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The first day is in the books, and as expected was shocking and wonderful. We started the morning with a beautiful traditional breakfast of rice cakes, potatoes, and coriander sauce. Our guide, Rama, and driver, Mr. Yogi (not making this up), picked us up and off we went. We were overloaded with history of the Mughals, British control and learned that ‘history is always written by the winner.’

The capital of India has been changed 9 times, and each new ruler has claimed a new part of town. We watched the change in history and scenery as we drove from New Delhi to Old Delhi. Old Delhi was extremely crowded and to get the full experience of the culture, we hopped onto a rickshaw (a bike with seats attached to the back).

As fate would have it, we got caught in a thunderstorm (it actually felt more like a monsoon). We parked on the street while the rickshaw driver got us an umbrella and a shawl because we were soaked to the bone and so cold. So kind and thoughtful! He makes what amounts to about $5 on a good day. He peddled his heart out to get us to our awaiting car. Never complained or even thought about waiting the storm out. I was humbled at how hard he worked and the dignity he brought to his job. I tipped him 500 ($8) rupees. He was SO happy and so grateful. He turned in a circle and shouted up to the sky saying thank you!! It makes me grateful to be human and restores my faith in humanity.

We got an up close and personal look at the wholesale district and the street market of Old Delhi to boot! It may have been in our favor that it rained, as the streets cleared immediately. Due to the condition of our soaked clothes we then returned to the hotel to warm up and eat dinner.

Day was one a success!

Time to meditate — 30 minutes — then food!!

Join Mia on her sacred journey to India to unveil the secrets of meditation, rejuvenation, detoxification and anti-aging. Follow Mia’s daily posts on Twitter, Facebook, and fitnessarts.org’s special India blog section

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