Streets of Delhi
4.18.2012
We flew into Delhi and were practically spit out into the commotion and intensity of India minutes later. We took the Metro, which was brand new and had no sign of India on it, and were thrown into the real streets of India. I remember walking out the doors of the Metro and feeling completely overwhelmed with what I was seeing. The street, which was triple the size of our normal streets, was packed to every square inch of people, rickshaws, cars, and cows. The air was so thick of dust and body odor, I felt like I was swallowing each breath that I took. All within 5 feet of me I had a poor beggar child, a pile of trash, cows and women covered in saris surrounding me, a completely new world. Looking back at that situation, that was probably one of the most crowded intense places out of all of India that we traveled and it happened to be my first place visited... I think it made sure that my culture shock was set in stone.
It was really all a blur to me walking for the first time through the streets, there was so much to see and so much going on and I was more focused on staying calm and not freaking out. We already stood out being the only white tourists there and it didn't help that we were carrying our huge backpacks. We were hot, sweating and were trying to find our way on the map. Every street sign was in Hindi and I was starting to get anxiety thinking that I was going to have to stay here for the next 2 months. Everyone's comments of "Why are you going to India?" "You are going to hate it, it's so hot, overpopulated and dirty" started popping into my head. I started thinking, wow why did I ever think India was going to be so amazing, it's nothing like the videos or movies you see... it's more and something indescribable.
The first two days in Delhi I was mute. Landon would look at me and ask what's wrong and I would just be silent. The reality of everything was still settling in. I had seen lots of photos of starving children, blind women and the busy-ness of the roads in India but everything was so different being there. Looking back, it was all simply culture shock. Within that next week I felt just as comfortable as walking down my street back home!
11 comments:
I loved reading this and your photos are truly amazing! I only wish I could get Scott to do something like this with me.
I've been on those exact streets. I've seen the Red Fort, the poverty...all of it. I was speechless too. Beautiful photos as always.
what a great post. I've never been anywhere that would even come close to different from home. It's so great that you did this. Love the shots too! of course!
Isn't amazing how you can adapt Britt? How you can at first feel fear and anxiety and then learn to love that way of life or at least appreciate and respect it more? Experiencing first hand teaches so much more. I am thrilled to see India from your perspective and from your beautiful lenses!
wow! So beautiful and a great experience
I can't imagine actually being there. Seeing life in pictures is nothing compared to experiencing it first hand. I don't know how I would handle the culture shock. Your pictures are beautiful! I can't wait to see more from your adventure!
welcome back! your photos are amazing.
I'm so glad you were able to adjust. I think some people jump ship before they have a chance to acclimatize to the new environment. Good for you!
These photos are just so magnificent!
wow that's crazy. india sounds nuts!
oh wow, your photos are great! i love your last posts!
chenlina20160326
cheap ray ban sunglasses
uggs for women
louis vuitton handbags
celine bags
kate spade outlet
air max 95
christian louboutin shoes
ralph lauren
michael kors outlet clearance
kobe 10
kevin durant shoes 2015
polo ralph lauren
ray ban sunglasses
oakley sunglasses wholesale
louis vuitton purses
louis vuitton
oakley sunglasses wholesale
coach outlet store online
louis vuitton bags
basketball shoes
oakley sunglasses
michael kors outlet
cheap oakley sunglasses
oakley sunglasses outlet
michael kors handbags
uggs boots
ray bans
coach outlet store online
cheap jordan shoes
ray bans
kobe 9
gucci handbags
nfl jerseys
michael kors outlet
louis vuitton outlet
hollister jeans
michael kors uk
coach factory outlet
concords 11
ghd hair straighteners
as
Post a Comment