Ray’s First Day in India!

I arrived in New Delhi Airport evening of March 3rd. Immediately upon setting foot off the plane, the smell was the first thing to hit. It was the same smell that I smelled in China. Too many people, dust, burning, pollution. A smell I will never forget but surprisingly a smell that you get used to. The airport was not very busy but upon exiting there were a huge number of livery services lined up with a name on a piece of cardboard. It was quite overwhelming but I found my name eventually and was brought to the Sterling Residency.  A four floor corporate apartment.  The room had AC, a cable TV, queen size bed (two doubles put together) and the best service you find. :)  The staff was really friendly and like many in India who are in the service side of business, very humble and so quick to serve.  It’s a bit uncomfortable coming from the States but hey can’t complain too much beyond that.

The pictures I have below are from my first full day in Delhi, visiting both old and new parts. I went with two co-workers from Sapient, Dan and Chad, both whom have been to India before but really seeing Delhi as well for the first time. Some first impressions: Noisey, dusty, crowded and altogther crazy but interesting as hell.

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A Chaat Restaurant selling fried aloo (potatoes) covered with all sorts of spices, yogurt and stuff I really can’t put a name to. This was in a private market called Delhi Haat.

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Lodi Gardens in new Delhi. A really beautiful public park with ancient Muslim tombs.

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Karl Baugh, a outdoor market of inexpensive goods. The market is packed with shoppers and merchants each competing with each other selling almost the same types of stuff as their neighbor.

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This area of “Old Delhi” is called Chaney Chowk, the oldest part i think of Delhi. Rickshaws, people, dogs, cows and shops all jammed packed in a old part of the Delhi. This place was truely eye opening and will post more pics later.