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Published: December 14th 2005
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It's official, I am sick. I have been in denial since arriving, each day hoping I will miraculously get better ... but today I finally listened to Ajay and went to the doctor. I have been hacking and coughing and yesterday I felt almost like I had an asthma attack after spending a big part of the day driving in Delhi's hellish traffic. Plus I turn red, and my skin feels like it's burning, when I am out.
(Went to CP yesterday -- Connaught Place -- and back, plus out for dinner with friends of Ajay's in the evening. The very late evening, of course. Delhi is a huge, confusing city, but no one would think of using a map. You drive around lost, stopping men on bicycles or rickshaw-wallahs every few minutes to ask for directions. They rarely know where it is, or when they do, they give you bad directions. This seems to pass for entertainment as the three Indian people I was with chatted happily, noisily and non-stop during this entire, very long process. We finally ended up at Claridges Hotel, where they sent us to an outdoor restaurant (jungle-themed), though it was about 8 C.! I
a nearby house ...
... a typical example in this exclusive enclave ... vehemently declined to stay, pointing out that the place was completely empty. We ended up indoors, eating at about 11 or midnight. I suspect I was treated to a classic Delhi evening and probably have many more in store ...)
Digression over.
The good news is that when you are in a foreign country, everything is an adventure, including a trip to the doctor. The thing that amazed me was that in a country that presents so much confusion, challenges and delays, my trip to the doctor was unbelievably smooth, efficient and enjoyable. I walked to the clinic as it was only 14 houses away. It was beautiful, like a very nice hotel. There was no waiting and the service was excellent. You pay when you register. I paid 400 rupees ($10) to see the head of internal medicine, an extremley well-educated (in Britain) and articluate man. I was in his office within about 10 minutes after entering the building. He said I have an upper respiratory tract infection and an allergic reaction to the air. This is the worst time for allergies in Delhi because of the amount of dust in the air. It will last until
auto-rickshaw
I took this on the road outside of Ajay's house. There must be a million auto-rickshaws in Delhi. about mid-January (which has put a fire under my plans to head to Kerala).
Then he gave me five prescriptions -- antibiotics, allergy medication, a special multi-vitamin, an inhaler and something else, I'm not sure what. He was very thorough! The medicines cost almost three times as much as the visit, but still very cheap by Canadian standards.
So I am resting today and looking forward to finally feeling well in Delhi.
And just in case you are getting the wrong idea ... I love this city. It is very green, there are trees everwhere, and so much to do and see. Plus, Delhi-ites seem to know how to enjoy life. Very unhurried pace. Great shopping, great restaurants, untold numbers of historical sites and cultural events, parks ... if you're upper-middle-class in Delhi, you have a great life ...
And another thing I am learning is not to believe everything you hear about India. So many people (though not Indo-Canadians) gave me dire warnings about being here. For example, I had a root canal done just before I left Canada and it was expensive. People said to me that it's a good thing I got in
entrance way
This is the door to Ajay's flat, on the top floor of a four-story building. done in Canada because what if it got really bad and I had to get it done in India! I'll tell you what. If I had to get it done in India, it would have cost me a fraction of the price and they would have done an exceptional and completely hygienic job.
I would have saved a lot of money and made a lot of different decisions while planning my trip if I knew then what I know now. But that's how you learn. Through experience. I will be much smarter about future trips to India! (Ajay's mother is telling me I should spend six months in India every year, during the winter, and just go home to Canada in the summer. It's a very enticing idea!)
Must go now. The tailor-wallah is here. He is going to measure me to make me two custom-made suits. Fabinida is okay for every day, but for special occasions, you need custom-made suits that feature fine embroidery. One of mine is a tasteful slate blue, the other is glorious orange and gold.
P.S. They do everything at home here. Craftsmen, such as tailors, come here. Also, most shopping is done from home. Even if you just want shaving cream, you order it. Or the servant goes to pick it up for you.
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Shelly
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Mariellen these are so much fun to read. I'm glad to hear that you have friends to stay with for the first part of your trip. It makes settling in a lot easier. I hope you feel better soon. Can't wait to read what's next!