India

October 4, 2012, 1:13 PM
Filed under: travel | Tags: agra, bahai temple, delhi, delhi tourism, divisoria, Dubai, gandhi smriti, hindu, india, indian, indians, janpath, laxmi narayan temple, Philippines, qutab minar, road, roundabouts, taj mahal

Who said that spontaneous happenings should only be limited within a mile radius? I say, jump in the jet and let it lead you where ever.

I have no words to describe as to how beautiful India is – despite it being a third world country. It reminded me a lot of the Philippines, not because of the pollution but how the urban intertwines with the natural environment; how street food vendors are at every corner of the road; how their metro resembles Metro Manila’s MRT; how South Extension reminds me a lot of Ortigas; how enjoying it is to shop at Janpath (Delhi’s Divisoria); how determined the youngsters are to make a sale out of fancy necklaces and snow globes; and how prominent the culture is especially in the provinces (Agra).

The fact that I was in India only dawned on me on our second day – t’was when I saw Taj Mahal. Nung minuto na una kong nakita ang isa sa mga pinakamagandang likha rito sa mundo, tsaka ko napagtanto na hindi ko talaga pagsisisihan na nagamit ko ang halos lahat ng naipon ko para lang makita ito. Kung pwede lang ulit-ulitin, I would go there whenever.

Other observations:

The abundance of roundabouts on the road is quite refreshing and amusing
The cars are small, width-wise.
Three lanes actually translate to five lanes. Or six lanes? Trust me, these drivers can make it happen!
Everybody is always on the rush. Regardless of your age or gender, people will want to get ahead.
For the ladies, refrain from wearing plunging necklines and shorts. You do not want to be stared at.
I didn’t miss Dubai that much because a part from Filipinos, a lot of Indians reside in the city.
It is better to eat Indian food with your hands
When you’re in the city proper, walk like you know where you’re going.
It does not smell like jabar.
Hindu traditions look fun! If I wasn’t wearing a white top in Agra, I would have joined the crowd throwing colored powder at each other.

Ready to be bombarded with images? Let’s do this.

Janpath Shopping Complex