From Bratwurst to Bhaji in 14 Hours

Two weeks back in the USA went by too fast. Before we knew it, Brendan and I found ourselves back on an airplane, this time flying back across the Atlantic to the great Asian sub-continent of India.

I've always wanted to visit India, for several basic reasons: I love garlic naan, I enjoy yoga, I think saris are pretty, and I desire a photo of myself standing in front of the Taj Mahal for bragging rights. That's the pathetic truth. The rest of India is an intimidating mystery to me, which is funny, because I'm going to be here for nine whole weeks.

Our first stop was Delhi, the national capital, situated in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. I've heard it described as a traveller's "soft introduction to India". If that's true, then I'm doomed. Delhi is truly, deeply insane. But it's a fun kind of insanity. Within the first 24 hours, I saw the sun rise over Pahar Ganj, got swept up in a Sikh street parade, observed cows and humans dining together in the street, endured the world's worst traffic jam, and hung out at the Brazilian embassy (no photo available).

A word about Delhi's Brazilian embassy: boo. Yes, boo. Here's why:

- You must enter Brazil within 90 days of receiving your visa, the process of which can take anywhere from 1-4 business days. Because of this restriction, we couldn't just take care of it while we were in Chicago (well, we tried, but apparently it's high season in Chicago for Brazilian visas and they couldn't guarantee we'd have our passports back in time to make our India flight). Hence our need to revisit the process in Delhi.

- Delhi refused to accept our carefully prepared visa applications, and made us re-submit a slightly different Indian form for Brazilian visa-seeking Americans. The embassy also required an official letter explaining why, as Americans, we were trying to obtain a Brazilian visa from India, a formal letter explaining what we do for a living, another to explain why we don't do anything for a living, a copy of our bank transactions over the last year proving that we have sufficient funds to enjoy vacationing in Brazil without actually doing anything for a living, and $125 each, to be paid by money order from the Bank of India.

- All of the above requirements were revealed to us in stages. For example, when we returned to the embassy with our formal letters explaining that we were unemployed, the nice man behind the counter said, "Now you must submit a document telling us why you are unemployed. Otherwise there is no guarantee your visa will be granted. We're closing. Come back tomorrow." And so on. In total, we racked up seven visits to the Delhi Brazilian embassy. That's too many.

One afternoon we tried to visit Delhi's famous Red Fort, but got denied by a long line of twelve thousand schoolchildren (I'm only barely exaggerating). We settled for India's largest mosque instead, which is totally worth it for the super views and instant friendships.

We also paid a visit to Humayun's tomb, which was like, way more impressive than I thought it would be! I mean, that's one fancy tomb.

In general, Delhi wore me out. B and I could only hang out in the thick of it for so long before escaping to our quiet hotel room for a couple hours to nurse our frazzled nerves. It's just non-stop, relentless, noisy mayhem. Maybe we're total losers who should be trying harder to assimilate, but we had to enjoy ourselves in small doses. After nine days, it was time to get the hell out and head for the Himalayas.

Comments

[kenneth]

its nice to see your still running the pic tagged "insane" reminds me of Manhattan here in new york too many people can't wait for the next post see you soon

[Darla]

Very nice pictures Sarah.That one of Brendan and that little boy is super cute.

[WonderDonna]

You need to light a fire under Brendan's ass. He hasn't posted on this blog in almost a month and you are writing circles around him. Or are you just hogging the new laptop? :)

[padhma]

Are you guys planning to visit South India? If so, please visit Tamil Nadu state where you can see lots of Hindu Temples, good beaches, good veggie food, gold & silk saree shops etc. Let me know if you need more info.

[Samara]

I love that picture of Brendan and the kid.

[Geeta Kaur]

Thanks for bringing back sweet memories.. I enjoyed your photographs of..umm..mayhem :-) Actually this is all very organized chaos. I hope you plan on visiting The Golden Temple in Amritsar. Do go to nearby Khadoor Sahib as well. You will get immersed in pure serenity.

[lost_bunny]

I don't think that part of India would be good for people with asthma. What with all of the allergens from the animals and all.

[Vince S.]

great pics!

It's probably too late now, but I hope that it's in your guys' plans to visit the Maldives. If you're looking for an island paradise that is THE place to go. Do some googling and I'm sure you will agree! It's right off the coast of India, so you're in the neighborhood :o

[Stanley Poster]

What's the deal between you and Kevin Rose? I listened to Diggnation and he was acting like something was up between you and him. I was wondering if you and Brendan are on the outs. It really sounded like you and Kevin made a 'love connection' when just the two of you went out to dinner. Listen to Diggnation and you'll hear what I mean. I hope things are great between you and Brendan, because Kevin kinda made it sound like those old feeling were blooming again.

[Poster]

Actually Delhi is a national capital territory, and is not as you have said, in the state of UP.

Kevin needs to find someone to spend his money with! Brendan has none. And Kevin has billions. Brendan may have a prettier face but... Nothing wears like a pretty face

[Fuck You]

Hey bitch please dont go to places like I India if ur such a bitch ....

Ive been there and I loved it , you racist snottish aussie outback piece of shit !

You're the ugliest piece of crap ive seen in a long time ... whore face ...

dont make fun of their accents atleast their accents are understandable ...

cunt ! oohhh im so great coz im me that no one should dare ask me my name ... so invasive ... what a lil wuss ...

you're freaking ancestors where all fucking convicts on a big boat .... u can never measure up to people with culture , thats why you roam the world in search for an identity but yet feel empty and therefore be such a bitch abt everyone else !

Fuck u and ur kind , stay in ur pie holes ... dont venture out , you intolerant mofos !