New Delhi

Our first full day in India was rainy but lots of fun! We enjoyed a relaxing breakfast this morning and then had an information session with a local professor. He talked to us about the history, culture, religion, and politics of India.

Later this morning, we met up with our tour guide, Anand. A wonderfully vibrant and entertaining local, he took us around the city for the majority of the day. 

Our first stop was the Lotus temple, where we got to go inside and enjoy a few peaceful moments. 

We then headed to a Hindu temple, where a few of our group members were able to give flowers as offerings and receive a blessing for a good journey through the country. 

Before heading to lunch, we drove by multiple government buildings, including the President's house and Parliament. 

Following a delicious Indian meal, we headed to Ghandhi Smriti. Here we saw the buildings in and around which Ghandhi lived and taught in the later years of his life. 

It was also in these gardens that he was assisinated in 1948. The buildings now pay tribute to his life and works. 

Humayun's Tumb was our last stop of the day. This magnificant structure is one of Delhi's most famous sights and is surrounded by gardens and various smaller tombs. 

Now back at our hotel, we are all looking forward to dinner and an early bedtime. Tomorrow we will be leaving on a very early morning train to Agra, the location of the Taj Mahal. It should be another spectacular day!