After a long journey, Pip arrived with her cases in front of a beautiful bamboo gate in the heart of Delhi. She had been invited there by her Indian friend Josy, who welcomed her with a wave. Via the sun-drenched garden, they entered his refreshingly cool house.
Pip looked around inquisitively. The ceiling was remarkably tall, almost like a vault, and the windows had stained glass, just like in a church. In the corner, was a majestic peacock, India’s national bird.
Josy led her into the kitchen and Pip sat herself down at the big wooden table. Josy’s wife arrived with a tray full of delicacies and cold lemonade in coloured glasses. A red and yellow garland of flowers lay on the tray.
‘I simply adore garlands!’ Pip cried enthusiastically. ‘Just wait till you see the market in Old Delhi…’ Josy said with a mysterious smile.
Later that afternoon, they took a rickshaw to the old market, which was like a city in itself. The scent of spices filled the air and all around them they saw men hauling heavy loads.
They wandered endlessly through the narrow alleyways full of colourful shops. Pip discovered the most beautiful dresses, hand-painted eggs and vases. There was a spiral staircase leading to a storeroom full of printed boxes. Josy had to run to keep up with her through the bustling crowd.
Then, in a small shop full of beautifully patterned fabrics, Pip found a scarf with hand-drawn flowers. ‘Josy just has to see this!’ But Josy was nowhere to be found. Pip suddenly began to feel anxious. Fortunately, the lady shopkeeper came to her help; she took her outside and the two of them went in search of her friend.
After some time, they arrived at a shop with orange and yellow garlands. From behind the curtain of flowers Josy emerged with a broad smile. ‘I knew you’d end up here sooner or later.’
Pip beamed, with a glint of relief in her eyes. She suddenly felt a strong craving for a comforting cup of tea.
'Namaste!' she laughed.
With love from Pip
