How I Got Here Part Three

So when I left off my last post I had just brushed my teeth with the clove toothpaste. I decided that since I had about 5 hours before I needed to get ready to leave to go back to the airport it would be best if I could sleep for a little bit to start getting my body used to the fact that night and day had just been switched around. I requested a wakeup call for 6am and cuddled up in the bed to sleep. I had a couple of strange dreams and awoke sure that it must be almost 6. I then looked at the clock and realized I had only been asleep about an hour.

I was about as wide awake as I could be, so I knew sleeping was not going to be an option. I turned on the TV to see what I could find to watch to pass the time. (I wasn't about to walk onto the streets at 1am!) There was an interesting array of things on TV... I found a channel that just airs fashion shows and I decided I just don't get high fashion. I found Indian MTV and learned that they actually still show music videos all the time, unfortunately all the videos were for Hindi music and I didn't understand a word of it. I ended up watching CNN International and an episode of Friends for a few hours. The most amazing thing to me was I did not see one report on Anna Nicole Smith! I know when I was leaving Dallas I saw live coverage of her survivors in court, but for some reason the rest of the world doesn't seem to realize the importance of that case for the survival of humankind.

One alarming thing I did see on the TV was a public service announcement of "advance warning of sun outtage". I don't know about anyone else, but I hadn't heard anything about the chance that we could completely lose the sun for a period! That seems like something scientists would be pretty frightened about. After all, without the sun the whole global warming thing would go away... But as I watched I realized that the warning was about the chance that solar flares could interupt satellite signals and knock out TV stations. Too me that isn't so much a sun outtage as a TV outtage, but I guess that is where language differences come in...

When the sun finally came up I was able to see the garden out the window. It was very pretty, with palm trees and little statues. The air did look very hazy, it was obvious that the pollution is much worse than I've seen in even LA or New York. A new W Hotel was being built on the other side of the garden, it looked like it would be another unbelievably luxurious place. I then looked to the side and saw my first slum. What a real picture of what India is, people living in the worst poverty in the shadow of luxury hotels. I couldn't help thinking that what my company was paying for one night in this hotel would probably be enough to feed all those people for a year.

Finally it was time to check out of the hotel and head back ot the airport. I noticed that the hotel shuttle was a Toyota Corolla, it was almost like being in Mom's car -- if it had the steering wheel on the other side and a stick shift. Just like a little piece of home! In the light I was able to see much more of the city on the way to the airport, it was the strangest mix of shops, slums, hotels, and people that I've ever seen. I saw a bunch of kids in school uniforms walking past a guy riding a bike with a bunch of trays of eggs balanced on the back. Very surreal.

In the night I had repositioned things in my bags so I could check my new bag and just use my backpack as a carryon. I walked into the airport and was completely confused as to where to go. I finally found a checkin line for my airline and got to the front to check my bag only to be told I had to go get it x-rayed first. So walked back across the check in area to the x-ray line and had my bag scanned so I could go stand back in line again. When they scan the bag they then put zip ties through the zipper pulls, put a stamped sticker on the zipper so you will be able to tell if anyone opens it, and wrap it with a big plastic cord. It did make me feel like I didn't have to worry about anyone going through my bag while it was out of my sight. (Don't even mention to me that they could search my bag and then put the same safety measures back on, I like living in my dream world!)

On the way to the gate area I passed a "Hog Dog" stand, next to a Baskin Robbins.

Once I was finally checked in I moved on to the security check point. There was a long line waiting to go through, but I then noticed that there was a separate line for ladies. I figured I'd take advantage of being female and bypassed the line. I put my bag on the same x-ray machine as the men, but then went into a curtained off area to be frisked and scanned with a metal detector. I then emerged into the waiting area to board my flight. The waiting area was obviously just built up, it was very spacious, all marble and very pretty. There was a big flat screen tv showing a cricket match. I was really hungry and saw a couple stands selling food, but I was a little afraid of what it might be healthwise for me to try it so I decided to wait for breakfast on the plane.

Before boarding the plane I had to have my carry on xrayed again, and I made another visit to a curtained off area to be frisked and wanded before boarding a shuttle bus that would drive us to the plane. Jet Airways is one of the nicest of the Indian domestic airlines, so my first class seat there was very nice. Not as nice as the seat on the 777, but much more comfortable than most of my usual flights stuck back in coach! I was again presented with a menu of which nothing sounded good, so I asked for just the bread and croissants. I decided if I had no idea what the food was I probably didn't want to test it on my stomach this early in the trip. I probably looked pretty funny as I snatched croissants from the basket and scarfed them down like I hadn't eaten in weeks. They were really good though.

The flight to Bangalore took a little over an hour, and was pretty uneventful. When we landed I was interested to see where it looked like they were adding a new runway area. While men would smooth the wet concrete, there were women carrying the concrete from the mixing area to the construction area in baskets on their heads. Quite a mix of ancient and modern techniques!

I got off the plane and collected my bags and began to look for my driver, Murthy. I had been told that he would be waiting with a sign with my name on it. I walked out the door and was again confronted with about 100 men holding signs with different names on them. I walked to the end of the line and never saw my name. I stood at the end of the walkway for about 5 minutes hoping Murthy would find me, but I didn't see him. So rather than continue to be accosted by taxi drivers trying to help me I went back into the airport to call the manager of the office. I found a pay phone area. Basically it was a regular phone, but a person sat next to it with a timer and would tell you how much you owed after you hung up. I called Ratnesh and he advised that he would call Murthy and make sure he could seek me. (Seek me first is always my motto!) I waited about 15 minutes with no luck and called Ratnesh back. He advised that Murthy was waiting for me just outside... I had hoped he was coming in to find me, I didn't want to walk back outside again! Luckily as I walked to the door I saw a man arguing with the security guard trying to get in, and he was holding a sign with my name on it. I don't think I've ever been so happy to see anyone in my life!

He took me to his SUV, and it had a "Don't Mess with Texas" sticker on the back given to him from some of the previous workers from my office who had made their way over here. It was a nice piece of home. On the way to the apartment I saw my first Indian cow wandering the streets eating garbage. It was a pretty sad sight for something that is supposed to be sacred.

I've got to get off to work again now, I'll update tomorrow with details on the apartment and the office here. My parents shipped my camera off to me on Monday, and it is supposed to be here by tomorrow night so I can finally take pictures! On the Fed Ex tracking I can tell that my camera has made the journey from Irving to Memphis to Paris and is now in transit, I can't wait to see what kind of exciting places it heads to next!

How I Got Here Part Two

So when I left off my last post about my journey I was enjoying my last few American moments in NYC. But all too soon it was time to reboard the plane and enjoy(?) my longest ever flight... the 14 hour jump over to Mumbai (most of you probably still know it is as Bombay).

I was in the same seat I had been in for the trip to New York, but for the international portion they left at each seat a nice pillow, a pretty plaid blanket, and a little leather pouch full of goodies. The leather pouch contained bright red fuzzy socks to wear during the flight, an eye mask, ear plugs, a notepad and pen, a cucumber facial mist, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and a really nice chapstick type thing. Again the travel gods were watching out for me since I had forgotten to buy a travel toothpaste tube in New York to get me through the overnight. I immediately took off my shoes and put on my fuzzy socks and got ready enjoy the flight.

The person sitting next to me was also from Dallas and heading to India for business. He asked where I work and would you believe he actually knew what my company does?? The funny thing is he knew because he works for a competitor! I thought about asking him about a job, but decided that would probably not be smart... He did give me his business card at the end of the trip, so I can at least contact him in the future if I need to ;)

Delta is nice enough to hand out a menu to those of us sitting in "Business Elite" so we can make our meal choices for the next few hours. They do have a time that they serve everyone, but basically we are able to order at whatever time is convenient for us if we want to eat at a different time than anyone else. I saved the menu so I could let everyone know the choices I had... I won't give all the list of salads and wines and champagnes offered, but they were a page unto themselves...

For my main course my choices were:

• Braised Breast of Duck with Thai Coconut-Ginger Sauce, accompanied by Jasmine Rice and stir-fried Bok Choy
• Rosemary Pappardelle Pasta enhanced by Morel Mushroom Sauce, tossed with Tomatoes, Leeks and Shiitake Mushrooms (Sauteed Scallops may be added to this Entree)
• An Indian Vegetarian Selection featuring Aloo Gobi, Rajma, Shahi Paneer and Basmati Rice with Peas
• An Indian Non-Vegetarian Selection featuring Lamb Rogan Josh, Aloo Gobi, Rajma and Basmati Rice with Peas

Those who know me well may be able to guess that I was really wishing for that turkey sandwich that was offered on my flight to New York! I eventually decided on the pasta, mainly because it was the only thing that I actually could recognize most of the ingredients. It turned out to be pretty decent, but still not my thing...

After that I took a sleeping pill and laid back to watch some TV for a little bit. There were lots of choices on my little personal tv screen, and also some games and radio stations, but I ended up mostly staying on the screen that showed the radar of where we were in the world and what cities were below us. I hadn't heard of most of them, but it was interesting all the same. I was laying there thinking that the sleeping pill was not working and worrying about the fact that I would be awake for the entire flight when I suddenly woke up 7 hours later! I love Ambien!

I woke up in time for the Supper portion of the meal service. Here were my choices:

• Shrimp Quesadilla filled with Cheddar Cheese, Cilantro and Red and Green Bell Peppers, offered with Salsa, Sour Cream and a marinated Tomato and Cucumber Salad
• Chicken Cobb Salad with Romaine Lettuce, Tomatoes, Corn and Blue Cheese, accompanied by Breadsticks, Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinaigrette and seasonal fresh fruit
• An Indian Non-Vegetarian Selection including Medhu Vada, Lentil Samosa and Chicken Tandoori accompanied by seasonal fresh fruit
• An Indian Vegetarian Selecion including Medhu Vada, Lentil Samosa and Potato Fritters accompanied by seasonal fresh Fruit.

Of course I went with the salad and scraped off the blue cheese. It was really more a breast of chicken with a couple shreds of lettuce underneath it, but it was ok.

Soon enough it was almost time to land. The flight really did seem to go quickly, I guess sleeping for half of it and eating for the other half is a good way to go! As we got nearer to Mumbai I could begin to actually smell India. Not that it was exactly a bad smell, but it smelled like spices and dirt... kind of like some Indian stores I've gone into in the past. Unfortunately, I learned pretty quickly that I may be allergic to India, my nose started getting stopped up and my eyes were getting dry before we even landed.

I arrived at about 1030pm local time, so I couldn't really see anything of the city as we landed. All cities look about the same at night from the air, so nothing really stood out. What I did notice as I got off the plane was that it was HOT! I was immediately sweating like a pig, while some of the Indians around me were wearing sweaters and they all looked as if they were in a nice air conditioned vault. I don't know what they were thinking, but it wasn't air conditioned to me! Going through customs was pretty uneventful-they basically look at your passport, look at you, stamp your passport and gripe at you if you don't walk away fast enough.

From there I went to baggage claim to get all my bags before I could recheck them for my next flight. As I was waiting for my bags to come along the baggage carousel, the nice old Indian lady next to me told me not to worry about picking up my bag, her man would do it for me. Unfortunately she didn't inform "her man" of this plan, so I still had to lug my 70 pound bag off the baggage claim myself. I guess it is the thought that counts.

I took my bags through the rest of the customs process, they basically just x-rayed them and sent me on my way. I converted my $100 to 4300 rupees and moved along. My layover in Mumbai was 11 hours, so I had a hotel reservation. I had thought I was going to have to take all my bags with me and bring them back to the airport in the morning, but I found where I could go ahead and check in my bags for my morning flight right away, so I gladly did that. I had packed enough in my carryons to last me through the night. When I was checking in with my airline for the domestic India flight to Bangalore I learned that India is much more strict than the US on carryon bags so I would not be able to carry the 2 good size bags I had been carrying. I could only do 1 bag, and it could have NO liquids in it at all. I agreed that I would come back and check one of my other bags in the morning so I could still keep it overnight.

When I then walked out the door to find the driver for the airport I was greeted with the biggest, smelliest mass of humanity I have ever seen! There were people all jammed together along the railing keeping them from the airport terminal holding signs with travelers names. I didn't see anyone with my name, but luckily when a guard asked what hotel I was going to he was able to point me to the manager of the Intercontinental Grand Mumbai who was waiting nearby. There were 2 of us in the shuttle to the hotel, the other guy was from Atlanta and works on offshore oil rigs. He was really nice, and I was already grateful to be able to speak to an American! He had spent the last year in Dubai, and was on his way to spend 4 weeks at another oil rig somewhere off the coast of India. When we got to the car to leave for the hotel we were greeted by a beggar who was obviously malnourished and lame. The guy I was traveling with (I never did find out his name) gave him a coin and the guy then demanded a Euro or a dollar. Obviously not shy about demanding what he wants!

The hotel was GORGEOUS! It should be, my rate for the night was 12000 rupees... which equals about $279. Pretty sad that I would only get to spend about 6 hours in the room! The room was beautiful. The porter claimed I had a view of the garden, but since it was dark I had to take his word for it. I immediately took a long hot shower in the all marble bathroom, it felt better than any shower I can ever remember! I also brushed my teeth with the toothpaste in the travel kit in the room... it fights cavities with the healing power of cloves, so I ended up feeling like I was brushing my teeth with one of those holiday crafts that involves sticking cloves in an orange. It was an interesting experience.

This post has been longer than I thought it would be, and my driver should be here momentarily to take me to the office so I'll have to end this for now. I'll post the final portion of my travels as soon as I can...

Quick Note

My previous post was written last night, but due to internet problems I didn't get to post until this morning. I'll write part two tonight, but I wanted to just point out that due to my body's confusion about day and night I'm still waking up way too early for my liking... Thus it is that I am wide awake eating potato chips and drinking Coke at 7am. The cool thing is, I am eating and drinking as I watch the Oscars live from LA. Honestly, how cool is that? Its pretty great to think that I am sitting here watching the same thing as so many of you are back at home.

I'd also like to make one point about the potato chips I am eating. They are a flavor I haven't ever seen back home, but they are about the best tasting things in the world! They are made by Lays and the flavor is a hint of fresh butter with toasted garlic. (That is the official name, I'm not just identifying the taste on my own here...) I would strongly suggest that we start a letter writing campaign to Lays in the US to have these sold there, they are amazing! The other available flavor was a hint of roasted red chili with coriander, that doesn't sound so great to me, but some of you may like it.

I also just noticed that the nutritional information doesn't show calories like it does back home, instead it shows "energy". It seems much better to think I am ingesting a bunch of energy, that can't be fattening, right?

How I Got Here Part One

I've been having internet issues in the apartment all weekend, so hopefully I can get this all in before I lose my connection again.

My flights started at about noon on Tuesday, Dallas time. I was able to pack everything into only one huge duffel bag (the one Deb took to Europe), a small suitcase, and a cheap duffel bag from Walmart. Not too bad considering it contained everything I would need for 2 months in a developing country (I hope)! When I went through security in Dallas I didn't have my liquids properly contained in a small liter sized bag and got caught. They searched my bag and confiscated my toothpaste, facial wash and moisturizer for being too big. Luckily my parents were still watching me go through security so my contraband wasn't just thrown away. More importantly, it wasn't the only toothpaste I brought along... it was just what I planned on using during my overnight in Mumbai.

As I started my adventure I was carrying a medium size duffel bag and a very overstuffed backpack. As I walked around the stores enjoying my last few moments of home I realized I REALLY hated the duffel bag and was desperate for something with wheels. I've found in the past that I have some sort of problem with my shoulders... they slope to an alarming degree making carrying bags almost impossible. I sat and thought about all the bags I could have brought instead and was feeling pretty stupid for my choice when I turned and saw a group of bags on sale for 50% off! Now, I am never one to pass up a sale, and when I went to investigate I found the perfect rolling duffel bag for only $15. If that is not fate, I don't know what is. So I quickly bought my new black bag with white polka dots and hurried to my gate to transfer my stuff. My cheap Walmart bag was one that can be zipped into a small rectangle, so I was able to pack it away into my backpack so that I will still have an extra bag to bring stuff back at the end of the trip. I can't tell you how much it helped to be dragging a rolling bag instead of trying to carry 2 bags on my shoulders. The luggage gods were totally watching out for me!

Before departure I ate 2 pretzels for lunch, I know it isn't the healthiest lunch in the world but I really love soft pretzels and I knew I wouldn't be having any for a long time. They were really good pretzels, so I don't feel bad about my choice at all!

I was able to board first since I was flying first class (because I was connecting to business class for the international flight). My first flight was 2 hours to Atlanta, nothing really interesting to report on that one, but I will say that I vastly prefer first class to coach. The basket of snacks came back again and again....

I had about an hour and a half layover in Atlanta, and I had to get myself from the B terminal to the E terminal. Luckily there is a train so it was relatively painless. I decided since it was the international terminal I would see if I could go ahead and get some money exchanged so that I wouldn't have to worry about it when I got to Mumbai and was totally exhausted. I went to the first currency exchange place and was told they were out of Indian rupees, but that either of the other 2 exchange windows would have them. One of the exchange places was right next to my departure gate so I stood in line there only to yet again be told that they had no rupees but either of the other 2 windows would have them. I decided I would not traipse to the other window and resigned myself to the fact that I was not meant to get rupees in Atlanta.

It was right about this time that it occurred to me that when I kept looking through my purse I was finding things really easily considering I had stuck my camera case in there... Suddenly it hit me that my camera case was no longer in my purse. I frantically looked in my backpack and my new cute rolling bag before I was convinced that somehow my camera had not made the trip with me. I called home and Mom told me that my camera is sitting on the chair back in Dallas. Really? How nice. While I was glad that my camera was not lost in a black hole somewhere, it doesn't help me take pictures when I get to India!

I consoled myself that I can have the camera shipped to me, and went to get on my next flight. This plane is the same plane I would be taking all the way to India, but it stopped at JFK on the way. Delta no longer has first and business class on their international flights, there is just Business Elite. I have to say, I'm a fan! The plane was a 777, and the seats were huge! They have foot rests that come out and recline to the point where you are almost laying down. This flight included a "snack" which turned out to be a turkey sandwich and pasta salad. It was way yummy. This flight was only an hour and a half, shorter than the layover I would have in JFK.

The woman sitting next to me was from India but has lived in Atlanta for the last 30 years. She was on her way to India to get her mother and bring her to the States for the first time. She was great to talk to, and gave me all sorts of information about what I can buy for cheap in Bangalore. I'm a sucker for bargain shopping. She also told me that last year she went to the Taj Mahal for the first time and it was amazing. I told her I was thinking about going on this trip, but I wasn't sure how safe it would be for a female traveling alone. She just kept repeating that it would be really good for me to go there when I am married. I think that means she doesn't think it is a good idea for me to go alone this trip! I was disappointed to find that she would not be taking this flight all the way to India with me, she was changing to an Emirates flight connecting through Dubai.

Before getting off the plane at JFK I noticed another first class passenger take her small black dog out of her Gucci dog carrier and put a sweater on him. Because of course she couldn't take a chance on him catching a chill. It seemed like something Paris Hilton would do, and I knew I was really in New York. Unfortunately, it kind of sucks to be in New York when I know I can't go to a Broadway show or eat at the Sbarro in Times Square. Don't make fun, that and shopping for purses in Chinatown are what New York is all about!

When I got off the plane at JFK, they made all of us who were continuing on to Mumbai stand off to the side so we could get our visas and passports checked. After that was finished I was able to go hang out in the Business Elite lounge. While I was not able to get online, I was able to charge my cell phone and make a couple of calls home. After talking to Debra about my lack of face wash (after security at DFW) I ventured over to the duty free store to see if I could find anything that wasn't too outrageous. I ended up spending $16 on some Clinique face wash, it was the cheapest thing I could find and I decided with the heat and humidity I would be encountering it was important to pamper my face a bit.

I'm going to finish the story of my big adventure tomorrow, it is now 10pm here in India and I am really tired. I keep thinking I am close to being used to the time change, but it is harder than I thought it would be to train my body to get used to a 12 hour time change... but more about that later...

Also, as another quick teaser... I found out Friday night that there is a chance I may be taking a week away from India to go to Australia! I've always dreamed of going to Australia, but right now my excitement is more about the fact that it would mean a REAL shower, with water pressure and everything! If I'm really, really lucky the hot water will last more than 2 minutes there.... I'll find out more on Tuesday morning my time, Monday evening in the States.

I'm here!

Well, after a long, long, long few flights and more stress than I care to think about, I am actually in India at my office. I have a ton of notes I will type up this weekend to share all my experiences on the way, but for now I just wanted to post that I've made it! Its been overwhelming at times, and I spent some time yesterday convinced that I would gladly give up my left kidney for an immediate plane ticket home, but after a lot of sleep and figuring out that there is a TV station here that shows American Idol I'm feeling much better.

I'm glad to have a weekend to decompress and try to get my body to change time zones, I've been having a lot of trouble figuring out how to deal with the fact that my body is still about 11 hours behind the world around me. I'm getting a little more caught up, but the weekend will be very helpful. I can't wait to share all my observations, but sadly due to a small mixup before leaving home I am here without my camera. Mom and Dad will be shipping it will be shipping it to me, so the pictures should start sometime next week. I should have no shortage of interesting things to show everyone!

Leaving Tomorrow!

The big day is almost here! I leave tomorrow at 1220pm for my short little trip across the globe. Debra made me start this blog, it should help me keep everyone up to date on my adventures!