First full day in India. I am concerned about the smog (hazardous air quality!) but decided to do some sightseeing anyway.

Took a tuktuk ($3.5 for a very long ride — surprisingly “New” Delhi traffic is not bad) to the main Jain temple with a bird hospital. They take injured pigeons, partridges and other birds, in fulfillment of their belief that all life is sacred, not just human.

SIM still not activated and having a hard time finding WiFi. Found on the map a library close enough. There has to be WiFi at the library.

It turns out it was the Mahatma Gandhi Museum and Library. Gandhi was not on my mind but of course he is big in India — the “Father of the Nation.” It turns out he was born one century to the year before me. And they are celebrating his 150th year.

I seem to keep finding these subtle messages. Gandhi was himself a lawyer and turned into a spiritual leader. I do not say I am a Gandhi, far from it, but what a way to start this journey. With Gandhi himself seemingly affirming my path.

I walked some more and ended up at the National Museum. Beautiful miniature paintings. Found some edicts by King Ashoka, a Buddha disciple.

Excited about Dharamsala tomorrow.