Day 1 - Delhi

My preconceptions of Delhi were twofold; its poor air quality and its crazy roads. I can confirm both are accurate!

Stepping out of the airport building, the air was warm and humid, around 25 degs, my nose sensing the combination of moisture and smoke; something I’d not sensed since being in Malaysia many years ago. The air is misty and yellowed, the light hazy, but not unpleasant. The sun was just a glowing patch of cloud above, unable to puncture through the smog.

But the roads are CRAZY! Shared by pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles, peddled rickshaws, motor rickshaws, cars, buses, lorrys, cattle (saw a herd being shepherded by a farmer in his tuc-tuc), cattle pulling carts and even a man on horseback. Numerous stray dogs add to the chaos. Road users pay no heed to the white lines, and all use their horns prolifically. No-one seemed irritated or angry, and the ‘low’ speeds seemed to ensure everyone gets through without collision. Remarkable.

This afternoon went out to see the red fort - built by the Mughals in the mid-1600s and then the Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. Then leapt on a 3-seat motor trike with my hotel driver to see the markets.

First impression? It’s messy, vibrant, chaotic, but friendly and without animosity. Noisy from the honking horns everywhere but remarkable. Had my first veggie curry tonight, the first of many I suspect. 😊👍🏻Read more