Entering the Pervasive Fog

I arrived safely in India on the 29th after a spending 20+ hours on a plane or in an airport.  Thankfully the flight from Chicago to Delhi was shorter than expected (only 13.5 hours) and we landed early enough to miss the infamous Delhi fog that downed 200 flights after my arrival.  

I must comment on the flight since it was my first time flying for such a long period of time.  It was surprisingly comfortable.  Or, at least more comfortable than I had expected it to be.  We were given a bit more personal space than on smaller planes and because the trip was so long, we had our choice of entertainment.  The small touch screen in front of my offered 8 movie selections and numerous TV and audio selections.  I found it amusing that while surrounded by Indian travelers on a flight to India I was able to watch a slightly offensive episode of "The Office" that featured a Diwali celebration.  But, the best part about taking a direct flight to India was the food.  Dinner was entirely vegetarian!  And, I will have to say that it was interesting to taste Indian food made gross by the airline microwaves.  All in all, the flight was relatively comfortable, but very boring.  

Landing in India was interesting.  I was excited by the mere fact that I was in another country.   The fog had already set in and was mixing with the pollution.  This fog was all permeating.  We walked off the plane and were hit with the smokey fog inside the terminal.  My experience in the airport was a mix of confusion and empowerment.  I quickly realized that Lavanya had given me enough information to confidently navigate the airport and look like I knew what I was doing.  But, at the same time I was confused by all the people, the smokey fog, and instantly feeling like an outsider.  Customs was simple.  Baggage claim was a fight amongst a mass of humanity.  But, Lavanya and Dan were waiting outside the gate and from there travel was simplified.

Lavanya's driver had quit recently, so I was able to witness first hand the economy of favors that is common in India.  Lavanya's father's old driver's son came to pick us up.  Driving in India seems to be a nightmare.  No lanes.  Cars, busses, rickshaws, bikes, and pedestrians all trying to find room on the road.  But, as a passenger I relaxed and watched as the driver effortlessly weaved his way through the throng.  Delhi was dark and foggy, so there was not much to be seen.  It would be the next day that I would see Dwarka (the sub-city where Lavanya lives) and see what was underneath all the smoke and fog.