Colorful and chaotic, Delhi, India

After 18-hours on Qatar Airlines, Houston to Doha, Qatar, a 3-hour layover, then another 3.5 hours to Delhi; I'm in India. The flight was surprisingly very nice. I prefer foreign airlines to American ones, as they don't pack you in. You have more space and they tend to offer better service. It took me a day or so to overcome the jet lag.

Delhi is hot and very humid...........but oh so vibrant and colorful. I get drenched rather quickly. I guess I can look at it as a cleansing. I've had an Ayurveda Massage and took 2-city tours with a private guide. I have learned to use the Delhi metro system and was the only female in a car of hundreds of men. About halfway during the ride, a gentleman told me the ladies car is always the first car on the train. Surprisingly, I wasn't that uncomfortable being the only lady aboard.

Old Delhi is a wonderfully chaotic mess. It is a feast for the senses and a lot to absorb. The real India I suppose! It's a huge confidence booster to be able to get around on my own. I had to be careful to not get run over by rick-shaws, tuk-tuks, motorcycles, or cars.

I tend to get frustrated with everyone trying to take advantage of me. I have a better handle on it this time though. The poverty does seem to have gotten better here. I was last in Delhi in either 2004 or 2005, but really did not have time to do any touring of the city. I can notice the new wealth. There has been protests called by "Anna". He was arrested temporarily and it has been making world headlines. I have not been personally effected by the protests. It's about anti-corruption laws, much needed in my limited experiences in India.

I was able to tour some fascinating Mogul ruins. They were impressive!!!! Qutub Minar, a towering minaret. Red Fort, a massive complex made of red sandstone. Humayun's Tomb, a mini Taj Mahal. I also enjoyed Swaminarayam Akshardham, a huge complex that was well done and sort of Disney"ish" with robotic figures and an IMAX film depicting a boy yogi's universal values for mankind. There was even an indoor boat ride through 10,000 years of Indian history and Vedic life. I had no idea ancient India's built rocket ships and airplanes!

I treated myself to a World Buffet at one of the cities top rated restaurants, the Metropolitan Hotel. My last hooray before I go totally vegetarian at the end of the month once I reach the ashram in Rishikesh. The hotel where I am staying is modest, but Delhi is an expensive city. I need a clean and bright room. My expenses will be more manageable once I reach the ashram starting September 1st. So in the meantime, I am splurging a bit.

Speaking of Rishikesh, my friend arrives later today and we are going by car their tomorrow. Another new experience for me!