The flight was long and quite uneventful which I suppose is a good thing to have in a long flight. I slept most of the way. Thank goodness for Ambien. I got up and walked the plane several times during the flight but I have cankles the size of coconuts.
Immigration and customs went quickly and easily and I was able to find my travel contact immediately. My emissary noticed me looking at the military guards and their varied weaponry. He assured me this was precautionary and not too worry. He said it is frequently disconcerting to Americans to see guns at the airport. I did not think it was a good idea to tell him I was not worried or disconcerted as much as intrigued and curious as to what firearms they were carrying.
To say it is humid here is an understatement, at least for an Arizona girl like me. I can honestly say that I have been in drier steam rooms. It has been raining on and off for 5 days which I am told is unusual. The monsoon ended 2 weeks ago. I am hoping that drier weather is on the way.
The drive from the airport was an experience. Think Las Vegas meets New York times 20. We had a near miss collision with another car (only avoided each other by inches). My driver explained that drivers in India, especially Delhi, do not follow traffic laws. I had already noticed that lane lines were somewhat theoretical and that usage of the horn was obligatory. All I can say is "Thank God I am not driving here." According to my driver, despite the multitude of things to see and experience, Delhi is known worldwide for its traffic and horn honking which is a language in and of itself.
I had my first glimpse of the India Gate, built to commemorate fallen British and Indian soldiers. Imagine the Arc de Triomphe and an eternal flame built together. i also saw the home of the Prime Minister which I thought quite impressive, despite the fact that I was seeing it in the dark. My driver informed me it that was nothing to be excited about especially compared to the home of India's President, which he described as looking like the White House only in brown. I was able to catch a brief view of the President's house. It did look amazing but again it was dark and I was in a car about a mile away. I will look forward to seeing it in the daylight tomorrow.
I am settling into my hotel which is wonderfully luxurious. And apparently secure, since your vehicle has to pass an armed check point and you must enter the lobby through a metal detector. Every square inch of floor here is marble. The lobby is small but opulent. I was escorted to my room by a member of the reception staff. I have unpacked and organized myself for tomorrow. I am getting settled in my room and cannot wait to take a shower and actually lie down.
I have included some pictures of the room which is nice but not nearly as impressive as the rest of the hotel. I will save those photos for tomorrow.
Tomorrow morning I meet with my travel coordinator, Pooja, who will be my contact while I am in India. Then it is off to see the sights of Delhi.
Now to bathe and bed so I can be ready for tomorrow's adventure.
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