So the journey began on June 1st at 1:30pm. After spending the last 24 hours trying to cram everything I wanted/needed to bring into two, extra-large suitcases, I was ready to go! The taxi picked me up and headed to DCA where I would be catching my first flight to Newark. I am an extremely paranoid and cautions flyer, so I made sure I was at the airport exactly three hours before my 5pm flight. I got to the ticket counter, weighted my luggage, and signed in relief. Each bag weighted 50 pounds exactly! You do not know the work that went into packing and weighing those bags—this was like a miracle!
I was informed that delays to Newark were imminent, so I would be placed on the earlier, 2:55pm flight to be sure I made my connection. By the time I got through security, the flight was already delayed to 3:45pm. Around 4:00pm they finally started boarding. At about 4:20pm they stopped boarding and ushered everyone who made it onto the plane off again. Then we were told that flights were not allowed to head into Newark and they would get an update around 5:00pm, We finally got on the plane at 5:15pm and took off around 6:00pm. I was one of the lucky ones who made their connection without any hassle.
The flight from Newark to Delhi was, well, long. I don't think you can ever really prepare yourself for a 14 hour flight. You think it can't really be that bad. Then you take a nap and wake up to find that you still have 12 hours left to go and your foot has fallen asleep and the person next to you is snoring. It was super awesome. One saving grace, however, was the fantastic movie selection. That part was quite amazing.
At the end of the flight, they gave me the immigration/customs card that I can almost never figure out how to fill out correctly. I just kind of started at it, took a breath, and hoped for the best. Luckily they still let me into the country. My coworker picked me up and we headed by cab to my apartment.
I have never seen so much chaos on the road. There are people crossing the highway while cars drive in any lane they want and random ice cream stands roll by. I was in complete awe. We got to the apartments in Orchid Garden, Sun City. It's so bizarre to look at, but then the apartment itself is rather modern with nice wooden floors and marble in the bedroom. After making a few calls, setting up my computer, and spending 20 minutes attempting to lock the front door with my skeleton key, I was ready to pass out.
Thursday, 3 June
Woke up this morning and took a shower, careful to not ingest any of the water. Fear of sickness had me slightly paranoid and I wasn't taking any chances. I brushed my teeth with bottled water and met my first India friend, a miniature lizard hanging out in my sink. Not entirely sure what to do, I let him go. I don't really want to think about where it is now… I spent some time wrestling with the adapter so I could do my hair in the bathroom, but eventually gave up and just got ready in my bedroom.
My driver, Suresh, came up to the apartment to get me (and my roommate from the CEB Rochester office) at 9:00am. Traffic from the apartment to work was very insane. I've never been more scared and amused at the same time in my life. Cows, stray dogs, random people, roadside stands, and working professionals all jostling for their space on the road. The lines on the road are only "suggestions" and people honk their horns with abandon. I think I understand the cab drivers in DC and NYC finally.
Getting to the office was fantastic. I could not have been more excited to finally meet everyone in person! I spent the day reading e-mail, proofing projects, and catching up with everyone. My lovely friend, Nidhi, helped me fulfill my caffeine need (three cappuccinos from the machine equaled ONE cup of coffee). Lunch was two veg samosas from a cafe downstairs. Iw as told that was only meant to be a snack, but I swear it was filling (and spicy!) enough for me. Before an evening meeting, we had a quick farewell party for a departing staff member, Jo.
After work, my coworker, Adi, drove me to Ambiance Mall for some food court cuisine. It's simply amazing how different and similar a place can be at the same time. The mall was full of brand names next to beautiful sari shops. Then there was the food court—people here are obsessed with McDonalds, KFC, and Pizza Hut. We chose KFC for the evening meal. The same, but with an Indian twist. Of course, my "spicy" is another man's seasoned (so says Adi)…
Once back at the apartment, I gave a squeal of delight at my ability to actually unlock the door and get in. Hopefully that skeleton key luck continues tomorrow. Looking forward to my first weekend in India: apartment party, Agra and the Taj Mahal, and SHOPPING! Can't wait!
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