Day 1 - Delhi, India

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We arrived safely in the still bustling Delhia airport at 2am last night. Hundreds of people, taxis and scooters were zooming by as soon as we exited the terminal. Thankfully, a driver met us and escorted us through the crowds to our hotel.

As soon as we arrived at the gorgeous ITC Maurya hotel, we became aware of the hightened security measures. A half-dozen armed men guarded the hotel gates and searched our car thoroughly. After they confirmed that we were, in fact, hotel guests - we went through the iron gates, metal detector & passport check-points.

Our concierge, Saurbh, helped us get a cellphone and advised us on the Delhi nightlife scene (apparently monday night is Industry night at the hotest clubs). We decided to start off with some light shopping in Connaught Place ... and headed straight for Jan Path, an outdoor bazarre with clothing, textiles, pottery, etc. Our driver, Jardis, averted about 6 near-fatal accidents on the way to Jan Path . . . merging in this city is absolutely nuts. As soon as we left Jardis at the market, he ran after us yelling that Steph had left her new mobile phone in the taxi. At this point, he probably decided that we needed all the help we could get . . . and offered to wait for us all day until we were done shopping.

Throughout the afternoon, Jardis would pop up at just the right moment to ward off an aggressive vendor or help us cross the road (which is no small feat). Stephanie's friend recommended that we visit a government-operated textile consortium called Cottage Industries to find the best deals on hand-made Indian goods. After spending an hour in the market, this quiet & peaceful 'mall' felt like an oasis. Steph picked up a beautiful painting from an illuminated manuscript and we all bought tea & crafts.

After shopping, we met up with a college friend, Jeremy Kahn, at India's version of Starbucks (Cafe Coffee Today). Jeremy & his diplomat wife have been living in Delhi for over a year as a journalist. He had just been covering the Mumbai attacks and filled us in on the latest news.

We just got back from another incredible meal at Bukara, know for their ENORMOUS nan. I've never seen anything like it 😊 They gave us these cloth bibs, instructing us to eat with our hands. The food came out of this huge clay oven and was so spicy my eyes were watering...it was delicious!!

Tomorrow we're touring Old Delhi as well as several historical sights. In the evening, we are planning to take our first yoga class in India. Off to bed!

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Photos

Liz & Mel
Jan Path, New Delhi

Jeremy, Liz & Steph
Cafe Coffee Today in New Delhi

Comments

[Dana]

safe travels!!
Hi Liz! Sounds like you have had a great start to your trip! I hope you all had a good flight. It's great you have this blog so I can keep up! Be safe and enjoy your trip! Happy Chanukkah! Miss you already! Dana

[Liz from FL]

hey
Dana, I have a great idea. How about you rent a car in Delhi and I'll be your back-seat driver? :)

[Lisa]

Hey! Sounds like you're having a great time! Keep updating the blog and say hi to your mom and Stephanie for us! Lisa, Mark and the gals!

[Dana]

very funny! I was actually thinking about that. Wondering if you told the taxi driver what to do! ;) I bet you were holding on for your life! Glad you are safe! Your blog is very well written!