The trip is virtually over, the song is near sung, yet there was one more place to visit before heading off out for the final meal, and thus I found myself outside the Masonic Hall in Delhi, meeting a man considerably more senior that me for a guided tour,  If ever you needed an example of where Masonry works so well, then what happened would be ideal.  There I am, a third of the way round the world, I could be in the city alone on business (o.k. I’m staying with friends, just let that slide) and this gentleman, who just happens to be the most senior member in North India, is showing me around the building and treating me as if we’d known each other for years and were good friends.  On top of this he mentioned meetings that he was sure I could attend if I were still to be around.  And that sums much of masonry up, you can be virtually anywhere around the world, but not have to worry about being alone. Continue reading →

Well today was that time on a holiday when most people are hit by panic.  A day to go and souvenirs to buy.  While not having many to get, I still always find tracing suitable ones to be an issue.  Fortunately there were two things in my favor.  First,  I’d already seen Dilli Haat and knew the potential it offered (and that many of the stalls would be different), and secondly Simon and Ruth (with whom I’m staying) are experts at ferreting out local craft shops, and so first stop of the day was back to Khan Market for one of these gems followed by a cash point.
With some success and having hit an ATM for what I expected to be enough for the rest of the holiday I then hit Dilli Haat.  It was around 11:30 and some of the stalls were still setting up, but I managed to have a decent look around and get all bases covered, except I also found myself having to barter harder than expected as I had come to realise I had withdrawn too little cash and I was at risk not being able to afford lunch (which was going to be only around the 100 rupee mark anyway).

Still my duty has now been done, I’ll hopefully get to have a node around the Masonic hall in about an hour and then we’re out for the evening, till then rest time.