I arrived at my hotel, checked in and dumped my stuff; I was heading out into the chaos, I'm going to be a carefree traveler and explore India! But not before being stopped by The Colonel, inquiring as to where I was going.
“I’m just going to wander.”
“First time in India?”
“Yes.”
“I will go with you.”
And with that, I had a personal escort. He was a retired soldier, lead a Punjabi regiment and was now in charge of hotel security. There’s something cool about being escorted by a guy in a sharp gray suit and saffron turban. He even walked cool. He owned the place. Long and lean with hands clasped behind his back, he moved through the crowds unaware that there were other people on the sidewalk, although they were aware of us. I'm guessing they probably don't see a lot of bulky, middle aged white guys; big wide rectangles bashing about, messing up the flow... After a couple of blocks, we stood at Connaught Circle; motor scooters, tuk-tuks, cars, bikes, tractors, trucks, dogs, people, colors, noise and motion in all directions. It was amazing, dangerous and chaotic. He pointed out landmarks, gave me directions back to the hotel and cautioned, “India can be a bit… overwhelming, but I trust you will have the experience of a lifetime” and with a crisp, firm handshake, he was gone. I looked around and the first thing I saw, was a bespoke suit fitting on the sidewalk with five or six strangers standing around shouting their opinions about the drape of the fabric and where the hem of the suit should hit… Then a young man approached me and asked, “What is your good name and where are you from?” I told him and he said, “What about Trump?” And down the rabbit hole we went. There was something so real and beautiful about all of it. Life. Unfiltered.
Welcome to Delhi.