Delhi

So I'm here. And what a trip it was. The farthest I've ever flown before now has been to Paris and the trip to New Delhi was twice as long. First off, I would just like to say that Charles De Galles international airport is one of the most disfunctional places I've ever seen. Finding the way to my next gate was like going through an obstacle course. Maybe some of you can feel my pain. The flight from Atlanta to Paris was made much more relaxing by the free and delicious French wine that Air France provides. But as soon as I was on the plane to Delhi the reality of what I was doing really started hitting me... like with a giant baseball bat. Not being able to sleep much didn't help either.

However, it did help that I was sitting next to a very helpful Indian man who was chatting with me, giving me tips, and teaching me useful Hindi words. Then at one point he offered me a mint which I accepted. He THEN went on to say I should never accept food from strangers in India. He said that they befriend you and then offer you food that actually knocks you out so that they can rob you. Of course by this time I already had the mint in my mouth and was looking at him with wide eyed fear, wondering if this was a friendly way of him telling me I was about to be robbed. I actually almost spit it out but figured that might be a little offensive/gross and I'm glad I didn't- it turns out he was actually just a nice man giving me helpful advice. But still, lesson learned.

One fun thing (not) about flying for 16 hours is that you feel like you're still on the plane long after you've landed. I did not know this would happen so after I'd strapped on my 30 pound pack and exited the airplane I very nearly topple over multiple times. I think people thought I was drunk- I got some very strange looks. I was picked up from the airport by Navin's (my boyfriend) cousin who lives here with his father. He brought along a friend and they both were very friendly, making me relax a little. They're trying to convince me to stay in Delhi for longer than I planned- a week actually. I'm very tempted. This way I'd have a local guide that I know to introduce me to the customs and culture. I'll have to check in with my organization today and see what they have planned for me before I make my decision. I wanted to go out and about today but papa Ankur (the cousin) firmly suggested that i take this day to settle in and rest. Now that I'm doing it I think he's right. I'll spend today watching movies, arranging tours of delhi, making appointments with Yoga instructors, and reading my travel guides. Time to jump in!