I have been in India 24 hours.

As I write, my driver, Ali (Muslim not Hindu), is maneuvering the obstacles of the streets of Delhi.  We are in route to one of the World’s Wonders, the Taj Mahal in the city of Agra.  It is 6am, but the streets are buzzing. Outside is a constant cacophony of horn beeps. Ali is dodging bikes, dogs, pedestrians (who like to come out of nowhere) and most of all, tuk tuks…these little green and yellow 3 wheeled mini-modes of transport are prolific and usually smack dab in the middle of two lanes.  Pick a side, man!  My eyes feel like sponges as I take in all the sites around me. I just saw an old woman crouched down brushing her teeth next to the blanket she slept under last night. Now next to me is a young boy on a bike pulling a cart piled high with overfilled sacks of a yellow-greenish citrus fruit. Oh, wow, overhead a man is precariously perched on top of a street lamp (“Electrician,” Ali says. “Bad job,” I says.). In front of us, a truck is brimming with human cargo…around 10 men are standing shoulder to shoulder on the bumper hanging on for dear life. Ali looks in their direction, smiles and says, “crazy”.  Glad to know it isn’t just me thinking that.

Here is a glimpse of my last 24 hours in photos:

I arrived in Delhi at 3:25am yesterday morning on the “5-star” airline, Qatar Airways (they made me a convert!). I traveled from CDG to Delhi with a 2 hour layover in Doha, Qatar. Highlight of the trip: food (yes, even in economy!) and the cabin crew restraining an Indian man 2 rows behind me who had had too much to drink.  He tried to strangle his seatmate!!

No need for explanation 🙂

Qutub Minar

After a few hours rest, I was up and at ’em! An afternoon of sightseeing was on the agenda. Ali, my trusty driver who also picked me up at the airport, had the schedule all planned out.  Our first stop was the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Qutub Minar.  Its construction began in 1192, and it is the tallest minaret in India.

The columns in the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, immediately next to the minar, are made from recycled columns and capitals from an ancient Hindu temple that once stood in its place.  They were so pretty and ornate that I had to hug one.

As I walked the grounds of the minar with my audio guide, I slowly began to realize that I was as much as an attraction to the throngs of families out on that  holiday Tuesday (October 2nd is Gandhi’s birthday and a national holiday) as was the marble and red sandstone tower.  Eyes would fixate and follow me, cell phone cameras would be drawn and pointed at me, young men and women would ask for a photo with me…which would then draw a crowd and an onslaught of new requests for photos.  It was flattering…and at times comical.  I mean, really, what are they going to do with a picture of a blond, blue-eyed American stranger tomorrow morning?!  Wait, I know…delete! 🙂

The above picture is one of the young women who asked for a photo with me…so I returned the favor! Her boyfriend slanted my camera for the artsy, sideways shot.

Since everyone was asking me for a picture, I decided to start doing the same! This is a photo a young, beautiful Indian mother and her son whose eyes transfixed me. The black coal around his eyes is for good luck.

Can I have a photo too, boys?!

Real Time Travel Note:  We have now passed out of the busy streets of Delhi’s 14 million people into green, lush rice fields.  There is a light fog lingering over them and the orange sun is rising in front of us.  Beautiful.  OOOOh…I just saw my first randomly roaming sacred cow too!

My eyes are constantly dancing because of all the vibrant colors in this country. Women in their saris are just one of the visual treats I can’t get enough of…here is a small glimpse.

 More of the treat…

Boy serving a citrus beverage outside of minar.

On the way out there was a sign posted near the exit that read, “Keep the Environment Clean. Leave No Footprints, Take only Memories.” Since then I have been walking backwards while sweeping away my sandal prints with a tiny broom…it is, however, creating a lot of memories.

Next stop the Lotus Temple or the Bahai House of Worship.

The Bahia religion is an independent world religion.  It promotes oneness under one God and the spiritual unity of all humankind.  Anyone is allowed into the house of worship for prayer or mediation.

The queue for the Lotus Temple.

I can’t count the number of times I have said to myself, “So many people!”

1.22 Billion Stong, Baby! (population of India in 2012)

Tetanus waiting to happen…shoes were not allowed within 200 meters of the Lotus Temple.

 The lotus flower is a symbol of purity and is associated with worship and religion in India.  This picture shows one of 9 pools that surround the temple. They naturally aid in keeping the prayer hall cool.

At it again! The two girls were my original subjects, but it became a family portrait :).  I love how all the little girls look like princesses in their ornate, sparkling outfits.  Holiday wear or just another Tuesday?  I don’t know.  I also don’t know why they didn’t smile for the photo…because when I showed it back to them they lit up like fireworks!

My big Lotus Temple purchase….a 50 Rupi tuk tuk toy! (Ali helped me negotiate it down from 80)

The shopping continued after with my “would not take no for an answer” sales guy, Mahi (<- but you can replace Mahi with any Indian salesman’s man).  I hate when I can’t say no, cuz then I say yes…2 quilts and 3 pashminas later.

Last stop, India Gate!

This is the national monument of India.

It was built in 1931 and was inspired by…you guessed it, the Arc de Triomphe in Paris!

Really have you ever seen a bigger balloon…at least one you could purchase from your vehicle’s window?

I came home to Sapan, the chef at my B&B, making roti for our “complimentary welcome dinner.”

I wish I knew half of what he made…but all was amazing.  I am going to eat very well in this country if I remember to ask for less spice…egads, they love spicy food here!

The Indian wine served with dinner (Cab Sauv)!

A smokey flavor…interesting…not French :).

My welcome dinner was with a visiting Indian family and a lovely woman from New Zealand.  The Indians suggested we follow their lead and eat our meal with our fingers. Uh, hmmm….I suggested that since it was my first day, perhaps I will stick with a knife and fork…tomorrow I will attempt with the fingers!  Lets hope they aren’t around tomorrow to follow-up!

Nameste! Our car is approaching Agra and the Taj Mahal! If today is anything like yesterday, the highlight will be the encounters I make with the people in this exotic land.  Can’t wait…