“Delhi Is a City That Stays With You,” Says Ecuador’s Ambassador After a Year in the Capital
For most people who come to Delhi for the first time, it can feel overwhelming—chaotic traffic, a blend of ancient and modern architecture, intense weather, and a rhythm that takes some getting used to. But for Fernando Bucheli, the Ambassador of Ecuador to India, the capital has left a deep and lasting impression. After spending about a year living in Delhi, he describes the city as one that "touches your heart in quiet, enduring ways."
Ambassador Bucheli is no stranger to global cities. Over the span of a diplomatic career that stretches more than three decades, he has served in major world capitals—Tokyo, Bern, Berlin, and The Hague, to name a few. And yet, Delhi, he says, has something unique—something timeless.
“There is a certain calm beneath the surface here,” he reflects. “Delhi is not just a place you pass through. It lingers with you. You don’t just live in it—it lives in you.”
What strikes him most about Delhi is its extraordinary blend of history and modernity. “You can see thousands of years of civilization alive and visible in its architecture, its traditions, and even in the daily lives of its people,” he says. “You walk through Old Delhi and feel like you’ve stepped into another era. Then you drive just a few kilometers and you’re in the heart of a buzzing metropolis with all the features of a global capital. That contrast is powerful.”
As a diplomat and observer of cultures, Bucheli finds Delhi to be one of the most textured cities he’s experienced. “There is a philosophical depth to the way people live here. Spirituality is not just confined to temples or rituals; it’s in the attitude, the resilience, the way people face everyday challenges with grace.”
One of his favorite pastimes has been exploring Delhi’s historical sites. From the quiet majesty of Humayun’s Tomb to the grandeur of the Red Fort and the peaceful corners of Lodhi Garden, he sees each monument as a chapter in a living story. “These aren’t ruins—they’re reminders of a thriving civilization that continues to evolve.”
He also speaks warmly of the hospitality he has received since arriving in India. “People here are incredibly welcoming. There is a warmth that’s not loud or dramatic—it’s subtle, steady, and sincere.”
Despite his professional responsibilities, Bucheli makes it a point to engage with Delhi beyond embassies and events. He enjoys the food, especially the incredible range of vegetarian dishes, and takes pleasure in conversations with locals—whether it’s a chaiwala, a museum guide, or a fellow jogger in a city park.
“I came here for a posting,” he smiles, “but Delhi gave me more than a job—it gave me an experience, a connection. This city has soul.”
For Ambassador Fernando Bucheli, Delhi isn’t just another stop in a long diplomatic journey. It’s a place that has made a quiet home in his heart.
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