This place truly is off the hook. Despite traveling to places such as Thailand, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Mongolia, nothing could have prepared me for this place. The traffic is manic. bikes, rickshaws, scooters, auto rickshaws, cars, buses and trucks all fight for the same small space. Not a second goes buy without hearing a horn. Even small alley ways, barely big enough for two people to pass, have motorbikes hurtling down them. Just walking along the street is scary business, requiring 100% concentration not to be hit by whatever is passing buy. On top of that, as a tourist one has to fight off the constant onslaught of touts, shop keepers and Rickshaw Wallahs, all looking to rip you off.
Don’t get me wrong, these first three days in Delhi have been amazing. A real eye opener. The poverty, the noise, the colours, the smells, the pollution all combine to assault the senses.
Another thing that has surprised me, is that I’ve not been too impressed with the food. Of the curries tried so far they have either been bland and watery or so spicy you can’t taste anything else. Still, at 50 pence on average a meal one can’t really complain.
We’ve not slept too well as the hostel, much like the whole city is noisy. Despite this we’ve managed to see many of the sights including the parliament buildings, India Gate, the Red Fort and the Mosque. All very impressive, but pale in significance to just wandering the streets and witnessing life in Delhi.
This has to be a brief entry due to time restraints and the poor connection. Apologies for the spelling. We’re off to Agra tomorrow (train is at 06:15) but once we are there we should be able to relax a bit, giving me time to do a proper entry.
Judy said that she would not have recommended Delhi first. You should get used to India before you hit the place. She also said she should have been consulted about backpacker places. Sorry! Good to hear you are surviving.
Judy said she would not have recommended Delhi as first stop. She thinks you need to get used to India first. She also said she should have been consulted about backpacker hostels, Sorry
Hello Esperanza and Posh boy!
I’m happy to hear that you made it in one piece to Delhi. I hope that you’ll have a pleasant stay there even though the food, accommodation and traffic seems to leave a lot to wish for. I think it will get better after you’ve been there for a while.
Over here it’s same ol’ James is still complaining about spanish driving and making his stereotypical impressions. Andre is complaining about the job and prices in general. He sent out a mail the other day with prices from the place where German MC will have their x-mas meal complaining about the expensive food prices in Spain contra Germany. I think I’ll suggest that he should skip the Sun x-mas meal over here to protest this outrage. Friese still takes taxis to and from work everyday. The french lot, are still gay.
Philippe hurt his back inline skating the other day. So he’s working from home now popping pills. Hope that he’ll recover soon. We’re trying to find a venue for new years eve. Hopefully we’ll agree on something soon, since I’m off to Sweden this Saturday.
Anyway, I’ll check in on you while in Sweden to see how you’re doing.
All the best!
Jon
Ha, Very good Jon.
I highly suspect that driving in Madrid pales somewhat to driving in Dehli…Although I’m pressed tho say that it makes driving in Madrid seem civilized – Lets not push our look…….
I wish the both of you a very good xmas, wherever you may be…..Look after yourselves.
James.