Day 56: Welcome to India!

After the long flight, it felt so good to get off the plane and stretch my legs. Having my knees shoved in the seat in front of me for 14 hours was soooooooooo much fun, not! All donations to upgrade me to business class on the way home are current being accepted. However, I did get to really stretch my legs while I waited in this crazy long line for a “health check” and to go through customs.

While going through customs, the gentleman kept saying something about “not entered yet.” I was terrified! I thought he was saying my Visa wasn’t any good or something was wrong with my passport. I never did figure out what he was saying, but he waved me through, so I guess it wasn’t too important.

At baggage claim, I must admit, I was concerned. Due to my lack of layover in Chicago, I was so afraid they wouldn’t make it. When I saw my little neon TSA locks, my face broke out in a smile. I had everything and I was off to meet my driver. I felt so special when I came up the ramp to see a sign with Ms. Elizabeth Kroner and the fancy hotel logo! It was even better with my driver beamed at me with the biggest grin, like I was his long lost sister, when I walked towards him! I felt so welcome!!

Once outside of the airport, my nose was overwhelmed with the smell of a bonfire. Only problem, there was no fire. The pollution here is just that bad! The sky is so hazy! Once in the car, it was the roller coaster, I mean ride, to the hotel. The best twist, there was a cow in the middle of the road that we were head straight for. With no breaks involved, we turned right before hitting the poor thing! And the traffic, CRAZY!! I didn’t get out of the airport until around 1 am local time, but the streets were still buzzing!

Once to the hotel, it was serious sensory overload! I was greeted at the door with a traditional well wish and a smudge of war paint on my forehead. I was than whisked away by my personal escort to my living quarters for the next 2 months! When she opened the door, my breath was literally taken away! Real marble and hardwood floors, a rain shower the size of my bathroom back home and bathtub I would have thought I was a swimming pool if I was a few years younger! Not to mention one wall that is completely a window, a blush princess bed and a huge flat screen TV! Too bad I don’t get football over here! Well, not American football, lots of soccer though!

I also got to meet one of my colleges while here, Monica. She is great! Very friendly and reminds me of my Amy a lot!! Now I must sleep! I only have a few hours before it’s up and off to the Taj Ma Hal!!
Sweet Dreams to All!!
Eli
Count Down to Home: 59 days