Day 1 in Delhi, and we’ve been engulfed in a cyclone of activity that is characteristic of the city — both old and new. The rhythm of life feels different here, everything from the air we’re breathing and the food we’re eating, to the tone of conversations and sounds of traffic.
Speaking of traffic, there seems no such thing as traffic law in Delhi based on what I’ve seen so far. Rickshaws, buses, mini cabs, animal-drawn wagons, motorcycles, cars, and people on-foot share the same road, and at each intersection they all converge into a mass jumble. It’s really something and a shock to the system.
I’ve already seen more of Old Delhi than I thought I would be able to… and it’s an amazing place I’m grateful to have experienced. The streets in that part of town are narrow and crowded — impassible for most cars and certainly for a wheelchair. Still, the fellows who organized our tour today found a creative tour guide who was game to have me along, and together we took rickshaws through the denser areas, visiting the spice market, and riding past the red fort, the beautiful park, Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated, and several Mosqes where prayer services were being held.
It was really fun riding through the streets, our drivers talking smack and racing each other, and at the same time it was equal parts, stunning, beautiful, sad, overwhelming, and surreal. It was a little scary too… a true adventure.
The juxtaposition of the affluent and the poverty stricken, living side-by-side is what I imagined, but to see it up close is striking and extremely upsetting.
George and I have looked at each other so many times today and just said “wow” when words fail. And they’ve been failing us a lot because this is all so new.
I also practiced my bartering skills this afternoon at an artisan warehouse when buying gifts to take home. Turns out I’m not so bad at it — but I could be better I think!
Then it was off to dinner in a lovely outdoor courtyard with my classmates. Today was so much to take in and a great start to our trip. Classes begin tomorrow!