Bridie and I have arrived in Dehli, unscathed and a little bewildered, but enthusiastic nonetheless. Our flights were of a rather radical nature, watching Kung Fu Panda and playing video games against each other (some weird form of Tic Tac Toe...). We stopped in at Bangkok and Dubai airports, both ridiculously clean and huge structures. We arrived in Delhi at 2:30 in the afternoon, flying in through the dusty smog that covers the city. We were picked up from the airport by a young Indian dude with an Adidas jacket and a Subaru, walking past barbed wire fences and Indian police with machine guns to the carpark. Hmmmm... out of comfort zone much?
To put it in a word, Dehli is INSANE. There are people everywhere, in cars, on rickshaws, in shops, on median strips, in the middle of roundabouts... There are lanes on the highway, but these seem to be more like "guidelines" than anything else, meaning every possible means of transport from bicycles to Jeeps to crazy traditional carts with cranking devices all hustle to play Traffic Tetris. But you never really stop moving.
And it is a city of contradiction and opposites. Absolute poverty sits outside exuberant wealth. Modern technology drives around roundabouts next to ancient bicycles and rickety carts drawn by bicycles. And frustration and fear go hand in hand with admiration and awe.
We will meet up with our tour group today, and explore Old Delhi tomorrow, after a long day of sightseeing yesterday.
Now to find our next hotel amid popcorn sold on woks on bicycles and beggars and stares aplenty...
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Hi Girls,
ReplyDeleteI just had a look at a Youtube video on Jaisalmer... you are going to have such an amazing time out in the desert there. It made me want to jump on a plane and get there to see it for myself. So how are you going with all of the hawkers and street vendors. I know you'll come back with incredible amounts of patience. Did you grab 1 or 2 extra 1GB cards for your cameras? Just looking at the endless numbers of Google images, I think I would go crazy with the camera as I'm sure you are finding already.
I took Kieran shopping this morning and then we went to have a babychino and a croissant together. Next.. off to the barber and now we are going Paddinton Fair to buy Kate some "arty stuff" to take home to Hobart.
Well.. looking forward to next installment from you and love you both very much.
Dad
Wow!!!!! I can tell that your senses are being stimulated to the extreme... I can imagine that it will take a little to get used to the constant flow of new impressions, visions, sounds, smells and everything else...
ReplyDeleteI can already tell that you are having an amazing and unforgettable experience and that is what I wish for you both and the rest of your journey, no doubt an emotional journey as well as the physical one on camels!
Have fun and stay in touch.
Love, Esther
Hi girlies,
ReplyDeleteJust worked how to actually work this stupid blog thing but..... How the bloody hell are you my two little adventurers!! What a great country, a little similar to the places I have seen with the abject poverty and the ridiculous wealth living side by side. I hope you are enjoying the food, you'll be able to cook up a fantastic curry when you come home. Just the colours of the different spices at the markets are wonderful and the smells... well what can i say!!
This is a short but sweet note as i am heading out for coffee (of course!).
We are having the families here for Australia day for the good old fashioned Barbie followed by the all Australian Pav. Shall send your love to all and "all" have been asking about you and if you are ok.
Miss you and love you lots,
Muj xxxxooooxxxx
P.S. Sam has found a house to finally move out of home. Dean is really pleased as it is just around the corner from his work and he has already let them know he is coming for a coffee/beer!!
Be safe xxxxx