I traveled to India for a week for work and was able to experience some of the amazing different and diverse foods, the methods of transport (auto rickshaw (or “tuk tuk”) rides, the 80+ degree heat.

After the 20-hour flight (with a stop in Europe), the airport was a sight to see; nearly built with bamboo supports and plant life everywhere, it was a very unique airport experience:

The airport in India

To get around, you could get an Uber and/or request motorbike and auto rickshaw (tuk tuk) rides. They equated to about a 15 minute ride equaling $0.50 USD.

Chai tea was served boiling in these copper cups which basically burned your mouth when drank. You needed to blow on it the slurp it up from a small distance as to not burn yourself. All while sitting in sunny, 90 degree heat. It was very tasty and spicy though!

What I experienced was a culture shock of a city that is growing faster than the government can keep up. Everything outside of the city limits when the British empire ruled was mixed zone and had nearly not centralized infrastructure (think no highways, no subways, no major central landmarks). You would see hotels, churches/shrines, businesses, homes, small restaurants, and even dilapidated homes with people bathing in front all on the same block. All zoning was mixed, and it seemed like a free-for-all of every type of person living/working together.

Sights around the city

A really cool trip that was a truly unique experience, would recommend for anyone looking for a different world to explore. The food got to me later in the trip, so be careful with certain foods and tap water!