New Delhi 2010 vs New York 2008

What was supposed to be a night of preparing to head back to Sheffield, ultimately making sure I wasn't going to need a last minute panic-induced adrenaline rush, took one of those expected turns which found me delving into the world of travel articles and reviews (Thankfully resisting temptation to lose myself in the world of Youtube).

I have told myself time and again to avoid things like these, but curiosity, in this case, killed the cat and I HAD to find out what British travellers thought of New Delhi. The only conclusion I came to were two words....Marmite Factor.

It seems the lovers champion Indias enchanting culture, rich history and unique social norms, whereas the haters highlight poor security, lack of organisation and low hygiene standards. If I'm honest, I'm a realist. I can accept the points made by both sides... however my personality tends to dwell more of the half empty section of the glass, and I don't like Marmite.

I tell myself not to go anywhere with preconceptions, simply because the good will disappoint you and the bad simply reinforce your reasons for why you didn't think you'd like it in the first place. It happened on a College trip to New York in 2008, I went thinking It would be a visual feast and celebrity bonanza, like everything I'd seen on television and more. It wasn't. It was more like an over promoted version of Blackpool but without the attractions. I was especially disappointed with Broadway, not all glamour and razzmatazz as I initially thought, but just a street with cheesy karaoke diners where the waiters are all am-dram actors waiting for their big break. Despite this however, I loved it! I wouldn't live there, but would definitely visit again.

So I will give New Delhi It's chance to prove my inherently pessimistic mind wrong. Much like I did with New York. Yes, It will have its downsides, and yes,It will be more of a cultural challenge with the language barriers, non-western lifestyle and the fact i'm there for a month and not 4 days, but it's a challenge I welcome, I just hope I have the endurance for it.