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Published: January 3rd 2011
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My first introduction to India was the taxi ride from Delhi airport to my hotel. It was 45 minute drive and between the fog, rain and the fact my driver's headlights weren't working....it was an "interesting" drive to say the least! Thankfully it was already 3am by this time and the streets were relatively empty.
I spent my first morning in Delhi with an organisation called Salaam Baalak Trust. The trust helps street children by either providing them with 24 hour care whilst trying to relocate their parents or by finding an alternative home. Sadly many children prefer to stay on the streets as this allows them freedom to make their own decisions and run to their own schedule. I was shocked to find out that some 100,000 children currently living on the streets of Delhi are actually "lost" children. Poverty, violence and dream of a better life in the city are some reasons but I was really saddened to hear that a large number of children are separated from their parents during large festivals or in crowds. The families are rarely ever reunited as the kids are often very young and don't know how/where to find their family. It
was all very sad, but Salaam Baalak trust are doing great work.
I joined my Intrepid group on my second day (NYE) in Delhi and we are made up of Aussies, Kiwi's, Canadians and a Brit. Our hotel put on a party for us on New Years eve which saw us dancing to hip tunes such as "Who let the dogs out" and running up and down the streets of Karol Bagh with fireworks (don't stress Mum!).
We spent a day in Old Delhi which is definitely the Delhi I had expected to see. Here are a few of my favourite things about Delhi (and India so far);
1. Though there are clearly marked lanes on the roads, there is no reason what so ever to actually drive in a lane
2. The roof or bonnet of a parked car is a comfy spot to take a nap if you are a dog
3. If you need to do your "bodily business" the side of the road is a great place for that. Just ignore the hundreds of people in the near vicinity
4. Watch where you walk
5. Hand sanitiser is a
travellers best friend
6. "Free to look" is Bali's equivalent of "same same but different"
7. Bollywood films and Indian music is best experienced as loud as the speakers will go. Doesn't matter if you are on a bus which has departed at 4:30am or not
8. Cricket, cricket, cricket...As soon as anyone finds out you are Australian you will receive the response "Ricky Ponting". People also want to discuss in detail what has happened to the performance of the Australian cricket team...we would also like to know!
9. Fresh lime sodas are my new favorite drink!!! (Kris - I also prefer no salt or sugar).
10. India is a vibrant, colourful, delicious country and I'm having a WONDERFUL time !!!!
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Peter
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Coffee
Had a decent coffee yet ? Sounds like the dtart of a great trip - enjoy !