Happy 4th

Trip Start Jun 28, 2009

Trip End Aug 07, 2009

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Where I stayed

Taj Mahal Hotel New Delhi

Flag of India New Delhi, India
Saturday, July 4, 2009

All is well in New Delhi! I'm enjoying the lap of luxury- check the hotel pool and garden shots. As you can see, my upbringing has prepared me well for 5-star life. It's difficult to describe the peculiar smell of everything here, like jasmine but there's also something acrid to it. It's sharper in the hotels and other buildings, and lighter on the hot, muggy streets.

I went to "India Gate" last night with another teacher, Lois. The gate was lit up, but there were no other street lights, giving the throngs of people there a super eerie glow. I felt uncomfortable as hawkers constantly approached us (mostly children) trying to sell lights and other toys. I don't fear for my safety at all (and I don't go out alone) but I do find walking around in public to be much more intimidating than I did in Russia or Ecuador. Still trying to find my bearings...

You'll notice my hot new outfit, called shalwar kamis (sp?) in the group photo. The lady in the white sari in the front row is a famous dancer (megastar) in India and also internationally. She was an awesome speaker- very animated and expressive. By the way, we listen to a few different speakers each day at the Fulbright house close by. I'm getting a much better feel for Hinduism- can't wait to see the temples up close when we see more of the city. So far my view has been limited, but I'm still seeing plenty of poverty. It seems every auto-rickshaw driver (will get a pic of this later), vendor, and streetside barber sleeps on the street alongside their belongings or atop their kiosks. I still haven't gotten the full picture, though- I've remained fairly sheltered trying to keep up with our initial conference schedule. Tonight we take a walking tour of old Delhi and I'll have more to report.

Hope everyone has a wonderful 4th! You'll be watching the fireworks while I eat breakfast tomorrow.

p.s. hotel pics will have to wait. computer running slowly and i have to go...

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