Delhi Daze: Sweat, Spices, and Seriously Weird Vibes
okay, so i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and lukewarm chai right now. 1264773 and 1356528413… honestly, those numbers just swam into my brain like a school of confused fish. i landed in Delhi yesterday, and it’s… a lot. like, a lot a lot. the humidity is clinging to me like a desperate ex, and it’s 21.12°C feels like 19.89 with a pressure of 1017 and a humidity of 23. sea level is 992, which is… unsettling. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing.
I’m staying in Paharganj - it’s basically a sensory explosion of scooters, street food, and guys yelling about everything. it’s not pretty, but it’s real. i found this place called ‘The Hosteller’ - it’s a bit basic, but the staff are genuinely nice, and it’s close to the train station, which is crucial. i need to move on soon, i’m starting to feel like a particularly stressed-out pigeon.
Someone told me that the best paratha in the city is at this place called ‘Natraj’ - seriously, everyone’s talking about it. i’m going to brave the crowds later. i heard that the spice market is insane, but also potentially a fire hazard. i’m not taking that risk. yet.
I spent the afternoon wandering around Old Delhi, dodging rickshaws and trying not to get completely overwhelmed. the sheer density of people is… intense. it’s like being swallowed whole by a very enthusiastic crowd. i stumbled upon this tiny little shop selling antique bangles - they were gorgeous, but i couldn’t justify the price. my bank account is weeping.
My neighbors are a family of chai wallahs and a guy who seems to be permanently glued to his phone. if you get bored, Jaipur is just a short drive away, apparently. i’m not planning on going, but it’s good to know it’s an option. i’m trying to avoid tourist traps, but everything feels like a tourist trap in Delhi. it’s a weird paradox.
I’m attempting to document everything with my camera - it’s a struggle. the light is brutal, and the crowds make it impossible to get decent shots. i’m mostly just capturing blurry images of chaos. i’m thinking of investing in a good lens, but honestly, i’m just trying to survive.
Here’s a quick gear list, because apparently that’s what bloggers do:
Camera: My trusty (and slightly battered) Sony Alpha 6000
*Lenses: 16-35mm for landscapes, 50mm for portraits (if i can find a quiet spot)
*Backpack: Osprey Atmos AG 65 - it’s heavy, but it holds everything
*Water Bottle: Hydro Flask - gotta stay hydrated in this heat
*Sunscreen: SPF 50 - seriously, don’t skimp on this
*Mosquito Repellent: DEET - trust me on this one
*Portable Charger:* Anker PowerCore 10000 - because my phone dies constantly
I overheard gossip at a rooftop cafe about a secret spice blend used by the royal family - apparently, it’s the key to their eternal youth. i’m skeptical, but i’m definitely going to investigate. i also heard that the best place to get a decent cup of coffee is in Khan Market, but honestly, i’m still clinging to my chai.
Someone told me that the best way to experience Delhi is to get lost. And honestly, that’s probably true. Just embrace the chaos and see where it takes you.
I’m heading to the Red Fort tomorrow - it’s supposed to be amazing, but i’m bracing myself for crowds. i’m also planning on visiting the Lotus Temple, which looks incredibly serene. a complete contrast to the rest of the city, i imagine.
Seriously, the air here is thick with dust and the smell of spices. it’s… intense. i’m starting to understand why people say Delhi is a city that gets under your skin. it’s exhausting, overwhelming, and utterly captivating all at the same time. i’m going to need a lot more chai.
Check out TripAdvisor for some decent hotel recommendations: Delhi Hotels on TripAdvisor
And for some local eats, Yelp is your friend: Delhi Restaurants on Yelp
Finally, join the local discussion on Reddit: r/Delhi
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