Get it INDIA!

Ok...I know its been ages since mylast post, and heaps has happened since but that will all have to wait...

As the title sugestes Im in INDIA!!!!!!!!!!

Arrived in Dehli this morning after a long flight which would not have ben so bad except we both had throbing hangovers from a big last night out in London (thanks Allie and Steve ;->). We found a taxi to take us into the main bazzar which you think would be an easy request except it seems every man and his rickshaw wanted to take us somewhere 'safer' and 'better for lady'. I have heard the traffic was hetic but I dont think I have ever been so scared in my whole life as our taxi driver negotiated his way through what felt like a demolition darby. Suddenly from nowhere there was another man sitting in the front seat who had now asumed a role as our 'tourist guide' asking all types of personal questions of Nick who was answering true to his form, calmly and politely. This put me slightly at ease but I still would not make eye contact with the men or answer any of their questions with more than a yes or no. Two motor rickshaws and a brief walk (such a long story) we found ourselves out the front of a hotel in the main bazaar. Hot and tired we checked in and as we entred our room (which is more like a concrete prison cell) I swore to Nick that I had seen enough of India and I was ready to go home.

After a very much needed sleep, I woke with a face full of congestion (realy dusty place) and a sandpaper sore throat. Equipt with a little more knowledge from my lonley planet book (finding out that an Australian girl was killed 2 years ago by a taxi driver, making the same journey from the airport to main bazar as I had just done!!!!!!!!!!!Thanks for keeping that one quiet Nicholas!) I decided that I was not going to let a few million people, random stray cows and a bazaar ful of beautiful saris scare me, so off we went in search of food.

A good sleep and think had put everything into perspective and for the first time today I was excited to be here. So crazy. So much to tell. Had macaroni and chese for dinner (very Indian I know). Have been followed for about an hour by a man selling backgamon sets. At first we were interested and then remembered that we cant bring wood back into Aus, so he went away only to come back 10 mins later with a set made out of stone...no thanks....then again later with one made of camel skin...no thanks. I think I keep saying no just to see what he comes up with next. There is a plethora of beautiful fabrics and I am tempted to trow away all my clothes just so I can bring some home.

We are headed north to Manali tomorrow. Less crazy and sounds very picturesque. Cooler too. Dont know how I am going to cope with long pants and long sleves for a month in 35 deg heat.

By the way does anyone know if cows can kick?. I am a little cautious of the ones on the streets.

As I recall saying to Allie, I wanted to go to India for a culture shock...I dont think I fully understood what that meant. I am here to be challanged and I dont think I wil be disappointed.

I promised my Dad I will write more frequently so you all know we are safe.

Love you all and miss you heaps. Will be home very soon xxxxxx