Rules of the road

Officially survived a week and a half in Delhi. Please believe that this is no small feat. After spending a day navigating the roads where everything including cars, semis, buses, auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, cyclist, scooters, wheelbarrows, pedestrians, dogs, cows, and elephants have equal right away even being able to cross the street alive is a miracle. No wonder so many people are religious here. Traffic lanes do not exist and where a 2 lane road would be at home Indian's some how make it into at least a 6 lane road with everyone fighting for the extra inch forward. Drivers routinely carry on conversations between cars while driving. I can't begin to count the number of times I am nearly run over on a daily basis by anything coming for every direction imaginable. Often times when walking in the less tourist visited parts of town we will be walking down the street with a clear path, but per usual the drivers start to stare and, of course, unknowingly their car turns directly into my path. I am very comforted by the fact that I rarely have to go anywhere alone and am getting very comfortable with the rules of the road. The bigger object always wins, but always put up a fight for your path. Driving in Delhi is truly an art form.

The smog and noise are absolutely insane. I read somewhere that Indian culture is very orally based rather than visually, so there is noise everywhere. Instead of looking over ones' shoulder to change lanes, the car behind you is expected to honk to let you know that they are there. If no honk is sounded the lane is clear to merge into. I have learned to really appreciate quiet and quickly find peace in whatever few seconds are available at a time. The smog is relentless. Everyday is hazy, but it was so bad Saturday that 5 railway workers were killed as they were working on the tracks as they could not see the oncoming train. i can only hope for the day in the near future when the metro lines are completed and this city can hope for some clean air. in the mean time i will continue to wear our scarves when driving in open air and nurture my lungs every chance i can get.

Though Delhi is completely busy and exhausting I am finding that I truly love it. People seem to really take care of one another and the children and women I work with are so full of love, and are genuinely concerned and caring for each of us. They call us volunteers "DD" (sp?) which is a very respected term that translates to big sister. We are frequently invited to families' homes and special events. This is a very special place full of amazing contradictions.