Delhi - possibly the craziest city in the world

Trip Start Sep 04, 2008
1
33
Trip End Dec 17, 2008


Loading Map
Map your own trip!
Map Options
Show trip route
Hide lines
shadow
Where I stayed
Hotel Durgha
(Delhi hotels)

Flag of India  ,
Saturday, September 6, 2008

And I thought the traffic in Bangkok was bad.  The taxi ride from the airport to my hostel was enough to wake me up after the long flight.  I was sitting in the back seat, peering over the driver's shoulder, and holding on to anything as obstacles came flying at us. one after another.    There was a dust storm at night, so visibility was about 30 feet, and besides the usual buses, trucks, rickshaws, and motorcycles, we had to avoid the pedestrians and cows on the side of the road.  But, I got to my hostel in Karol Bagh, and had a good night's rest after a long flight.

I headed out into the heart of the Old City the next morning on the metro, which is brand new, clean, and easy to use.  I was definitely impressed.  Once in the Old City, I walked down what appeared to be a main street, and eventually arrived outside the Red Fort.   The red sandstone walls and towers of the Red Fort (built by Shah Jahan - the same ruler who built the Taj Mahal) were almost surreal, and entering into the fort was like stepping into a different world.  I was relieved to arrive somewhere with no rickshaws, so I could let down my guard for a few hours.   Inside the walls, there were lots of palaces, and the lawn was bright green and looked really beautiful next to the red walls.  Ironically enough, Shah Jahan never was able to fully enjoy his fort because his son usurped the throne and imprisoned his father - in the Red Fort.  Forgetting Father's Day doesn't seem so bad now, does it? 

When it came time to leave, I realized I didn't remember how to get to the metro.  I knew the general direction, but that's apparently not enough in Delhi, where the streets have no names, and there are no signs to anything. I ended up wandering through the Chandri Chowk bazaar, which was an experience.  The vehicles and people take turns making their way down the narrow streets, lined with all kinds of shops.  Tons of pedestrians are also around, with many of them carrying heavy loads and still somehow managing to maneuver the traffic.  Very impressive.   Anyway, I managed to get to the metro and back to the safety of my hostel. 
Print this entry