The nicer things

After the initial shock of being a foreigner in India, you ease into your position. You start to accept the rickshaws that stop at every corner, you expect being greeted with 'Hello' by random strangers and you grudgingly succumb to being ripped off at every opportunity.

At the same time, when you look past those limitations, you slowly start to appreciate India's values. For example, Family: on Tuesday it was the 'Brother & Sister' holiday whereby siblings give each other bracelets and gifts as a sign that there will be there for each other. Another quality, the ideals of non-violence, as personified by Mahatma Gandhi and his fasts to save the nation. And there is colour and vibrancy of India's clothing and nature: beautiful Sarees and impressively carved Taj Mahal, the greatest monument for love.

It was only last week, while working at the British Council I've started to appreciate India's positive aspects. Partly, I think it was because I was working in very comfortable position. Driven by a driver to work every day, served capuccinos twice a day by the local pantry worker and devising a marketing plan for Anish Kapoor's first exhibition in India. Working with warm, knowledgaeble staff who were supportive and eagerly explained to me the complexities of Delhi's journalistic community proved interesting and encouraging. On one of the evenings, I also visited Khan Market, the most-upmarket, expact-focused place, where I had heaps of frozen yoghurt and a pedicure - something that never fails to lift up the mood.

The glorious week of exploration made me feel empowered - I walked alone in the shaded streets of South Delhi, strolling between beautiful gardens, Mughal architecture of tombs and sipping my first capuccino in a local cafe for a while. The week was crowned by a wonderful party at the British Council. Global Fellowship Programme celebrated the end of its six weeks and they have prepared dances, slideshows and speeches in order to share their experience and celebrate. The evening was glorious - beautifully lighted surroundings, fantastic food and a space to party.

But while in Delhi, somehow you know that the pleasures of Western life do not come that cheaply. There is still a deep sense of discomfort while walking through the construction site that is Connaught Place with wires sticking out. You fume with anger when locals brush past you in the queues or when they scam you at every opportunity. Our stay at YMCA comes at a price - 87.5 pounds per night per three-bed room. And the angry heat can drive you mad. That's why I'm looking forward to come back to the UK quite soon, just after our Delhi University week.

By Marta Szczerba