January 12 Delhi

Tjollahopp

Today was absolutely amazing! We started off by going to something called the Salaam Balaak Trust which is a place where kids live upto 6 months while an organization called Planeterra look for their parents or a safe, more pemanent home. The kids were welcoming and happy to keep a conversation with the few English words they knew. Our guide, Ejaz, told us his story about living on the street for 6 months when he first came alone to Delhi. He was escaping from his father who forced him to become a priest. Now, he is on good terms with his family and finishing high school while working as a guide. The visit was touching, but in a good way. He told us about the many sad destinies though, especially for young girls who get married at the age of 14 and prostitution where they get about 500 rupies a day ($8). Our everyday guide told us that India is good on paper, the money is just in the wrong hands. It is weird and hard to see all the homeless people begging for money, but we are trying to accept that this is their reality, and it is better helping through an organization than handing out money.

We have asked quite a few people to take their picture, because of the amazing colours and patterns they wear as their everyday clothing.

After the shelter, we went to see the greatest Mosque in India, Jama Masjid, and it was funny how suddenly Hanna, Nanna and I became the attraction. People were gathering around us to get a picture with us because of our skin and hair. The same happened in front of the Red Fort. One guy even tried to figure out whom would be a good match with his son. I didn't get any of the pictures because they all used their cells. It was probably one of the weirdest experienses of my life, I swear I was in more pics than on graduation.

We also went to a Sikh temple and I couldn't stop thinking "I am loveSikh" haha. It was pretty sick (ha). Anyways, we had to walk barefooted and wash our feet in this holy water that some (eww) people drank from... There were not that many people there so we were able to help the ladies make rooti in a stone oven. The Sikh temple is open for everyone, and there is free food for whomever's hungry. 

Here's just some random people in beautiful clothing

I had Pao Bhaji and Rajkachori for lunch which was delicious, then Hanna, Nanna and I went shopping. The three of us and our everyday guide, Aura, went for dinner where I had Aloo Jeera (?). I'm scared I'm going to get "Delhi Belly", food poisoning in other words, but I think I'll be fine as long as I stay away from meat, eggs, raw veggies and street food. And tap water of course. Luckily most Indians are vegetarians and specialists on spicy dishes which I love.

Please ignore any bad spelling, I don't feel like reading through it right now.

Nighty night world, Talk2YaL8er

P.S. If you ever go to India, travelling with G Adventures is a great experiense, especially with our amazing guide who's stuck with us for two weeks. I absolutely recommend this.