First Impressions....

This first entry is a pre-blog, so to speak, basically a hodgepodge of stuff while I get over the jetlag. Once I’m a little more into my routine, I will blog about the books and culture more… read on if you wish…
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The contents of the “gift box” that I was handed by the air hostess (definitely the 21st century variety) included a toothbrush; toothpaste; mints (!); socks (I got cold feet just moving to Business First); towelettes, and some other sundries that apparently people who regularly travel first class don’t bother to bring. I kept the “gift box” since it’s a nice size for light traveling. Most other people just left theirs behind.

I was all to happy to switch to first-class when approached by the Continental Airlines staff. I was tired from travelling all day across country and definitely not looking forward to the 15-hour flight. The seats were cushie and leaned back with footrests, a bigger, more comfortable pillow (even though I had my nice tempurpedic travel pillow , and a nicer blanket. I tried to keep with Delhi time,…
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Of course, the crowds at Delhi airport were overshadowed only by the oppressive humidity and heat. After only about an hour and half, I arrived at my uncle’s house.
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It’s rained only once during the monsoon in Delhi. Needless to say, the humidity that generally accompanies rain decided to abandon it this year. The heat and humidity in Kentucky was far more bearable. Food has gotten more expensive as a result of the drought
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The cows: many of them. The dogs: far surpass the number of cows. I want to pet them, but know I can’t. I miss my dogs.
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Getting a cell phone in India is a piece of cake. Go to any chemist’s shop (!) and you can get a sim card, phone # and recharge. You can also buy health and beauty products. Right now, the exchange rate is excellent: ~49/Rs = $1.00. I can call home at 3.99/Rs per minute. I used up almost all my minutes talking to David the other night. But, and here’s the clincher, much like my house in Redlands, my uncle’s house also has “hot spots” where the phone will work. Frustrating to say the least.
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Delhi deserves its own entry, so I’ll hold off on it.
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I’m also now beginning to take photos of signs. Here’s one I found a few feet away from our house:
Ironic, ain’t it? In the U.S., we’ll stand on street corners protesting something or another and people honk if they like it.
But, in India, you have to have signs like this. People will just honk, not for any other reason other than to let you know that they’re there. I suppose with so many people… 