Saturday, June 02, 2007

Amazing Delhi Warzone

Delhi, India, January 5, 2007
This is a story from my recent trip to India
Delhi is the capital of India. This is where we start our trip. I was warned that we would be overwhelmed by the City but I don't really feel that way. Yes, there are many beggars, pushing at us and showing their mutilated body parts like strange puppet shows, to extract money. And urine and feces can be smelled in many parts of the city. And we have to stay constantly alert to thieves, Cons and Schemes. It's a War zone for sure. But then there are the most amazing people and sights all around too. As long as you remember there's a War on; everything is Okay. This is Stephanie. She was sitting on the plane next to us as we flew from Bangkok to Delhi. Stephanie's from Germany but has been traveling in India for several years. She gave us some great tips on how to start our explorations; markets to shop at and some good places to stay in Delhi. She is on her way back to Dharamsala; where the Dalai Lama is living. The woman smiling with the Fed-Ex package is Joanmarie. She's a Buddhist Nun and good friend of my Doll maker friend; Emily, from British Columbia Canada. Emily helped me contact her before leaving Canada and Joanmarie was gracious enough to get us connected in Delhi as we started our travels. She had her debit card stolen and just received her replacement this minute as I take this photo. She's been waiting a tense two weeks for it to arrive. Now with her help, we are getting sorted out so we can get on with the adventure of our first day in India.

6 comments:

Nina Munteanu said...

Sounds like an awesome trip. One of the most satisfying things about travelling is meeting people, both native and fellow travellers and hearing their stories. We are all travellers in life, some more than others. I very much enjoyed Africa (Tanzania and Rwanda) when I travelled there a while ago. MANY stories to tell about that trip!

Steven said...

The funny thing is; I keep reading Wilbur Smith's books about Africa as I travel Asia. He instilled the desire in me to go there now. I look forward to reading your stories (from this Galaxy and others).

Nooyawka said...

I have been informed that many Israeli soldiers go to Dharmasala after their service is over. It's supposed to be a kind of r-and-r area for ex-soldiers. Someone told me the Indian word for cocaine is Jaras -- or sometimes it is called 'brown sugar. I hope you don't get conned into jaras in Dharmasala, or elsewhere in India. Have a clean and safe trip.

Nooyawka said...

BTW How many cows did you dodge on the streets of Delhi?

Steven said...

new york dude, I HAVE been meeting many Israeli soldiers in Northern India. One ex-soldier told me that life back home is so tense and strict that they come to India to blow off steam and do all the things forbidden in their own culture. Thanks for the warning.

Steven said...

new york dude: I dodged many many cows. I see from your Blog you know that experience very well. Wait til you see what happened to Aw in Rishikesh.