23. A taste of India
I’ve been to chaotic cities before, like Beijing or Bangkok, but nothing compares to what I experienced in India.
I flew from South Africa to New Delhi (via Abu Dhabi). From the airport, I took an impressive express train to the local subway system to reach my apartment. The Delhi Metro is shocking, it feels like it’s from another world in terms of efficiency, cleanliness, and modernity.
However, once I stepped out into my neighbourhood, Pul Bangash, it was a different story. It was hands down the busiest, most chaotic place I have ever seen. The streets are packed with an insane number of people moving in every direction: motorbikes, tuk-tuks, cars, and buses all mixing with cows (yes, huge cows!) and street vendors. It’s gritty, and you have to watch your step constantly to avoid the trash.
Yet, beyond the chaos lies the other side of Delhi: breathtaking history. I visited stunning fortresses and monuments, including the poignant site where Gandhi spent his last days and was assassinated.
The food is incredible and surprisingly cheap, even at top restaurants. I admit, though, that I occasionally retreated to McDonald’s for something familiar. Interestingly, McDonald’s in India is meat-free; I tried the spinach-corn burger, and it was actually delicious!
After three days, I headed to Agra. In true Indian fashion, my first bus was canceled, leaving me waiting three hours in the middle of nowhere for the next one. Lesson learned: in India, a ride isn’t confirmed until you see the vehicle arrive.
In Agra, I visited the Red Fort and, of course, the Taj Mahal. As a kid, I had a puzzle of the Taj Mahal and dreamed of seeing it one day. That dream finally came true. I woke up at 6 AM to beat the crowds, braving the cold and damp fog (which eventually gave me a cold), but it was worth it. Seeing it rise from the morning mist was magical. The harmony of the landscape and architecture makes it truly one of the most beautiful creations on Earth.
From Agra, I took a 5-hour bus to Jaipur. I stayed with a lovely local family and explored the “Pink City” (also chaotic!). A highlight was visiting the Raj Mandir, one of the world’s most famous cinemas, where I watched a full 3-hour Bollywood movie, entirely in Hindi, of course :).
Now it’s time to move on, taking these incredible stories and experiences with me!