Arriving in Delhi
Delhi, India, Jul 06, 2009
I’m wired on the flight. I’m excited and scared for my first trip on my own in a whole new place on the other side of the world. I read three books until my eyes are strained and blood shot. Some about Dharamsala; which succeeds in enchanting my soul. I get off the plane in Delhi and I’m greeted by a waft of dust and heat. I scan the yelling crowd of signs, looking for the cab to bring me to the hotel. A friendly guy jumps in my face and he’s the one. We walk through a long tunnel that feels like a microwave. IT’S SO HOT! that phrase will echo in my mind for the duration of my time in Delhi. We walk to the chaotic parking lot and I get into a rickety old jeep. We’re driving over dirt mounds and the smell of dust fills the warm air. I have nothing to compare this to so my mind immediately connects the experience to Jurassic Park. I’m in Jurassic Park! I look out the windows and see girls walking along the street in sparkley pastel saris like little fairies decorating the dirt horizon. I see many women carrying rice on their head. I pass some destitute areas. Barefoot children running on rubble. I’m shocked and fascinated by what I see already. A man missing an arm and a leg slams his fist on my window. He’s a begger. I soon see a woman begger carrying a baby through traffic. It’s overwhelming. I feel a little unsafe. I can tell when they see me, all they can see is dollar signs. I arrive at the hans hotel. It’s beautiful and incredibly cheap. The other students haven’t arrived yet. I came a day early because I was a bit overreager. I claim a bed, read the newspaper, watch some t.v., and take pictures of the sun setting on delhi. I want to absorb all I can, but right now I’m focused on absorbing some luxurious air conditioning and sleep.
Written by Vacations MAX for Jamaica Tours