the new delhi metro system

brilliant

Within the past week we have located the nearest metro stop (super close to our flat/office) and we have been using it like crazy. The idea of an Indian version of New York's subway system made me cringe. Misconception totally blown. 

It's beautiful.

alyssa is pumped

Now, unfortunately, at peak hours and on weekends, the station can tend to look more like this:

And we have even seen the cars as crowded as this:

Last week, it was so packed full that one guy was just spread-eagled across the opening and the guys behind him were holding him tight in an effort to keep him from getting totally squished by the doors. 

It was one of the most insane things I have seen since we arrived. David, our token engineer and male intern, said in awe, 'that is the most efficient thing I have ever seen.' To me, it looked like the Holocaust. That's not a joke, it really did disturbed me to see that many humans in that small a space - voluntarily. 

Fortunately, for the women of India (and for us visitors) there is a beautiful place called the ladies-only car.

ladies waiting area

The ladies-only car smells great, it is very well air conditioned, and there are even outlets for you to charge your phone. I wondered how they kept men from coming into the car - especially during peak hours. Then, one night, we saw a female officer come into the car and physically remove three guys who decided they would test the limits. It was great. 

amy and the lovely ladies-only car

The first time we rode the metro, we were getting off at our stop and I, unfortunately, did not make it off the car in time. The doors do not open again if you stick your arms between them like they do other places in the world. I learned that the hard way, and in a spurt of panic I pounded on the doors and looked for an emergency open button frantically. My friends looked on laughing hysterically and I think all the women on the quiet ladies-only car were a little bit suprised at my outburst. After the metro pulled away and I started thinking clearly, I realized it was not a big deal. At all. I could just get off at the next stop (very close by) and ride back to where I needed to be. Of course, when I got off at the next stop, I tripped. I literally fell out of the car. Graceful. One girl about our age was so friendly and offered her help in finding where I needed to be. 

Sorry fellow Americans, I am giving us a seriously strange reputation.

Hands-down best metro experience so far was riding it at rush hour with Christine's latest purchase from Central Market...

We definitely got some dirty looks for that one. Getting in was hard enough, but then our stop was going to be on the opposite side of the car. We exited with the huge set of shelves between us and constant apologies leaving our lips. Oops!

After that, Amy took us to a really great (no joke, they even have safe ice!) Italian restaurant in Khan Market. The Big Chill. There the shelves really came in handy for holding the day's purchases. 

she brings these everywhere - so handy

So, I guess in conclusion, I just wanted to share with you the awesomeness of the Delhi metro system. To all the skeptics, I tell you I was you a week ago. I have converted and fallen in love with the metro. And although it is only two years old and hasn't had the time to get really grungy - the metro authorities are taking strong precautions against that. 

not sure but I think this means video surveillance, pick-pocketing discouraged,
mind the gap, no smoking, try not to vomit.. or maybe that's spit...

christine is an 'older gal' so we get to sit in a special section on the regular cars