An earlier group email which i've decided to add to this site:
so - at 5 on wednesday evening, i was finally on my way to the big bad world that's been calling my name for quite a while now...! i flew through dubai - the first flight was really good, good movies (one bollywood ofcourse) and flight stuards who kept chatting to me and filling up my champagne glass! had a chat to a canadian guy, with the consequence of not getting any sleep on that flight. when i got to dubai and went to my delhi boarding gate, i met two backpacker guys (who were both travelling solo)...we decided to take a taxi to central delhi together. the flight to delhi was supposed to be some nice sleep time. but alas, that same canadian man ended up sitting across the aisle from me...three and a half more hours on incessant talk :( . in delhi, me, and the two backpackers (jamie and john) took the taxi to pahaganj where we were staying. i was so excited to be there, and everything was amazing. the streets weren't as crowded as i expected - but still lots of motor-rickshaws along
with the numerous cows. when we got out of our taxi and walked to my hotel we passed some markets that were selling elaborately colored saris, bags, and all kinds of loose clothing, that i soon realised i was in dior need of! it's quite hot and humid, and i've been here exactly 24 hours and i've taken three showers and changed my shirt about 5 times.
anyway - me and jamie ended up walking around the town, cause we were both wired on the excitement of being here! we walked to the tourist office and asked to get a map plus some information...when we were leaving another guy in the office invited us for dinner at his house, saying that he was happy to hear so much laughter from tourists, who are usually a bit doubtful about the atmosphere in india when they arrive! on the way back to our hotel, jamie calmly told me to watch my step,...turned out there was a dead dog about 1mm away from my right shoe. if anyone's seen in the close vicinity of a mouse, the reaction was about the same, a lot of jumping and girly squeeks.
everyone we've
met so far has been so friendly, lot's of smiles and friendly chat. i'm glad i can walk around with a guy, though, cause i do get a fair share of stares and winks...! anyway - after a nice nap, we went out to have some good old indian food. i had butter chicken, which was a lot spicier than any butter chicken i've had before. but GOOD! oh, by this time, there's an american guy, nick, with us as well. and we go to a bar and have some cocktails. on our walk back to the hotel, we were suprised at how many homeless people were sleeping on the street, next to their shops, and anywhere else that could give them enough room to lie down! well, that's enough for now, i haven't even had breakfast yet...better get to it! today we're going to take a pre-paid taxi for the day so that we can go and have a good look at all kinds of delhi sights! can't wait! hope to hear from you all soon!
love,
mona