Discover tips for traveling with a baby, reflections on India, and highlights from our final day in New Delhi.
Table of Contents
- Main Journey
- Challenges and Final Explorations
- Tips for Traveling with a Baby
- Reflections on India
Main Journey of Farewell to India: Traveling with a Baby
Our time in India is finally coming to an end. Today, we spent our last full day in New Delhi, savoring the small moments, reflecting on the past three weeks, and preparing for the next leg of our journey to Mauritius.
Morning in Paharganj
The day started with a sense of relief and renewed energy. Julie, thankfully, was feeling much better after a good night’s rest. We enjoyed a simple breakfast at Everest Café, a familiar spot in Paharganj. The chaotic streets that once overwhelmed us now felt oddly comforting, almost beautiful.
Challenges and Final Explorations
Reliance Fresh and Last-Minute Essentials
Our first stop was Reliance Fresh, a nearby supermarket, to stock up on essentials for Sweetie. We bought milk, diapers, and snacks for our upcoming flight. On the way, we encountered the usual bustling crowds and traffic, but by now, navigating it had become second nature.
Henna and Heat
Julie couldn’t resist trying her hand at some henna art, purchasing a tube for just 20 rupees. Back at the guesthouse, I drew a lizard design for Sweetie, who was absolutely delighted. She kept giggling and calling it her “doma-doma” (her affectionate nickname for lizards).
To escape the midday heat, we took a much-needed nap. With temperatures reaching 40°C, staying indoors was the only sensible choice.
Connaught Place and Disappointment at Keventer’s Milkshake
Later in the afternoon, we ventured to Connaught Place, New Delhi’s upscale shopping and dining district. The white colonial-style buildings were a stark contrast to Paharganj, but the ever-present litter and odors reminded us that we were still in India.
Our main goal was to try the famous Keventer’s Milkshake, but it turned out to be a disappointment. The shakes were just flavored milk mixed with powder—not the creamy treat we had imagined. Sweetie, however, loved her strawberry shake, so at least it wasn’t a total loss.
Farewell Dinner and Final Reflections
Returning to Paharganj, we enjoyed one last meal at Shimteo, a Korean restaurant that had been our haven throughout this journey. Sweetie devoured a bowl of doenjang-jjigae, and Julie managed to eat a full portion of tuna kimchi stew—her appetite finally back to normal.
Tips for Traveling with a Baby
- Pack Essentials Early
Stock up on milk, diapers, and snacks before heading to the airport. It’s better to overprepare, especially in a place like India where quality supplies can be hit or miss. - Plan Rest Stops
Avoid long outings in the heat. Incorporate naps and downtime into your schedule to prevent exhaustion. - Be Flexible with Food
Sweetie enjoyed simple snacks like bananas and milk-based drinks, even when the local cuisine didn’t suit her. Always have baby-friendly options on hand.
Reflections on India of Farewell to India: Traveling with a Baby
Lessons Learned
India has been one of the most challenging destinations we’ve visited. The sights were breathtaking, the food unforgettable, but the relentless heat, hygiene issues, and cultural differences pushed us to our limits.
Traveling with a baby added another layer of complexity. Sweetie’s resilience amazed us; she adapted so well to the chaos, long train rides, and new experiences.
Final Thoughts
India taught us that not every travel experience is rosy. It shattered our idealistic view of world travel and showed us the raw, unfiltered reality of life in another culture.
When asked, “Do you love India?” I hesitated before answering, “Yes.” But now, I understand why people might question that response. India is a country that evokes strong emotions—both awe and exhaustion.
As we leave, we are grateful for the lessons learned and relieved to close this chapter. Sweetie, Julie, and I are ready for the peace and beauty of Mauritius.
Goodbye, India. Thank you for the memories—both the beautiful and the bittersweet.
Leave a Reply