they meet Matt, hold his cheeks and ask his name etc. they always say "peaceful, sharp, sweet" and when they hold Owens cheeks, EVERYONE always says - with a hearty laugh - "naughty!". This might become a self fulfilling prophecy.