Early morning arrival in Delhi; finally got to use that visa I worked so hard to get in New York. Got through customs and got a prepaid taxi. I had a reservation at the Krishna Hotel - how could I pass up a name like that? Plus they have good reviews at booking.com.
But that drive into the city entered an intense new reality. Trash everywhere, filthy air, noise, crowded roads with everyone swinging in and out of line, no one drove within the lanes. Scooters, carts, buses, chaos. Then I was delivered to my hotel on an incredibly narrow street lined with hotels right in the center of Delhi - supposedly a 10 minute walk to the train station. I took one look at that street and was sure I'd be run over if I stepped out of the hotel door. It seemed my choice was to go hide in my room or get the next flight out of India. There was no way I was going to walk to the train station and book tickets to see the wonders of India. I was just overwhelmed with it all. The Hotel Krishna is actually a nice hotel with a decent little restaurant on the roof. I love the hotel sign with image of infant Krishna. After settling into my room and a nice shower I headed back down to the lobby to assess the situation. Very conveniently located in the lobby was a travel agent. It didn't take much persuasion for me to buy a package tour of the Golden Triangle, as well as an afternoon tour of Delhi.
These tours were by car with my own driver. I barely ever use taxis and here I am hiring car/driver/guide! Well, it would get me out of the hotel door and I hadn't come so far to miss the experience. That afternoon I visited the Red Fort and Jama Masjid, was driven by government buildings and past gardens, then taken to a fine (not fancy) Indian Restaurant. I invited the guide/driver to dinner, a very nice young man. He was very interested in my pictures of Africa and the animals from the safari. And he was pleased to take home the left-overs. So the day went well. I survived my entry into India.
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