Make Japan your next travel bucket list

 

Living in Delhi- a hassle or a pleasure?

Living in Delhi is probably my biggest adventure as a girl from Assam.

Delhi is often infamously known as the “rape capital” of the Indian subcontinent. It is definitely true to a large extent given the amount of crimes and especially rapes that has happened on this city.

It is indeed a huge burden to stay alone in this capital city but I will never deny the enjoyment and delights that this city has given me.

Delhi has literally shaped my identity and has made me confident. I was just a shy introvert and a homebody who was scared of even leaving my house without my parents.

The fact that I decided to study and live in Delhi on my own was probably the first brave step that I took. My parents were really skeptical about sending me but I guess I was destined for this.

I still recall the day. It was the month of July in the year of 2011, which marks my first entry into the capital city not as a tourist but to live there on my own.

I guess every outsider would be able to relate to these struggling days. The whole process of searching for accommodations, our parents bargaining with the rent, the jittery feeling of having to share space with a stranger is something that felt quite nerve wrecking at those days.

The first few days felt strange with a different lifestyle, adjusting with my other roommates and the greatest difficulty was sharing the bathroom.

My constipated being made me the only early riser in my PG accommodation. Waking up at 5.30 am in the morning felt like as if I was heading towards the battle field. The struggle to change your clothes when you have people living in the same vicinity was something that was quite a challenge.

I swear, every person like me coming from the Northeastern region wouldn’t be able to initially adjust to the chili powder infused foods from Delhi.

I felt, this was the moment, when I had several bouts of homesickness, especially a food lover like me, and having to survive eating “rotis” (Indian flatbread) with sabzi (mixed vegetables).

Of course, we do have the option of ordering food from restaurants when you live in a cosmopolitan city like Delhi. However, for students in India, where we don’t have the opportunity of working as part timers like the Western countries, we have to depend on our parents.

As a result, spending money on shopping as well as ordering outside food was a luxury, since half of our parents’ money is spent on our rent as well as on our studying stuffs and purchasing essential items like medicines, toiletries and so on.

Despite the initial struggles, Delhi felt quite comfortable after a few months, when we had the privilege of enjoying the city with my hostel mates. Student days in Delhi University colleges were really memorable. Apart from the usual studying pressures, the yearly cultural fests imbibed delightful experiences among students. The thrill of having to dress up beautifully for that particular day, taking pictures and then jamming to the music of the artists felt blissful.

The two famous people friendly markets in Delhi- Sarojini and Lajpat markets was literally the camping ground for me. The charm of bargaining never felt great and it was quite a common sight when you see the scuffle between the shopkeeper and the customer.

The price usually starts with 500 and then trickles down to 100 and for those lucky people, even 50; although it is quite a rare occasion.

And then you have markets like Dilli Haat, which is more favored for the international tourists, to explore the craftsmanship of the artisans from every corners of the country

This city is quite the charmer on its own. If you want to avoid the usual rustic flavor of Delhi and explore more on the classier side, the Hauz Khas area and Khan market are two of the favourite options. Then you have the malls to avoid the hot dusty weather.

Dealing with the extreme climatic conditions in Delhi was a literal nightmare. My college days were spent on dealing with the unbearable summers, with a much needed wet tissues and heavily dependent on “banta shikanji” (street style lemon masala soda). Also, winters added to another major worry because of the extreme smog conditions which made it difficult for the person to breathe.

In my 8 years of living in Delhi, I have always felt comfortable in travelling in the Delhi Metro. Of course, the annoying congestion of people at certain hours and especially in summers, when the pungent smell of sweat was extremely suffocating. But, apart from that, Delhi Metro is indeed the best public transport facilities to travel comfortably because of the excellent connectivity from one end to the other.

Female equality is a big no while travelling in the Delhi Metros when they have separate coaches reserved only for women. We shout and whine about it, but we can’t help but avail this special privilege. Realistically, travelling becomes safer and peaceful rather than travelling in those coaches which allow mixed genders.

The irritating predatory stares by the typical crooked looking men loitering around in the markets, streets as well as the Metros and buses would be the biggest turnoff for any girl living in this city. This is something which can’t be helped even if we fight and debate upon it. Hence, the separate female coaches make it much more reasonable.  

Delhi is a city of wonders. No matter, how dangerous this city might be or is exaggerated to a huge extent; it is really a fun place to reside in. You will definitely have a love- hate relationship with this city.