DELHI

Delhi is colder than I imagined. I don't know why but I thought I would step off the plane into searing heat. In hind sight I should have realized that Delhi is actually very far north and therefore would be cold in the winter just like the UK.

Driving from the station to our hotel was an unexpected experience. I had read about the roads in India but it definitely did not prepare me for what I found. There are no rule; no indicating; no 'staying in the correct lane'. Drivers swerve in an out of lanes trying to get furthest ahead very often only just missing hitting a person or cow which may be crossing the busy road. However they seem to have a system. None drive too fast and unlike the UK drivers know to look out for people who may be crossing. They also seem to have a very effective 'honking system' - no driver worries about what's behind only what is in front and if a driver wishes to overtake from behind they simply honk their horn several times to let everyone else know to get out the way.

It is hard for me to see the poverty in Delhi. Families just sitting on the side of the road or under the metro bridge. Walking to get the metro kids as young as two and three come up to the group and beg for money making gestures towards their mouths because they are hungry. It puts things in harsh perspective when just a few minutes down the road there is a Hilton Hotel.

The streets stink and no wonder when there are so many pigs, dogs and cows wandering around the place. Also India does not benefit from something we take for granted in the UK; refuse collection. Rubbish is simply burnt or the more likely scenario is that it is just chucked on the sides of the road. Since being in Delhi I have seen children rooting through this stinking rubbish to find food. Back home I don't think anything of being able to bag up my rubbish and having it taken away but here they have no system in place. Imagine if it was the same in the UK.

It's not all bad (and sorry for being so morbid)! I have tried some amazing food in various restaurants but the best has to be the street food. We were advised not to eat street food by Skillshare but when it looks so delicious it's hard to resist. I made sure everything I was eating was hot and of a high demand so I knew it was fresh.

Sightseeing in Delhi was an amazing experience. Firstly we travelled to the Red Fought, Then to the Gandhi memorial garden which was so beautiful and peaceful and then on to Humayan's Tomb. Finally we went to some markets which were full of vibrant colours and great foods. As a foreigner you get hassled a lot by people trying to sell you things and trying to hike the price up. I have become able to say a firm 'no' when I don't want something and to barter to get a good price.

I will be traveling with two others to Koraput in Orissa tomorrow by train and taxi - it will take a grueling 40 hours to get there and I have to say I’m not really looking forward to it!!