My Guide to Delhi and India

Come with an open mind. Yeah, yeah, I know – the same cheesy advice everyone’s probably already given you. But I think having an open mind and ability to take everything that happens to you in stride is very important in India. Even someone who learned everything they could about India would not be ready for everything you’re going to encounter – the poverty, the culture, the constant feeling of being different mixed with the joy of suddenly belonging. You will get frustrated and overwhelmed, but there is beauty and wonder too.

Lose the inhibitions. I’m a shy girl. This would probably come as a surprise to most of my Delhi classmates, who are probably wondering when I’m going to shut up. I learned pretty quickly, however, that in studying abroad shyness won’t cut it. You’re not going to learn Hindi if you don’t practice. You’re going to get cheated if you don’t speak up and bargain. You won’t learn anything about India or her people if you don’t let down the guards and talk to people every once and a while. Be smart, not afraid.

Lighten the load. Toiletries are pretty inexpensive, so bring the things you won’t be able to find – replacement disposable razor heads, contact lenses and solution, and good deodorant are key. Don’t be afraid to bring your iPod – music is great to have on long train rides, and adding a soundtrack to your auto rides is always pretty fun. Simple cotton t-shirts are hard to find, so you might want to bring some for the summer months if you don’t feel like wearing kurtas every day.

What to buy, and where to get it. You can get plug adapters for cheap in Khan Market – pick up a strip for your desk, and a single one for traveling – but otherwise things are quite expensive in the western markets. Dilli Haat is a good way to ease yourself into the bargaining scene – you have to pay fifteen rupees to get into the market, but there are fewer people hawking and it’s a little less overwhelming. The prices are a lot higher, but it’s the best place to get cute traditional Indian shoes.

Old Delhi has beautiful jewelry and gift envelopes, and the spice market is so cool The best time to buy a sari is right after wedding season (end of November or February when stores want to dump old styles). I picked mine up in Sarojini Nagar, which also has western-style clothing at ridiculously cheap prices.

Food! Chicken and mutton at Kamal Cinema Market. Paneer paranthas in the alley off of Chandni Chowk. Onion Rava Masala Dosa at Sagar in Defence Colony. Mangoes and pomegranates anytime, anywhere.

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