From Delhi airport to Paharganj, I have never sweated so much in my life. Likening the 40 degree heat to a sauna does not come close to doing it justice. This was a fry-an-egg on the pavement, sweat-through-your bra kind of temperature.I'm sure I perspired less when I ran a half marathon in the height of the NZ summer.
Nevertheless, I was pretty proud to have actually made it to India. I was slightly worried that I might chicken out during my tearful goodbye to mum at the airport and not actually hop on the plane, so I gave myself a little personal pat on the back when we landed. Getting a taxi was disappointingly uneventful, as was the drive through the traffic-clogged and smoggy Delhi streets.
To describe the first room I was shown as cell-like is being complementary. A 2x2 windowless box didn't hold much appeal after my 16 hour plane trip, so I agreed to take the marginally larger air conditioned room down the hall. I pursued the "Yes Please" hostel after reading great reviews in Lonely Planet. However, I'm pretty sure I have the wrong place, as the decor and size of the room make it more of a "No Thanks" type of place. It will do for a night!
Today I found myself wishing I had that olivey, perma-tanned skin of the experienced backpacker. It seems to stand up attractively well in the oppressive Indian heat. Instead, all of today I had constantly blotchy, sweaty, rosy cheeks. I think I will blame that on my lovely ginger-haired grandfather - thanks, Gaga.
One thing that really shocked me today was locking eyes with a young women with a horrifically scarred face. Holding a baby in her arms, I couldn't help but get angry about the barbaric practice of acid attacks. These are common practice in India, and occur from the husband's family to punish the bride for petty misdemeanors or to gain a higher dowry.
Tomorrow i'm off to Jaipur, capital of India's desert state Rajisthan. With India under my feet and adventure ahead of me, I'm feeling pretty bloody happy to be alive right now!
