Delhi, but slightly different

... and despite everything, a moment in Delhi. This time the lodge is on a side street off the main bazaa road, and somehow the atmosphere is entirely different. The narrow but busy road feels peaceful, and only the occasional motorcycle or cycle rickshaw disturbs the slow walking crowds. There are few tourists just this one street away, and consequently none of the hassle and touting of the main road. In fact as I walk along nobody seems to notice me. It's just after sunset and the lighting is atmospheric, coming from each shop entrance and the odd street lamp nested amongst the chaotic Indian overhead wiring. The shops are varied, and there are sellers for vegetables and fast food, not tourist tat and money exchanges. The quaint touches of India are visible, a man is trying to negotiate the crowds with a long hand cart packed with boxes of goods. I walk slowly with my pack of sweet lassi (yoghurt, I've discovered it's about Rs13 (20p) from the dairy shops, so may even start gaining weight). There are odd sights, the ground floor of one building has been converted into a stable for ten or so white horses, and another building's ground floor is converted into some kind of waste dump. Don't worry I've not gone soft yet, these spots don't exactly smell fresh.