It’s been almost a year since my last visit and I miss me some India. It’s hectic and bustling but it also has a special place in my heart. After an 8 hour flight from Miami to London, a 12 hour layover and finally another 8 hour flight, I found myself back in Delhi.

I stayed in the budget area (my room was about $10/night) of Paharganj पहारगाँज pictured above. My hotel was called ‘Cottage Yes Please‘

I slept really well but woke up wide awake and hungry at 5 a.m. After a skype video call to Shannon back in Orlando I set out. Being up so early was nice because I avoided the crowds at the sites and the morning air was nice and cool.

I went and walked around the epicenter of the government and its parliament building. Getting around Delhi is a breeze with their efficient and well developed metro system. I went to Safdarjang’s tomb.

This is very typical of Delhi. It has had so much building and rebuilding as various groups have moved through and conquered that ruins from centuries ago are everywhere, pressed right up next to brand new developments and projects.

I was so hungry and I missed Indian food so bad. However, my early start to the day meant almost none of the restaurants were open yet. So my first meal was an epic fail – McDonalds.

After some fuel, I went to Gandhi Smriti, which is a shrine to the place where he was assassinated only 1 year after India gained independence from Britain (1947).

It’s also a small museum displaying the entirety of his possessions (only a few things) at the time he died.

I found my way to the National Museum which showcases incredible artifacts from India’s rich and storied history.

Back near my hotel in Paharganj, I find a delicious thali थाली meal at a restaurant nearby before crashing very early for the night.