Advertisement
Published: September 27th 2007
Edit Blog Post
Delhi by day
Delhi by day Well - have finally made it. Not really sure how much I will write in this, or how often - but you never know.
The flight was totally uneventful. I tried to and succeeded in averting my gaze from the other traveller types, who looked fairly north-face fleeced and sturdy boots for my liking. I even read Heat on the plane. My next door neighbour on the journey, however, was the charming Bina - a Delhi lady en route back from US and UK visiting family. By the time I set foot on dry land, she had "encouraged" me to watch an indian movie to get me in the mood (rather than Ocean's 13), given me her email and postal address and bequeathed me a very nice red beaded bracelet - for luck - which I intend to wear for my whole trip.
I was picked up by the hotel as requested, so seeing my name on a placard on the way out was very reassuring then resulted in nearly fainting from the heat and to be honest being shocked at the conditions of the carparks, roads, etc.. outside the terminal. Then followed a fairly exhilarating journey into central
Delhi which would have resulted in (my) screams, had I not been so tired. Really has to be experienced to be believed.
So - checked in, and although old fashioned (Are-You-Being-Served type caged lift), all very good - complete with mini bar and tv - which is not going to be the standard for the whole trip.
When I woke later in the afternoon I was confused, didn't feel great and was quite a bit daunted as I lay listening to the wailing traffic, impromptu cricket games in the street (just won against Pakistan after 24 years - and very proud of it too), and the incessant blare of car horns. However I made myself get up and go for it - and had a lovely day walking around central Delhi.
I met Sunil - a young student, so he said, intent on practicing his English skills on an impressionable young girl. After guessing that I was 24 I was a pretty easy target. He clearly worked for the government approved tourist agency as he directed me straight there - but I was heading there anyway, and he didnt charge me any money or anything - although
Jama Masjid Mosque
Mosque in Delhi.. not a temple as I first wrote!!! showed a healthy interest in my Lucky Strikes. He was lovely though really, chatted away, and although the day ended in him suggesting a 'party' with some beers and the best hashish in Delhi to meet some of his friends, I declined of course and headed back in a rickshaw to my hotel - feeling quite the local, he was a decent guy. He also taught me how to cross the road. That may sound ridiculous, but it's an art form, and I think I've nailed it. This place is full of drivers who make me look as if Ive sat an advanced safety test.
I managed to book myself a 3 week tour of Rajesthan though. Also included was a day tour of Delhi itself "free of charge" although I suspect my overall price included this..
Delhi tour was today - and my new driver (not that I ever had an old driver) is Deepak. Very sweet man. He will also be the driver taking me around for the next three weeks, so it was good that we got acquainted. The day started with him picking me up and suggesting that we have a traditional Indian breakfast,
Delhi
Delhi at Sunset which I was all for. This, however, was to be hosted at his house which was a 40 min ride to Old Delhi. Once there his family were absolutely charming and served me up a breakfast of light curried veg, chapati, raita, and a dish of rice pudding for 'desert' I guess. All tiny portions. I managed to get this down remarkably well - whilst Deepak set about having a shave and doing some laundry it seemed to me. Somehow I dont think this breakfast was part of the scheduled tour. This was pretty much confirmed when we ended up giving his sister-in-law a lift to work. But they were good fun, and I even managed to overcome the language barrier with the 4 year old boy in the house (not sure whose he was) with a game of snakes and ladders. Which I won. Not even a 4 year old can quash my competitive streak. He hugged my goodbye, so I don't think he took it as seriously as me.
The rest of the day was a series of temples and photograph opportunities. Deepak doesn't appear to be very good in the heat and continually wipes his brow with a facecloth which is not that encouraging. I, on the other hand, was fine. This is apparently quite cool weather we are having, which I am glad about. Its still over 35 degrees. We eventually parted company at about 7pm - with his clear instructions that I eat well, drink whisky and sleep off my jet lag before we start the tour tomorrow. As a side note, he has determined that we will need 4 bottles of whisky for our tour. And there only is the pair of us. Night-times only he assures me. So much for healthy living.
So I leave Delhi tomorrow morning. I cant say Im sad. I have seen many tourist attractions, managed to settle in (ish) and avoid serious culture shock, so am looking forward to getting moving.
Advertisement
Tot: 0.143s; Tpl: 0.01s; cc: 10; qc: 48; dbt: 0.0388s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.2mb