In a crazy place...

---

Well...I made it! The 20hr trip to get here was nothing compared to what I found at the end... Delhi is nuts. It took me about 2 days to get over the jet lag and come back to life from my initial shell shock. This city is packed with people and ridiculous traffic (I will never complain about I75/85 again). I chose the backpacker ghetto, Paharganj, as the first place I stayed which ended up being kind of a mistake. Although I have met some other travelers to hang out with, Paharganj is the definition of total choas (people, taxis, motorized rishaws, motorcycles, cows and the occasional orangatang (yes, cows and monkeys)). Me being a whitey, I also get harrassed constantly for money or to buy kitschy souveneirs or clothing. The most heartbreaking thing is the little kids who run up to you barefoot in the street and point to their bellies (I often give in).

There is also a constant haze over the city from the smog which makes every afternoon seem like your looking at the world through a sepia lens. I actually like it, although I hope it doesn't give me black lung.

I made contact with the organization I will be working with and will go in to work on Monday of next week. I am taking some time over the weekend to take in some sights in Delhi...which means walking around in the sun in 110 degree heat, yikes!! I saw a cool tomb and ancient astronomical observatory today, and will check out the largest muslim temple in the world tomorrow.

Most likely I am off to Jaipur by Fri of next week.

---

Comments

[Mom]

Through Tyler's Eyes
I am looking forward to seeing India through your eyes and your descriptive words.....send lots of them!!

[anamericanindelhi]

Small hotels best
Based on my experience I recommend smaller hotels or guesthouses. The extremely budget accomdations are rather bare and are typically in sections of town you prob don't want to be in with your family. Better yet, if you can arrange a guest stay with an indian family through the government tourist office you will prob get a better value and experience (and food is included). Accomodations are more expensive than originally imagined, but trying stay in Delhi on a shoestring is maybe even more frustrating. I will have more on the rest of india as I travel.