My Time In India: New Delhi, Old Delhi, And Agra

Initial Impression

The smog, the scammers, the beauty, the people. Nothing could have prepared me for India.

In early 2016 visiting India became part of my end of the year plan, but upon arriving I immediately felt like I should have done more research because quite frankly, I was shaken up. From the onset I noticed my breathing becoming short and winded then I quickly realized it was because of the terrible air quality in Delhi. I shouldn't have been surprised taking into consideration that Delhi has been named the most polluted city in the world, but my goodness was it intense! Adding fuel to the fire was the barrier language in just about every encounter and the difficulty in getting to our Airbnb by taxi due to New Delhi's ultra confusing way of dividing neighborhoods into blocks. It's safe to say that by the end of day one I was ready to come home.

I'll admit that at the onset I was a rather ignorant traveler in India. I couldn't decipher menus, didn't speak basic Hindi, and completely underestimated how anxious I'd become. I thought I'd be immune to being a target of Delhi's infamous scam artists (I wasn't) but in the midst of everything I was quickly humbled. India immediately taught me a lifelong lesson- I'm not special. Sure, I'm unique in the way I think and hope to add value to the world, but realistically speaking, I am one smallllllllllll piece of the puzzle and people aren't going to change their ways for little ol' me. It was only once I got off my high horse and ignored the dozens of curious stares that I became present and began the experience I envisioned.

It Is What You Make It

I missed my highly anticipated visit to Jaipur and didn't get to fulfill my dream of playing with elephants because of a guy who scammed my boyfriend and I out of our 6 am train out, but thankfully got out of the negative headspace I was in and decided to make the best out of my short visit. On day 2 we made our way out to Agra to visit the iconic Taj Mahal and the impressive UNESCO protected Red Fort. The 3-hour drive there was pretty nerve-wracking considering the smog didn't allow for more than 20 ft of visibility ahead, but we made it safely and my God was it worth it. Our guided tour was led by Le Passage to India (booked through Expedia) and their expertise heightened an already memorable event. I learned a ton of history and felt appreciative for simply having the chance to be there.

The Locals Know Best

On my last day in Delhi, I witnessed a side of the city I didn't think I would. I went on Trip Advisors top rated Delhi experience the Old Delhi & Haveli Tour, offered by MKH India Tourism and my perception of Delhi, the world, and myself changed as a result. Within minutes of meeting our guide, Raj let us know that the tour was designed for travelers who want to immerse themselves in the culture, and implored us to have an open mind. It's safe to assume that there was nothing "pretty" about what we saw, but it was real.

It was unashamed.

It was real life. That's what I wanted to see.

My understanding of hustling is forever changed because of the hours I spent. The people in Old Delhi were unequivocally hard-working and humble. I truly can never complain about work or my life after witnessing the work ethic of those in Old Delhi. This side of town was made up of people who preserved their families legacies by taking on specialties started generations prior. Everyone knew each other and there was good faith. I truly enjoyed every minute of my time there!

Forever Changed

I don't know if I'll ever go back to India, but I will carry the memories I made there in my heart forever. I feel blessed to have entered the first week of the New Year here. Being back home I appreciate small things like clean air and water and have a new understanding of my privilege in the world. I realize I don't need as much as I once thought I did and that my participation in the global market directly influences the lives of others. I'd recommend visiting this country if you want a better understanding of why certain things "are the way they are". Trips like this one force you to see your life for what it is and quickly burst any bubble you may be living in, so if you're considering embarking on an adventure like this one prepare yourself for the inner growth!