After two late nights we have a lie in and amble down to breakfast at 8.30. D has to take a tuk-tuk to collect the suitcase from left luggage at Nizamuddin station. On the way back the driver cuts up a two star staff car with flag flying - most satisfying. After sorting out our packing and unpacking we decide to head into the city centre but on leaving the hotel we are faced with hundreds of police and soldiers. There is some kind of major Trades Union Rally going on and the authorities are taking all precautions. Whilst waiting for a train in the metro D takes a photo and is promptly whistled at by a security guard. 
Because of the delays we skip the shopping and head to New Delhi railway station where the Great Circular Indian Railway Challenge team (see link) are due to board a train to the far north east - a mere 37 hour journey. They duly arrive and turn out to be very nice people. Hopefully we will meet them for a drink on Saturday before they head up to Darjeeling. We leave them to settle in and head for the spice market. For once we fail to find a tuk-tuk and finish up walking the length of what we later discover is the most notorious street in Delhi but apart from having to dodge traffic and it being very hot we had no problems. 
The spice market was incredibly busy and colourful. R found an emporium that suited her and bought green cardamon pods from a man who wanted to talk about kilts and bagpipes. We idled away the afternoon in various bars and bookshops before trying a recommended restaurant for our supper. The food was South Indian, quite different and very tasty, but the book failed to mention that you couldn't get a beer so black mark to Rough Guides.
Tomorrow is our day trip to Agra which means a 5 a.m. start so definite early night tonight.
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