Delhi Days

So I have been in Delhi for two days. Everyone told me that this is the most hectic place in all of India. 'So', I think to myself 'I'll be there first, get toughened up a bit, then move through the sub-continent with confidence and pizzaz'. I must of been dropped on my head as a child.

You may have read my apprehension in the last blog post, but walk out onto the streets I did. All the touts come up to you saying 'Hi, where you from? Come here?'. If you don't respond you can get the, 'Why you no talk to me? Why? Is it because I am Indian man?' Then there are the beggers, a two year old in clothes that may have been white once and holes everywhere, hands held together at forhead begging for food. A mother holding a baby, a blind man, a lame child, all of it as I was walking the 300m to my first meal in Delhi. It took me 20 seconds to feel like a bitch. I walked on, I didn't make eye contact, I ignored it and I hated myself for it.

I get the facts: They probably all work for the Delhi mafia equivalent, they mame themselves, they're not that poor.......and knowing that doesn't make one iota of a difference to me. Because I still walk down the streets feeling mean, in money and compassion. There are ways to make a difference, and I will be doing that, but to see it in front of me every day hurts my heart. Ignorance is bliss.

To juxtapose all this mayhem is the sites of Delhi, they act as beautiful retreats. The temples especially, I love walking around bare foot in them. The Red Fort is awe inspiring and the cities gardens are idyllic. Something that was surprisingly good was the Gadhi memorial, located at the house where he lived and was assasinated, I could have spent half a day there. So much information, so well presented, I even got to see his glasses he wore.

Claudi and I are off to Agra tomorrow to see the Taj Mahal. Hooray, more tourist prices and touts!!!!!

xoxo
Sim