Ready to challenge the pollution and traffic of Delhi
Still feeling fit in spite of an evening eating street food, my niece and I set out to explore the city. Delhi is large and while New Delhi and the Path afford an opportunity to stroll, visiting other interesting sites requires braving the metro or bus, hiring a taxi, or taking a tour.
Tours seem to work best as neither of us want to cram onto public transport nor walk the crowded streets to sites. We join a day-long city tour of Delhi. Some of my favorite sites, and personal insights, were:
3 March 2024 The constant honking of horns and jostling for space by bicycles, rickshaws, cars and motorcycles leaves no room for error. Crossing the streets can be a deadly trial of nerves. In spite of the noise and traffic, we decide to accept the challenge and walk to Gate Read more
I feel “Been there done that” as I depart for the arduous flight to Delhi, India. Then it all comes back: I have. It is easy to forget after 18 years filled with a bunch of other travel destinations.
The best-laid plans of women travelers can always awry. Or, as one lady described it: shit happens.
I appreciated having a Leap Year in 2024. It gave me an extra day in February. Flying to Delhi, I would be in transit for what amounted to 3 days. Flights were booked, bag packed, and I felt ready to depart for India.
In 1990-91, I had the pleasure of hosting a young exchange student from Switzerland. She lived in my home for 10 months. In that time, not only did I gain a daughter, but I also befriended her parents. Through the years, we have continued to share company with each other. Whether we visit in California or meet in far-flung countries as diverse as Russia, Myanmar or Liechtenstein, it remains a pleasure to spend time with my Swiss family.
As both a college history major and serious genealogist, Brenner Pass is known to me. The pass over the Alps between Italy and Austria was a strategic goal for American soldiers in World War 2. Brenner Pass is a part of my great-uncle Elmer’s biography. He fought in the 363rd Infantry Regiment, 91st Infantry Division.
The military goal in late-1944-spring 1945 was win Rome, march north through the Po Valley and across Brenner Pass into Austria, facing the main German army and ending the war. Elmer did not reach the pass. He was killed in action 16 April 1945 and is buried in the American Cemetery outside of Florence, Italy.
Snow continues to accumulate upon the surrounding peaks, its icy chill is in the morning air. I am thankful the white stuff is up there, not down here on the city. As the sun warms Bolzano, and me, I find myself wandering its streets and arcades.
At first, walking about Bolzano, I was not overly impressed. There is an abundance of shopping, name-brand shoppes, and a lot of people. I discover Bolzano is an interesting mix of Austrian and Italian cultures. However, the more I explore, the more I like it. It may be Bozen for German speakers, but it is Bolzano to me.
