Tuesday 17 May 2011

"Tourists don’t know where they’ve been, travelers don’t know where they’re going.” – Paul Theroux

            As per request from family and friends, I thought I would start up a blog to detail my month in New Delhi.  I know I’ll find it interesting to reflect during my travels and have something to look back on when I want to remember my trip.  So I hope you enjoy hearing about my experiences- I know that I couldn’t provide many details about what I’d be doing this month prior to my departure because I didn’t know what I would be doing this month.  But hopefully I’ll figure that out soon!
I didn’t expect my foreign adventure to start as early as boarding the plane, but I already feel like I’m in a whole world (haha).  The plane itself is decorated with Indian fabrics and is adorned with pictures of the Taj Mahal everywhere, the stewardedesses are in saris and the primary language for directions and writing is Hindi.  I'd take a picture but I figured that because I stick out as the only white person in sight so taking photos inside an airplane might not be the best idea... But I've been spoiled- flight attendants have personally escorted me to my seat and offering me omelets so its been fun.  The flight itself was seamless- I enjoyed the ethnic food served for dinner and breakfast- chickpeas with both meals, curried chicken for dinner and I’m not sure what breakfast was but it was yummy. 
The girl I sat next to on the plane just turned 22 yesterday and she was flying back to visit family for a couple months, her first visit since she moved to Amityville, NY to get married two years ago.  She thought I was brave coming to India by myself but I can’t imagine what her transition was like.  Despite Bollywood movies that glorify finding the partner of your dreams, its obvious that early, arranged marriages are still quite prevalent.  
Time to prepare for landing!  Hello India!

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