Sensations in India

Choosing India as one of the last destinations of a world tour seemed a logical thing a few months back. Being the second biggest nation of the world, it was announced to me as maybe the number one in contrast, craziness and around-the-clock surprises. And it's conveniently located in between South East Asia and Belgium, too. Utterly unprepared, I landed in Delhi two weeks ago. I have seen a lot during my travels, but this, India, is completely unthinkable. I organized myself a trip to Varanasi, one of the oldest and holiest cities and a true Hindu pilgrimage center. Via Agra and the Taj Mahal, I trained to Rajasthan, famous for its medieval forts and palaces, arts and culture.

Sunset somewhere between Jaisalmer and New Delhi

A few of the thousands stunning buildings. That is me on the right, yes!

Oh it IS true! The minarets of the Tai Mahal are slanting!

Cities are human ant colonies and excessively tiresome, yet a pleasure for all the senses. You hear the discussions of women dressed up in beautiful shiny embroidered clothes, you see burkas next to Sikhs wearing colorful turbans while you are being yelled at by 5 different tuk tuk drivers. Cities are covered by a thick layer of fog, maybe caused by the ever present burning aromatic incenses but more probably by burning garbage evenly spread over the city and streets - only when they are not being 'processed' by holy cows or pigs, often flanked by defecating lost souls.

This gentleman found a quite place to make a phone call

The moment you think you've seen it all, there is more. Burning dead bodies, a few people in a row pooping next to the train track, overcrowded trains, child labor, camels and elephants in the city center, babies wearing make-up... India has got it all.

Many kids work half time and go to school.

Don't know about this little fellow, but it's better than rag picking, no?

As I am trying to understanding the daily life here, far away from ridiculous tourist tours and AC buses, I am going wild with my camera and engaging in small talk with people in the streets. Every day I get more used to India, and the initial aversion slowly mutated into an understanding appreciation of India.

Getting specialised in portraits

Trying to integrate...

Today, I ordered myself some tailor made pants - the negotiation process, in which I skimmed the price even more by bluffing I knew everything about tailoring, took 15 minutes but resulted in the 'everyone happy phase'. Hands were shaken and I got invited in the ateliers at the back where I met the guys who were going to work for me the coming day.

Fun at the tailer!

But the adventure is not over yet! Tomorrow I will head off to Shimla, via the railway route "British Jewel of the Orient" from Kalka to Shimla, with more than 806 bridges and 103 tunnels. I actually made a great decision, a few months back! :)