#raineyasha blog – day 2
After a long day of travelling we finally arrived in our destination – Delhi. With great excitement and anticipation, we began our journey towards our home for the next two weeks or so, the famous Legend Inn. The journey was a hectic one as we weaved through crazy traffic dodging rickshaws, Tuk Tuks and motorcycles. We soon learned that indicators are apparently useless in Delhi (or rather non-existent), with horns proving to be the main way of communication between many reckless drivers. Our chauffeur was apparently not phased by the cars and people we narrowly avoided, as we got through the traffic physically unharmed.
On arrival at Legend Inn, we were greeted with open arms and beaming smiles, along with the welcoming sight of refreshing, cool drinks. The atmosphere was friendly and hospitable as we cooled down after the 30 degrees heat which had previously sapped us of our strength. We were introduced to the staff and given our room keys, prompting us to check them out immediately and collapse on to our beds in tiredness.
After a short rest we made our first excursion into the heart of Delhi to do some shopping, soaking in some of the local culture at the same time. The journey was once again a chaotic one, but our attention was otherwise diverted towards sad scenes on every side. The huge amount of poverty was evident, with small children running around bare-footed over rough ground and hazardous areas. The challenging sights which met us affected the whole team deeply, as we reflected on the contrast which was blatantly obvious between the exuberant and privileged Dubai (or even our very own Northern Ireland) and some of the poverty stricken areas of Delhi. On each corner another sobering sight met us, and this continued as we moved on foot into the markets. The insistence of one young girl in her efforts to persuade a team member to give her money in exchange for a small bangle reinforced the neediness of the poor, as she pleaded for our custom. It was hard for the team to turn away, but it gave us some small comfort that the work we are doing each day during our visit will help all these people in the long run.
Our spirits were raised by the exciting purchase of a saree for each female and a kurta for each male, however it could be said that the males were slightly in despair with the time taken by the girls to find their perfect saree of choice! While the girls made their choices, the males took lessons in haggling from the master, Mr Healy, beating prices down to ‘the best price possible’! Overall, the day ended on a high note as we returned to Legend Inn with lighter pockets but a sense of achievement in our work for the day.
- Jessica McMillin & Stuart Drennan
