January 11, 2011

After sleeping for only an hour or so after unpacking and figuring out I have no heat, I am exhausted and frozen. After breakfast we head to India Gate, The American Center and the Parliamentary Museum.

After packing all these winter clothes after being told how cold it was, of course i forget to take my jacket from my room and we wind up walking around the India Gate in the icy cold morning for over an hour, after I have been freezing all night. In any event the Gate was amazing and we really lucked out. The Indian Military was there practicing for the Parade they will be having on the 26th to commemorate India becoming a republic. We saw bands, soldiers marching, even the Presidential Guard on Horseback. Then it was off to the American center where 3 US diplomats told us a little about what they do and some of the challenges they and the US face in India.

After that we stopped by a Sikh temple with Professor Kahai, while Professor Gupta tried to Secure us a Lunch from Good ole Micky D’s. The temple was interesting, were covered our heads with handkerchiefs and walked in bare foot, the first of many barefoot experiences to come. The atmosphere in the temple was pleasant, music was playing and they have us some of the sweet offering to eat. Fantastic experience.

So lunch did not show up on time (also first of many late lunches) and we headed to the parliamentary museum. Security was pretty heavy with two check points. The museum experience was different, with talking and moving figures of leaders and some interactive presentations.

After that we had the lunch (McChicken) and headed back to the hotel. We changes and headed out to th elocal streets of Delhi by the hotel for some exploring and street food. I didnt try the water balls, not worth the risk on the first day.

We headed back to the hotel and soon had dinner. Dinner was typical Punjab style food. It was delicious but many of us filled up on appetizers not knowing a main course and desert would follow. Great food, but we are walking zombies at this point.

India fun fact for the day: Security Guards are intrigued by my chap stick. They seem to think its a weapon or recording device.

India has interesting names for financial Institutions.

January 10, 2011 Late night

OK. So I made it to India. Actually I was quite impressed with the Continental Flight. I had an interesting 5 hour conversation with an Indian man sitting next to me who was interested in our group of students. We talked about the standard controversial issues: religion, politics, education etc.

Our group was greeted by the Delhi fog and smokey smell permeating the air. Then professors Gupta and Kahai met us at the gate and we were soon off to the hotel. The airport is modern with various interesting art patterns on the walls.

We soon arrived at the Almondz hotel, baller…

India Fun Fact of the day… Check if you have heat before you shower late night.