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Published: December 22nd 2006
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After days of the deepest and darkest depression and staying within Colony confides and the safety of Wongdhen House and its restaurant I had a revelation, got angry and made a decision to get my arse out there and enjoy my holiday. I have still concluded that Delhi is a right shit hole and all roads leading in and out aren't any better. But at least I have now regenerated and rejuved my inner strength, and hopefully armed myself with the skills to experience and enjoy what it has to offer over and above the beggers, touts and wallahs. In regards to the transport situation, taxi or autorickshaws, the bottom line is no matter how much you haggle, they still rip you off. So stay strong and haggle, but then know when to just accept and get on with the journey and destination. I never expected everything to be so hard. I never expected life to be about discrimination and being targeted constantly. I just want to go about my business and have a bludy holiday. Maybe it is the country girl in me. But back home a smile is just that, a smile. Here, it means vulnrability, it means easy
target, it means extra unwanted attention and dare deviate your eyes than straight forward, you're sure to be pounced on by all the opportunists in this god forgotten city. I have had many tests in my life, and my close friends can vouch for this, but being alone and female in this city has pretty well taken out shared first prize for wearing me down and sucking the life out of me.
Ok enough of all of the negative, albeit needing to be told. I had a hearty breky yesterday morning and with conviction and determination exited the colony gates to be bombarded by taxi and rickshaw drivers. I had my first experience at haggling and being ripped off to travel all of 3km to the underground metro Vidhan Sibah. Do use the metro whenever you can. It is nothing less than brilliant. For 11Rs it is a damn steal with no bullshit attached. So that is about 30c AUS. Only business people and students tend to use it as for others it is very expensive. And I'll put myself out there and say this metro system is the cleanest and most efficient service I have ever come across.
Hey Brisy you could really learn from this. And that is saying something as I think I live in the absolute best country in the world, and my home and heart is in the best state, Queensland, anyone could dream of living in. We have excellent public transport, but Delhi you have something right - the Metro. Hey they even have signs saying 'No Spitting'. I see many signs over this city and beyond and laugh at their token ideal. But in the Metro it is immaculate, no spits, no shits and no piss. You are krazy not to use it.
Once in Connaught Place which is the shopping, eating and tourist mecha, you are greeted with a park like oasis, bit of a Telly Tuby look about it. Making my way to the Indian Government Tourism Office, which again trying to be redirected by friging touts I made it to them. Gained my composure and armed myself with a fabulous free map of the city. I didn't venture far away from Connaught Place and explored the inner circle shops and a market close by. Oh and not to mention the brilliant State Government Emporiums. No one in your
Qutb Minar Iron Pillar
If you could stand with your back to this pillar and wrap your arms around it, it is said all your wishes will come true. They have fenced it off now. So I couldn't try. face and yelling at you to come back and buy. Each shop represents a state of India and prices are fairly fixed, there really isn't any haggling going on. You might come across a special but no krap. So for that I liked it. And yes it is a given, but I will remind you just to send the message home once again. Those bludy touts know you are a foreigner, they know where you are going, funny enough, and will look as honest and helpful all the while trying to redirect you to a market or store that is going to pay them commission. I just want to smash them. Nothing is breezy in this city.
Ok I may be a posh backpacker, cause there aint no $1 a day feed for me. I chose to eat at United Coffee House in Block E of Connaught Place. I was in utter bliss. I have never experienced such decadent service and the most delicious South Indian Coffee (no sponge cake, darl...Kimmy...Private Joke!!). Oh and clean toilet. My advice is when finding a reputable place to eat, don't just go once to the toot, make it a purpose to visit
at least twice before leaving and furthing the exploration of Delhi.
Just quickly, as my hour is almost up at the internet cafe and I just hate paying all those rupees...money money money. Today was another brilliant day. Of course it would be..I had Gajendra with me to make it even more awesome. We visited Qutb Minar, The Five Senses Garden, lunched at Govindas Restaurant and marveouled at the beautiful temple, took a stroll through Dili Haat another market that is a pleasure to peruse without noise, and people screaming and running after you, then a big walk around Lodi Gardens. I had a great emphasis on plants today. And so Gajendra had to endure walking great distances with me. I even took him to the Five Senses Garden of which he knew nothing about. So we learnt from eachother today. I will upload many photos in the days to follow as I fly out to Baroda tomorrow morning to embark on my Gujurat and Kutch experience, and that wonderful Indian wedding on 25 December. Then off to Darmasala for some much needed healing and rest in the mountains. Blessings Tess x0x0
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I agree as a single woman you might be targeted in India. Just remember, in India they try to con you. In New York they "mug" you. And oh yeah, Indians go through the haggling every single day. Its not cheating, its a way of life. No Indian woman goes home from the market thinking, damn i got cheated. Somedays the Indian lady gets a good deal by haggling and some days she doesnt. Thats the way of life. So take it easy and enjoy. Anywhere in the world it is about money. not just India.