Finally, a positive opinion. “Delhi is not filthy,” said Jenny Stevenson, an Australian visitor to the city. “I'm having a great time.” Jenny, 50, is no ordinary tourist. She is the mother of Dale Stevenson, an Australian shot put athlete who will be competing in the Commonwealth Games this Wednesday.
We caught up with Jenny at the ticket counter of Humayun's Tomb on Thursday afternoon. She was with her son's girlfriend, Lauren Jones. It was hot and they both were enjoying orange ice candies. A teacher in Melbourne, Jenny has been to Delhi before. For Lauren, a student of real estate, this is her first time.
Considering that the Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has urged Australians to exercise a high degree of caution in India, Jenny was not exactly worried. “I'm feeling perfectly safe in your city,” she said. “We’re very happy to be here,” said Lauren. Is Delhi looking like a world class city in their opinion? While praising Delhi airport’s new international terminal, Jenny said, “It is important that different cities must look different. If every city looks like a Western city, then what’s the point? You better stay at home.”
Dismissing the talk that Delhi has become a mess due to its delayed preparations for the Commonwealth Games, she said, “No, I'm not seeing filth anywhere in the city. I'm happy with my accommodation and Delhiites are so friendly.” What does she feel about the Indian media’s largely negative coverage about the Games? “I think Indians are very hard on themselves,” said Jenny. “You people should go easy,” said Lauren.
{{/usCountry}}Dismissing the talk that Delhi has become a mess due to its delayed preparations for the Commonwealth Games, she said, “No, I'm not seeing filth anywhere in the city. I'm happy with my accommodation and Delhiites are so friendly.” What does she feel about the Indian media’s largely negative coverage about the Games? “I think Indians are very hard on themselves,” said Jenny. “You people should go easy,” said Lauren.
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