An Intro to Delhi!

Well, I'm not in Auckland city now, that's for sure. You'd be hard pressed to find more contrast between two cities, than Delhi and Auckland.

Or first day in India followed a 5:30 am ish touchdown, followed by a long, long wait to get through immigration. The taxi ride back to,our hotel opened our eyes straight away to our new environment. As explained by Susan, Delhi has made a big effort to make itself more 'green' and we could see that. (She's also been told by one driver that the city is now dustless... Hmmmm)

My first impression was/is that it is like parts of Bali or Thailand on steroids. It is certainly an assault on the senses... Hustle and bustle, uneven streets, tuk tuks and other vehicles jockeying for position amongst each other and all the foot traffic, constant beeps, requests to buy stuff, street dogs, colour, food smells, wee smells, dust, rubbish, and people! 

Our first outing was to the Main Bazar, the primary thoroughfare of the paharganj. Walking distance from our hotel, which itself is nestled amongst the melee, it's a photographer's dream. Despite that I felt like this first visit was acclimatisation, and most of my shots were grab shots, although I am getting braver at interacting with people in order to ensure its ok to take their picture. Many are actually in to it! The people are very friendly and generally keen to engage. 

Because it's such and full on experience (literal culture shock) we took a couple of hours back in the hotel to desensitise. I can see that frequent showers and opportunities to have some quiet time to regather is going to be critical before the next onslaught. 

Our second adventure was by tuk tuk to Agresen Ki Baoli, an historic step well. Following this we took a walk around Connaught Place, the central business and shopping area of New Delhi. Certainly a change in the types of establishments seen earlier(global chain stores, restaurants) and also a different type of local. The area is, however, still pretty run down and uncared for looking, certainly no local council input is evident! And also beggars both adult and children to pull at your heart strings despite needing to walk on by.

The journey back to out hotel was an experience in itself, and one that deserves its own post later!

A few photos here from the day. I have learned how to wifi pics from my camera to phone, and they have only had global edits on my iPhone, but the flavour of the day is hopefully here.