Advertisement
Published: June 17th 2012
Edit Blog Post
New Dehli lied only a few miles below me as we made our final decent, and already my head was filled with images of this great capitol. Most of our time was spent in the southern states and this was our opportunity to experience a different side of India – still India but with influences from other northern countries and the political, religious and cultural impacts they offered. I won’t declare to be in anyway worldly savvy of how this region, never mind how this country its put together. However what I can describe are only my interactions, observations and influences by those around me (there is my disclaimer if needed). Some of my first thoughts of this region revolve around its proximity to troubled countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan. Countries that are often in the news if not directly involved in conflicts that effect the globe. I admit my views are most likely skewed by the western news feeds and various interactions our own countries have had with these regions however I felt it important to keep an open mind and assume the experience will reflect what I have seen already. However the proximity to these conflict regions had me
wondering what differences may be underlying, what impacts there might be in the day to day lives of some 18 million Indian residents in this city.
I knew from various conversations that although Hinduism was the religion practiced by the majority of the population, practicing Muslims did make up a larger percentage. I have only recently taken an interest in the Muslim faith, looking to understand the various aspects and how it has such an influence over so many – purely from an informative perspective. My curiosity lied around what we might experience as a result. My experience from my short time in Malaysia (Malaysia being primarily a Muslim practicing country) I knew that certain expectations and restrictions would exist. We had already experienced certain aspects, primarily the impacts on women and the conservative mindset that exists in the southern states.
We only stayed a few days in this area, as originally we had wanted to make our way north from Udaipur then up to Jaipur and end with New Delhi. Various folks we meet suggested this as a good route as many of the beautiful temples, sites and the journey itself was worth
it. Our plan had us landing in Delhi only for a short stay and the off to find the first train to Udaipur, from there work our way up north again.
That said we came to the conclusion that we needed to part India. Being we had spent roughly a month in this country already, admittedly it was wearing on both of us. Although the food was amazing, the people being as kind as can be and the cultural sites, sounds and stimuli enchanting the few health issues we dealt with had taken its toll and we found ourselves craving the fresh vegetables and variety that we are accustomed to. We decided it best to spend some time around New Delhi, feed our curiosity about this region of India and of course experience the Taj Mahal.
New Delhi is such a contrast to the rest of India. GOA being the tourist, beach, palm tree heaven many seek and Mumbai being the center of much of India, this city was a contrast in many ways. Immediately as you head away from the airport you see modern highways, buildings and much less of the broken, poverty
sites you see elsewhere. That’s not to say that these common sites of the rest of India did not exist, they where somehow smothered by a capitol city that was clearly the capitol city. The auto-rickshaws and taxis displayed different colors, the general population looked to enjoy a higher class of life and the city itself boosted better use of space and public transportation. Overall the city shined brighter then others we experienced.
We found ourselves at the merci of the taxi driver to help us find a place for the evening. For those traveling in these regions it is always advisable to trust the bible (Lonely Planet) and ask the local drivers. Although you may get taken to a favored hotel, generally they have the “in” on what is around. We found ourselves right in the middle of what looked to be a less then ideal area of the city, with push carts, broken buildings and crowded streets, however the hotel was one of several that catered to both more fortunate locals and foreign tourists alike. What did stand out as we made off for dinner was the almost frustration of the locals as we worked
to find someplace to dine. Rickshaw drivers seemed distance or leery to the fare and some outright denied with a disgruntled nod of the head and did not even slow down. This reluctance of course was not shared with the various local merchants and restaurant staff as we found ourselves welcomed and even sometimes chased for business. I think it’s these contrasts that give the general feeling of difficulty that you hear of India. I struggled as I have mentioned before to understand if this is cultural, religion based or simply something personal with the individuals we encounter.
Our journey from Dehli to the Taj Mahal was one that would take 4 hours (5 if traffic is bad) and was, as expected, a highlight of our time in India. I loved the sales pitch the folks did quoting “no its only 2 hours” – so for those looking to make this trip, really its 5 each way. The Taj was always a name to me, holding no more meaning then any great wonder of the world holds for most. I have a curiosity to experience it, but for most the details are left out until you actually
set foot on the site itself. The Taj for me was no different. However we did find ourselves accompanied by a very well spoken guide that took his time to explain not just what we where looking at but also the history and the why it existed. For those curious, the Taj Mahal is basically a mausoleum for the 3
rd wife of the prince at that time. Ironically the first two wives (the first by arrangement, the second for children) are resting in not so spectacular and much smaller buildings just outside the walls of the TaJ Mahal. The Taj itself was built for love, purely for love and to fulfill a promise to his bride. This of course is my interpretation of the story as it was told to me. As we had experienced elsewhere in India, the majority of the tourists visiting the Taj where local Indians. It was very crowded and our guide did a great job ushering us through the lines and the mess of people. Rae being the beautiful woman she is was stopped frequently by various locals to have her picture taken with them. As with other areas of India, this seems to be
the tourist becomes the attraction. I wonder sometimes what stories are told of these pictures as slide shows are shown to families back home.
As we make our way back to Delhi, we are both very quiet as we are leaving this beautiful country the next day. We are both excited to start the next part of our journey, but sad at the same as we know there is so much more to see and experience here. India has made such an impression on us. We call it our India badge and know that many folks in the backpacking worlds don’t venture here for its known for being tough on the soul and not the typical scene many expect in that circle. I highly encourage everyone to venture this way at some point. Step down away from the J.W Marriott’s and hired drivers and get yourself around on your own. Eat the food the locals do, go the places they go and see India forå what is should be seen as. It’s a beautiful country with amazing people and culture that is thousands of years old.
I leave here with such a different view
then when I arrived. I feel so much closer to the culture and have an infinite respect for the people and the way of life. I miss my friend Santosh and his aggressive hospitality; I can’t help but think if the world adopted such an ingrained style that maybe the world would be a better place.
Many thank you’s (and head wags) from two people that will cherish this part of our journey for many years to come.
Advertisement
Tot: 0.247s; Tpl: 0.014s; cc: 12; qc: 51; dbt: 0.1127s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.2mb
Dad
non-member comment
Thanks for your blog. I know it must be difficult to keep up a journal when everything around you is so new and exciting. Thanks for your efforts. Keep it up!