I walked down the road, hit the bank of the river, made a right and was slammed with wanderlust for the Indian Culture in the Himalayas. There were tons of people, colors and smells. Some good, some not. There were cows roaming the walkways, a couple beggers on the sides, and shops along the way. I was surrounded by opportunity.
I began walking down this long path towards the bridge. I walked through random small streets and squeezed through people. I make a left and I see the bridge before me. I see monkeys jumping around, cows walking aimlessly, some laying still. The bridge calls for you to cross over the Gangs River. There is no way you aren't walking across this thing. It's such a great view of the mountains and the river.
It is an iron suspension bridge, that connects temples across the river. I'm unsure of the bridges name at this point but soon I'll find out as I try to meet up with Nathan. I am on the other side of the bridge now waiting to hear from Nathan where he is. I'm walking through more markets. Wandering the town. Shops everywhere again. Monkeys everywhere. Beggers, temples, and tuktuks... I missed a message from Nathan while wandering and saw he was already at his location. I was too late to meet him there and he was headed to the bridge. There are multiple bridges here. Which is why I didn't know what one I was at.
(Side note as I type this at 3am Delhi, India time, there are wild dogs barking and/or fighting outside my window with some other animal. I have no clue what it is but it sounds horrific. Lol. Not to mention how close I am to the airport. Planes fly over head so close I can feel the room shake and it feels like it's going to land on the hotel.)
So I told Nathan I was at the bridge, the one you walk across. My stupidity, I thought there was only one bridge that was suspended for walkers. He asked what the name of it was. I thought I was at Ram Jhula. I was in the middle of figuring out a fare cost and hopping on a tuk tuk to Lakshman Jhula bridge so I told him I would be there soon. The tuk tuk driver went the wrong way at first thinking I meant somewhere else. He whips the tuk tuk around and we head back in the direction we came in. I thought maybe this was because I was not at Ram Jhula before. Maybe I mixed them up. At this point I KNOW I'm going to Lakshman Jhula because the tuk tuk driver knows what is what. I tell Nathan I'm sorry I suck at this right now I'm still getting my sense if direction. Unfortunately we didn't get to meet up but there is always Bangkok!
I end up passing Ram Jhula bridge, which is where I was before but I had now thought it was Lakshman Jhula, because I was second guessing myself. Crazy. So I was correct before. All that confusion I just be correct in the beginning. GUT feelings people. Trust them. Haha.
As we drove past Ram Jhula, we start to leave the city going up and down bills along the river side. We made a right turn. Made note if this in my head. We made another right turn, and I made note of this once more. About 2-3 Km from my starting point, we arrived at a cleared out area with a statue surrounded by more shops. The tuk tuk driver signaled to get off. I paid the man 115 rupees. He looked at me and said 150. To my understanding we agrees on 150. I was a little ticked off, and then came to my senses that there IS a language barrier. 15 and 50 could be easily confused. The areas had around 10-15 foreigners in the whole area. So I knew I'd be able to get back easily. I paid the man 150 and took a walk. Making note if my every turn in this small roads and alleys all tightly squeezed together, I keep moving forward. I started to think I was not where I wanted to be, but it's still a cool area. Maybe the driver took me here to make money from someone else for bringing foreigners here to shop? I then stumble upon the next bridge. The driver now seemed to be an honest honorable guy to me just trying to work.
This is the Lakshman Jhula bridge. I walk around the temples that surround the area. This bridge represents two things, one being the bridge that was washed away in a flood years ago, and mainly, this is where Lakshman was known to first cross the Gangs river with jute ropes. I walk across the bridge. Both sides much like Ram Jhula are covered in street shops. I began looking at Indian jewelery. Saw the prices. Compared them to others. Some have fixed prices. Not bargaining? Hmm. I carry on throughout exploring the area.
I walk around temples and see people going up. There was not much to see for I could see a lot from the outside. I decide to not go up. This isn't what really matters to me here, it's the diving in that matters. I still feel I visited the temples by observing. I felt no need to follow the line up for the view.
I continue back to the jewelry shops. I was thinking about the guys again. How i know they are worried for me. My friend Lee, who I met in India definitely helped me out this journey together from using his account to purchase train tickets to hotels and hostels. I met him when I was in Uganda. He had a ring that I admires, which was from India. (At least I'm pretty sure it was). I found a similar one to which he had, and tried on many of them. They cost 100 rupees. Thinking about how much Lee has helped me, and how much the guys have got my back, so much that they joke about coming to Indian borders and getting me, that I feel these rings could be symbolic.
I told the man I'd purchase 4 of the same ring same size for 300 rupees. He says no 400. I said I don't have it. He said okay we can get them. So I now have four rings. One for myself, Nate, Dan, and Jake. Lee, this ring I wear represents the struggle and overcoming it. Even though I'm still no where near fully adapted to this place yet, I want to thank you for your help. To friendships, cheers mate.
I continued down the road a bit and am looking for things that people would actually like here. This stuff is cool but not practical for decoration. I find another place with bracelets. Perfect because I wear bracelets for where I've been. I get two basic bracelets from this kind man studying astrology and anatomy as he sells jewelery. I told him he is smart to be reading here, and should keep studying. I purchase two bracelets from him after some haggling back an forth. I once again feel a little weird about this bargain experience. It seems wrong. So I settled for a higher price than I really wanted.
I'm giving one of these to Kat. I don't expect the guys or Kat to wear these. I completely understand, haha!
Sweet! I see some small golden statutes I can get for people... but they are too expensive for me to get for everyone. Ill have no money left to get around and I definitely need some because my ATM card may not work. I already took out more money than I wanted anyway.
I decided to head back up. Before I make it back to the roads I see a small set up I postcards. I haggle this man for a booklet of oostcards for 40 rupees. There are about 10 in the pack. That's about 6 cents per card. I can definitely afford this.
Now I doubt I'll be able to make it to a post office here so I may mail these when I'm in thailad. More time :)
I walk up these alleys and roads where the civilization begins to thin. I make my first left turn back to Ram Jhula. No tuk tuks around. It's drizzling out. Luckily I have my water resistant cover Stephen and Bailey helped me get in LA.
I finally come across a tuk tuk. I tell him Ram Jhula and he said 'very expensive' - walk only 1.5 km that way' . That's not far at all. I remember the way anyway.
I keep on walking make my second and last turn, and see the bridge in the distance. I must be in the moment and walking, concentrating on stepping around cow and monkey feces, not getting hit my motorcycles and taxis, and appreciating where I am, because I foun myself way past the Ram Jhula bridge. I turn back and see the bridge further than before. Oddly enough, I get another tuk tuk for cheap and ride to the bridge because for some reason I was on a higher road then before. He drops me off at an entrance to a stone staircase with arrows pointing down. I hop off, go down the steps, pass a few kids that say hello and smile, then reach the bridge. I am crossing the bridge where in the distance is a smaller disfigured Indian. She is limp, short, and sitting with a cup. Another Indian woman in front of me passes by her and gives her cash. It's a scene from any US city but in India.
I'm finding people to be reliable and nice now.
I walked back through the burning of foods and scents, the shops and beggers, the other foreigners, and reach my hotel. I ask about a taxi for the next morning. The hotel worker states that he can't get a taxi to come to the door. I'm confused. He states it's because the taxi union is fighting. So he can get another taxi for cheaper but I need to walk across the bridge. I told him no if the other taxi from the union can physically drive here so can the other one. I asked why the union taxi driver can come. He says okay no problem and books my taxi for 10 am to get to the airport early enough for my 12:50 flight. For some reason this hotel seems shady. From the SIM card to the taxi... Very odd. I'm so worn out from not sleeping and roaming around that I go upstairs and rest until dinner.
I am able to talk to Kat again. She is happy to hear that I went out and enjoyed myself. After talking again I realize that yes this stuff is cool, but isit really what I wanted to do? I'm not THRILLED to see the temples and touristy things. What I found myself liking was taking the tuk tuks, finding my way back, walking the roads alone, but finding my way. I like the every day small things that people do here. I'm realizing I love to experience the true culture and not just see it. I want to do it. Finding this out I realize as well, that I still can't wait to leave but at the same time I can't wait for the next day. I'm eager. I'm determined.
This built me up. And the next call built me up even more. Vanessa, my other sister, who graciously let me live with her for a couple months before I left for my trip, was messaging me. She sent me a pic of some of the guys in the back of the car with WaWa.
Damn I want the 2 for $3 sizzlers. Now that HOAGIEGEST is over gahhh .. But she FaceTimed me to their surprise. We had a lengthy conversation about what I'm experiencing and how I'm handling everything. After a little talk, Vanessa says she just wishes I wasn't alone. And some if the guys say they wish they coulda been with me. I get choked up a bit just from how hard it's been and how much I wanted to have someone there.
We all start cracking jokes and laughing though. I know it's tough I'm doing it alone but I can feel my shell growing harder. Stronger. I think my shield is different when I'm with people. It's like I'm oblivious to my fear and just do wha I have to do. I hide it from whoever I'm with. When I'm alone, I can't hide that from myself.
We say goodbye and I prepare myself for the trip back to where I felt I was dropped off in a hell hole, New Delhi.
I sleep that night, hardly at all. Tossing and turning thinking of how I will manage. What I will do differently this time, but it's different because I'm at a different terminal. The setup is so different. I tell myself I won't leave the airport until I know I can get a prepaid taxi. No scams. I tell myself I need at least one big or two bottles if water incase my language barrier takes me long to get where I need to be. I tell myself I need to make sure I have my printout of my ticket ready, get my tags from the check in for my bags so I don't get turne around at the gate. (Thanks for the heads up Bernadette! SO SO SO helpful!!!!). I think about how I will get from my airport to my hotel to the Radisson Blu to meet my friend Vipul. Vipul is one of Stephen's roommates from California. I saw him a few days ago. We've been emailing each other about how crazy it is here and feeling relieved we were both okay. Vipul invited me to his sisters wedding! How awesome.
I wake an hour before my alarm is set. I decide to just stay up. I'm so lucky I have internet idk how I'd survive without communication with anyone. I FaceTime with Kat once more as I get ready. I told her I was almost ready, Packed up and will go eat breakfast. Then once I eat breakfast I will check out and hopefully this taxi shows up.
Checking out was a hassle. Before I eat, I start the process - good thing because it took time. I was previously told I could use my credit card. Now, I am told I can't because of a power surge from the night before. I thought that was weird for a few reasons...
1- every night the power went out a few times and came back on.
2- the power was on at the moment.
3- the card reader was on and active with options. Which I pointed out to the men at the desk.
They said cash only. I said your boss told me card, and again I lied saying I don't has cash, just enough for the taxi to the airport. They said they'd call their supervisor to see. I thanked them and told them to let me know, I'll be eating breakfast. I finish my toast and jelly, and my potato stuffed paranthas, then see my driver pull up. He looks like an awesome character. Looks alive, friendly, funny. I confirm he is my taxi by asking his destination. We are to head off soon it's 9:40am. I look at the counter and ask can we try the card? He says yes. I ask for the total and it's correct. We slide the card. After a long 20 seconds, the card goes through. YES! Saving the cash I have. Perfect. The Indian gods are I my side. :D
I couldn't feel happier to hop in the taxi. I'm ready. I'm feeling confident. I got this. I ask the driver if it's direct route and 1100 rupees only. He says in very well spoken English, 'yes this is my day job no worries about getting ripped off. Especially in Rishikesh. People are so kind and considerate here.'
It hits me. I feel like an asshole. I know I wasn't too mean but it all makes sense, the tuk tuk driver, why I felt wrong bargaining with shops, my mindset at the hotel. The taxi driver was very understanding and laughed at my uneasiness. We began having a great conversation about his job and how he lives. We spoke about many things, Rishikesh, beggers, Delhi, dream vacations, cars, etc..
He was a fabulous ride to the airport. He explained things to me. He was great!
By the end if the ride I asked to take a picture with him. He gladly did. His name was very close to 'Summit'. Awesome, I'll remember that for my love of hiking.
I'm now at the airport and I am lookin for check in. I see a very rare, black man sitting in the waiting area. He looks up at me, and looks back down. I can't check in yet because it's too early. This is when I meet Jessie.
I find myself sitting down a few seats from this man. He looks like he is from America. Just by the way he is dressed and the Adidas bag he has. I see him fiddle with his passport and I see United States. I juggled my gear and got situated, looked over and said, 'hey man where you headed?'
He responds saying that he was headed in to Delhi. I said, 'me too.' He asks me where I came from. I said 'Rishikesh'. He said, ' me too.' It's funny how conversations start so subtley with small questions and answers.
We begin to talk about our experience and how he feels he is ready to leave. He knows he will want to plan his next trip when he gets back home, though. That's exactly how I was after Uganda. I started planning this immediately. He started to describe his first few days and how he felt overwhelmed. He says, man I'm not in Kansas anymore. He asked me what it was like for my first few days, and if it hit me hard and when. I told him it hit me immediately as I stepped off the plane.
Describing our situations to each other was amazing. It was looking in a mirror, except let's be honest, he is a big African American and I'm a small white boy. We were both solo travelers from the states. We both mentioned how we felt like we wanted to stay inside all day. We thought to ourselves, 'Wow, what did I get myself into?.. I put myself here'.
He said he took him around 4 days to really get into it and used to it. Here is day 4 for me as I was talking to him. Even though most of my days were travel and layover in Delhi. It was still intense. I described my situation at the airport. I said I couldn't get to terminal 1 and he shook his head in agreement. We talked about prepaid taxis and how confusing it was because once you walk out of the airport, where you get the prepaid taxis, you can't get back in. Only way you can get in is if you have another flight with the booking printed out. Horrific.
We both flew in and experienced the wrath of the soul sucking Delhi night.
We joked around and found ourselves laughing at our experiences. Both intimidated and in the unknown now understand what to expect. He actually joked around about his skin color too because everyone thought he was Kenyan at first then they realized e wasn't hen he spoke so they could attempt to cheat him. Humor. Something I definitely needed. Meeting Jessie put me in a better mood. More in tune and in sync with everything.
We exchanged emails, checked our luggage in, and worked our way to the gates. We were flying on separate airlines but were excited to spend more time with someone to talk to. We had spoken about how first world problems mean so much less to us. It gives you a different appreciation. He mentioned that he will probably plan another trip here but longer. Because it wasn't enough time to really get in there. I understand wha tea saying. It's takes a while to adjust.
I feel so grateful that I've met 5 people to share moments with even if they are short conversations. Especially when it's hard to come across someone that speaks your language, let alone foreigners at all.
I was up to board. We wished each other luck and headed out.
Flying the short 30 minutes over Delhi, I see what I'm up against.
Delhi. You bitch. You are mine.
Don't just venture on.. Conquer.
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