I expected India to be different – really different – from other places I’ve been. In some ways, it is. New Delhi is contemporary, with broad streets, fancy hotels, and upscale shopping. There is an air of American aspirationalism, be it the Starbucks on the corner, the McDonalds at every highway rest area, or the US-branded shops that line every street.
Other parts of India are totally unlike New Delhi, yet they remind me of many other impoverished places I’ve been in the global south. Morocco, Kenya, Botswana, etc. Homes and shops are built one wall at a time as people can afford the materials, and they are informally laid out around town. Bikes, scooters, cars, dogs, goats, pigs, and all other manner of animals roam through the streets and property. Some people are working at their trades, while others sit about idle. Kids are everywhere. EVERYWHERE.
We had a very long drive today from Delhi to Ranthambore. The first half was on a large freeway, sometimes 14 lanes wide in ONE direction. The rest was on small roads winding through various villages.
We got to the hotel after 2pm and opted to stay here for the afternoon since there isn’t much to see in town. After doing some laundry, we went to the pool for a bit and tried not to fall asleep.
We watched some traditional musicians and even did a little dancing ourselves before heading to dinner. OMG, Indian food in India is no joke. Even the “not spicy” foods have a real kick to them, and it is all so tasty and fragrant and delicious that it makes me sad to think about what bland combination of sugar and fat that we call “food” awaits me when I return to the states.
And since we are dead-dog tired at 9pm, it is time for bed. The hotel courtyard seems to be transformed into a dance club at night and our room is thumping with the blaring music, but I would have to be way less tired than I am currently to care at all. I have tigers to see tomorrow and so I need to be rested for my 5:30am wake-up!
Vacation Days 