Ahmedabad, India

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Margaret walking about in the colourful and friendly streets of Ahmedabad. Allan had his hair cut in a local barber shop and we ate in street cafes. These men type documents and write letters for clients.

 

Gujarati people love sweets and this stall did a roaring trade. Up an alley we chatted to this butcher who was preparing meat for the mid day meal. In front is a pile of hooves.

 

The streets were full of smiling people who asked where we came from and what we were doing in Ahmedabad. It was delightful.

 

At the main Jama Masjid Mosque we chatted to worshippers who came in for a private prayer or to have conversations with friends.

 

Decorations were being placed on the tomb of the queen, or Rani, of Ahmed Shah. In the tomb of Ahmed Shah himself the graves were draped in fine cloth. Ahmed Shah died in 1442 but his tomb is still scared and people come here to pray.

 

  

This Hindu Temple is a glorious expression of exuberance with finely carved dancing figures surrounded by animals and plants. The temple is a delight to explore.

 

Gandhi’s Ashram with house and surrounding buildings has been preserved as a museum to the great man and his work.

 

The huge and finely carved step well at Adalaj is like a cathedral built down into the ground.

                     

At the surface there is nothing to see. Then the many visitors descent in the gigantic cool interior and walk down seven storeys of broad steps to the water deep under ground.