Friday, April 6, 2012

Old Delhi: Sensory Overload

Just got back from sightseeing in Old Delhi. My God what a day. I feel like each one of my senses have been severely violated. The sights, sounds, SMELLS, noise... When we started out this morning, I think I was unconsciously fighting the whole thing. It was so, so hot, combined with the most violent smells known to man, along with more trash than I've ever seen on the street in my life. Add to that a few million flies, people, cows, stray dogs, rickshaws, beggars and more trash. Honestly, I'm not a princess but I was over it. I told Ruben, "Get me the Hell outa here."

Fortunately, I still had "must see" places on my sightseeing list so we ventured on. In the evening I had signed us up for a small group tour with this guy that took us around Old Delhi to sample local food (http://www.delhifoodadventure.com). It turned out to be one of the sightseeing highlights of our trip. We sampled all kinds of local foods that I wouldn't have dared to try on my own. As we were walking down the middle of the street - sidewalks are completely unnavigable - with cars, bikes, people and animals on all sides of us, I told Ruben "I'm kinda getting into this." I think once I just gave up completely and submitted myself to the fact that I was indeed on a completely different planet, it all kinda felt fun in a way. Not sure if this makes sense as I'm still trying to process it all. All I really want to do right now is dip myself into a vat of antibacterial hand gel. I guess I'll have to settle for a hot shower. I feel disgusting.

7 comments:

  1. Yep. Just give in to it.
    We jumped in from the start, but there was one afternoon where we flopped back on the bed and had a 20 minute kvetch-fest about all the things about India that were wearing us out. Then we took a nap and woke up ready for more.

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  2. In Mumbai, I did take one day off and sat by the pool and let Bill go back to Chor Bazaar (or Thieves Market) because I just couldn't take it anymore. But try to immerse yourself because you'll have some wonderful stories and photos to share when you get home...once you get over the shock!!...and you'll also know where to go and where not to go when you return! Have fun. And GOOD LUCK.

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  3. If you have time, go to the Akshardham Temple in Delhi. It's an extraordinary contrast to Old Delhi...sort of like a Disney World for Hindus vibe...complete with shows!
    And as incredible as it may seem right now, you are going to miss India when you get back home...I promise you that!

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  4. How funny, that is exactly the way we felt, but to top if off we were both extremely ill when we arrived home to Australia,hope the food was good. We are now fully prepared and excited to return. Enjoy the rest of your time in India.
    Ian & Dave

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  5. LOL at your post. We know what you mean. The overwhelming sites, sounds and smells are incredible especiallycontrasted against some of the marvellous historical monuments and some of the really good people you meet. Glad you had fun on the foodies walk. See you tonite

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  6. Old Delhi is one of my favorite places in Delhi, and always a must when I have guests here. Chad hates it though, and refuses to go! I think it definitely doesn't leave you feeling indifferent.

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  7. Love it! - we went through the same experience!... the hotel was an absolute sanctuary!, the whole place just gives you 'sensory overload'- but totally agree with you - give in to it and enjoy.

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