It means India as the "emporium" of stores, more or less extensive, or they sell a little of everything. There are over there emporiums (or are told of emporia?) Everywhere. It becomes almost obsessive. So I decided to use The term for this column because it deals with various aspects of freedom of the city of Delhi and the country in general. I first wanted to show you the finest hotel in New Delhi, the Imperial. When you enter this building from the 30s to the architecture "art deco" we really feel back to the days of British Raj. It's another world. The service is impeccable, the staff wear traditional costume and decor is superb. Plus it floats in the hotel a fairly heady scent of jasmine. Unfortunately I could not see the rooms. 
An image from Connaught Place, the commercial center of Delhi. It is a huge complex circular neo-classical architecture. The shops are spread over three concentric streets with a sort of plaza in the middle. The complex, built during the colonial period, however, would need serious rehabilitation. In the Indian capital 
service cars used by senior government officials are Brand Ambassador and are manufactured locally. These are nice little cars, always conducted by a driver and which appear to date from '60 (or '50). They are seen everywhere in the city with their little flag on the hood. 
During my stay in Delhi I stayed with my friend Pierre Beaudoin, consul at the embassy (or rather OHCHR) in Canada. The building located at Chanakyapuri, in what is called the diplomatic enclave, is modern and well designed. In addition to the Chancery, the property features several homes and apartments for international staff, a social club, two tennis courts, a large garden and a pool of good size (which I much enjoyed). 
Nearby is a large pleasant park, built in the English, and which reminds us a bit Lafontaine Park: Nehru Park. The field of joggers early morning. When receiving 
in Delhi it is customary to decorate the entrance of his house with flower petals. A specialist was hired to create with them on proper grounds. Here you see the arrangement implemented at my friend for the receipt of Christmas Day. 
A curiosity for wine lovers: there are vineyards in India. And wine, at least one I could taste is quite nice. One of Grover Vineyards is vinified with the guidance of renowned French winemaker Michel Rolland. But the best (and most expensive) is that of Sula Vineyards: the Dindori Reserve, we Shiraz tasted the 2006. 
The leading newspaper of India is without doubt The Times of India. This is his first page the day after the assassination of Benazir Bhutto in Rawalpindi, an event that has created a strong buzz in the country.
In closing here are some books I could advise you if you're interested in India. First, the magnificent "Travels with Herodotus" the great Polish journalist (who died last year) Ryszard Kapuscinski. 
Not only India but captivating. It can also read with pleasure, "The Elephanta Suite by writer-traveler Paul Theroux. And a more sociological study of modern India: "In Spite of the Gods" of the British Edward Luce. Eventually include the very interesting works William Dalrymple's "The Age of Kali (on India and Pakistan) and" City of Djinns "(in Delhi). Happy reading! 
The other important monument of Delhi is the Red Fort or palace fort of Shahjahanabad (Lal Qil'ah). This imposing fortress of red sandstone (hence its name) overlooks the old city and was built by Shah Jahan in 1639. Located on the banks of Yamuna, it was a symbol of imperial power. 
Opposite Red Fort you will notice a vast Hindu temple (or more precisely Jain) the characteristic architecture. 
To leave the old town we have experienced Metro is very modern and comfortable (the cars are manufactured in Japan), which includes some 59 stations and 65 km of underground track. He is also currently expanding. Here one sees the Patel Chowk station. 
Strongly influenced by Islamic tradition of astronomy, Jai Singh II has adapted and refined the instruments of observation of the time to create structures that exceed in complexity and originality all that had been done before. 
The main structure of all is the Samrat Yantra, which is actually a gigantic sundial (one of Jaipur Even more impressive). One can read the time or the declination of the sun on the vast quadrants graduated on either side of the triangular structure. The precision of the Jaipur is two seconds. The Jai Prakash 
the device is probably the most complex and most elaborate. This is a bowl-shaped structure, located partly above and partly below ground. The inner surface is divided into segments and steps give access to observers. A perforated metal disc at its center is fixed on the upper level and son at the center of the structure. This "target" is used to calculate the position of celestial bodies overnight. In Delhi and Jaipur this unit is built as a pair. 
The terminal has a unique feature that I really impressed the presence of trees close to the two terminals. I've never seen it in any airport. It must also be said that architecture is magnificent. 
Huge metal pillars supporting the inclined concrete vaults, which creates a wide dynamic space, limited by huge glass panels, also inclined, forming the building envelope. The feeling of space is very nice and very generous natural lighting. More effective planning is remarkable because we did not walk a lot (unlike most major airports). The two terminals (quite distant) are connected by two electric trains fast and silent. The shops, many are well appointed. In addition, the formalities for entering Malaysia are ultra-fast. Not even need a visa for Canadians. 
As I was to spend the night during my transit to Medan, I had booked a room at the posh Pan Pacific Hotel, in the immediate vicinity of the airport. Again tremendous efficiency. We can already register in the lobby of baggage, and from there take a shuttle (small electric cart) that leads directly, via a glazed walkway in the hotel lobby. The hotel is classified as the best airport hotels in the world and we understand why. The rooms are spacious and very comfortable and enjoy wireless internet access and a flat screen TV with large dimensions. And the service is impeccable. 
This brief stop in Malaysia was therefore a pleasant surprise and a real discovery of modern amenities and well planned. I would go back willingly. 
Medan is the capital of North Sumatra province in Indonesia. The city has about 2.5 million inhabitants and this is the third largest city in the country. I had never heard before I go in January for an interview. A brief stay of two days that I could visit a little (at least the center). We can not say it is a great attraction. There is quite warm (32'C during my visit) and wet, the sea is far more (approximately 20 km). Its main attraction seems to lie in its many shops. 
was my first visit to Indonesia, a country I had long dreamed. The arrival at Polonia Airport, located in the city, is the first shock. Especially after transit to the airport in Kuala Lumpur which I'll talk soon. It was a bit like arriving in a small provincial town of the 50s. Moreover, I felt like the only western tourist in the area. On my first night on the town I was also interviewed by a group of young students and sympathetic (in a rather English summary), for a school work it seems. I realized that I was a rare specimen in these parts. 
Medan was founded in the late 16th century and was the seat of the Sultanate of Deli. We can also visit some of the sultan's palace, the Maimun Palace, built by an Italian architect in the late 19th century. 
The great mosque of Al-Mashun, designed in 1906 by an architect of Amsterdam in the Moorish style, is another important building in Medan. We must also mention the famous water tower, but rather ugly symbol of the city, located near my hotel. 
Medan was mainly developed in the 19th century during the Dutch colonization, whereas several tobacco plantations were built in the region. The city was then transformed into administrative and commercial center. Much of colonial architecture that remains from this period is located in the area Kesawan Square. One can still see some houses close in Dutch colonial style. 
also admire a large house rather eclectic style, built for a wealthy Chinese merchant (above). It also remains bâtments several details in the trend "art deco". 
not forget the Bank of Indonesia to the neo-classical and post office built by the Dutch in the 30's. 
Another curiosity: the large wood panels installed on main roads, on which are inscribed in colored paper wishes of happiness for weddings, celebrations or announcements or greeting for Chinese New Year (from what I 'I understand, my Indonesian is rather limited). 
After quickly exhausted the attractions of Medan and its "wonders" of architecture, I took the opportunity to do as the premises ie a little shopping in the many malls in the center. Especially at the chic and modern Sun Plaza located in a more recent one which recalls the corrugations of the facings of the famous museum in Bilbao. 
And face which I also was surprised to discover, at the exit, the main Hindu temple in the city in a different style for less. I leave you the pleasure of admiring her exuberant ornamentation 
And finally ... This brief overview of Medan an architectural detail here much more contemporary. 
