Saturday 23 June 2012

Some useful, some fun Hindi words for travellers...


DELHI LINGO. While HIndi is the official language and spoken by most people in Delhi; you will also hear snap shots of Punjabi, Bengali, Urdu etc. English is the official language of the corporate community. And a new language ‘Hinglish’ is the official language of the youth. Here are some words/ phrases that will make your trip to Delhi a lil easier & much more fun!
   
GREETINGS
Hello.  Namaste.
How are you?  Aap kaise hain?
See you laterBaad mein milenge.
Take care.  Apna khyaal rakhna.
Thanks.  Shukriya / Dhanyavad.

WHILE SHOPPING
How much is this?  Yeh kitne ka hai?
This is very expensive Yeh bahut mehenga hai.
Give a better price.  Kam daam do
Ok I’ll take it.  Theek hai, de do
I don’t want it.  Nahin chahiye

FOOD RELATED
Can I have the menu.  Menu deejiye.
Don’t make it spicy.  Mirchi mat daalna.
Water.  Paani.
Tea.  Chai.
Hurry, we’re very hungry.  Jaldi, bahut bhookh lag rahi hai.

TAKING A TAXI / AUTO
We’ll go by the meter.  Meter se jaayenge.
How far?  Kitni door?
How much?  Kitna hua?


ANIMALS (use it at your discretion)
Donkey Gadha.
Dog.  Kutta.
Female Dog.  Kutti.
Monkey.  Bandar.

TATTOOS (great words / phrases for tattoos)
Karma.  Karma.
Om.  Om.
Non-violence.  Ahimsa.
Truth.  Satyagrah.
Independence.  Svatantrata.

OTHERS
Leave me alone.  Peechaa chodo.
Go away.  Jao yahaan se.
Yes.  Haan.
No Nahin.
 

Thursday 21 June 2012

This month’s most interesting purchases


Walk into the markets of Delhi and guaranteed you’ll find something interesting and out of the ordinary. Here are my 4 most interesting purchases this month:

1. WOODEN SHAMPOO
This is a shampoo made from a bark of a tree, which is wrapped around to form a ring shape. You need to soak it in water overnight, it turns into a paste by the morning; then simply apply it on your hair while bathing. It does the job of a shampoo & a conditioner, moreover its natural, so 'good' for the hair. Now, I haven't tried it yet, but will, as soon as I can gather up the courage.


2. GOLD BRACELET
The second thing I found & bought was a really pretty gold bracelet. Now this is costume jewellery, but trust me when you look at it, it looks absolutely real. It’s a wrist band/ bracelet which fits any size wrist because its got an elastic inside it (not visible to the naked eye). Its embellished with pretty bright blue stones, with little white pearls dangling from it. So its perfect for an evening out with a black or a white outfit.    


 3. UMBRELLA
A pretty embroidered umbrella that’s perfect for the Delhi summer. Its bright & colourful (yet not loud), in blues, pinks & yellows. Typical Rajasthani designs on the surface of the umbrella & acts as a great accessory for your outfit.

 
4. HEAD & SCALP MASSAGER
My last purchase is totally out of this world & also looks like an alien gadget. Its got long silver spikes made out of stainless steel flexible wires. All you need to do is wear it like a cap, press it up & down. It massages your head & instantly reduces tiredness and completely relaxes you.