30 More Reasons to Visit Delhi

I composed this list for the American Women's Association Welcome Luncheon and thought I'd share it with ya'll in hopes that it will entice you to come visit.

My 30 Favorite Things About Life in Delhi:

Riding a bicycle rickshaw anywhere

Ordering just about anything by phone and having it delivered to my home on a bicycle

Riding with my kids in the back seat while the driver braves the traffic

Changing all my cushion covers every few months, thanks to Cotton & Silk

Meeting people from all over the world

Calling the doctor and he answers the phone directly

It’s cliché, but the Taj Mahal is spectacular

Overnight train travel—what a great idea, and even do-able with kids (especially train-loving boys).

Playing Holi—I am still trying to get the color out of my flip flops and underwear!

Learning to be more patient. Realizing that “kal” means yesterday and tomorrow . . .

Climbing on top of a building in Old Delhi and watching all the kites flying, the people at the mosque, and all the other busyness below

I never cease to get tickled when I see an elephant, a monkey, a cow, a camel strolling down the road with the masses of humanity

Taking walks in the early morning and seeing this strange world wake up--everything from bathing in the alleys and the newspaper man on a bicycle, to groups of old men doing yoga or philosophizing in the park.

Buying a bunch of neat stuff and not stressing about it because it didn’t cost too much.

Fresh & cheap fruits, vegetables & flowers. Mangoes. Okra. Lilies. Ohkla Vegetable Market is an experience not to be missed—I walked away with a bag of produce I could barely carry for Rs. 100!

The brilliant colors of the women in their saris—even the women working on the roads carrying bowls of concrete on their heads.

Having to rely on people (instead of computers, phone books, the Internet, machines, dishwashers, etc.) to get information or get anything done. It’s more complex, but it leaves me feeling much more connected to humanity.

Rajasthani music, dancing, and those great hats the men wear on their heads.

Neemrana Fort is fabulous! You could spend hours exploring its maze-like structure, not to mention the beautiful pool and great food, and going to the Stepwell on a camel cart.

The Independence Day Parade—a bit surreal with all the weaponry and elaborate floats for every state, but spectacular!

Osian Camel Camp in Rajasthan. We took the overnight train there. Highlights were the evening entertainment, the luxurious tents, the gorgeous pool on the top level, riding the camels and driving down the sand dune in a jeep at an almost-vertical angle.

India Gate and it’s carnival-like atmosphere.

The India Gate Children’s Park is great—lots of shade and plenty of clean play equipment. If you get hot, go stand by the fountain and enjoy the mists.

Eating Indian food with my hands and feeling my mouth warm and tingly with the spicy, earthy flavors.

Being close enough to poverty every day to feel uncomfortable enough in my comparative wealth to not take it for granted.

Not having daylight savings time.

Having someone to clean my toilets and fold my laundry.

Geckos.

Mastering the art of the head bobble (and learning to distinguish what it means in different situations!).

The religious fervor everywhere and embracing of everyone else’s religions. Every day seems to be some sort of religious holiday and we all celebrate them despite our religious leanings.