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Despite illness, airport delays, and screaming babies, I made it to Delhi, India without much trouble. About 3 hours into the flight to Delhi, my ear finally got used to the air pressure. I slept about 9 hours on the plane which helped, but I still feel bad. I think all the fun in Dubai is catching up with me. I also wish the picture on this blog was mine, but I am sure I will come up with some good ones soon.
The flight from Newark was long, but at least it was direct. Economy class is not my favorite. Neither are kids screaming at the top of their lungs for 7 hours straight (how do they do it???) Arrival at the airport was interesting - I find myself easily annoyed at novice travelers - like the ones that stop directly at the bottom of an escalator to look for their passport... while people with luggage (me and Danielle) are trying to get off the escalator. Anyway, customs, etc was a breeze. For the first time ever (ok, maybe 2nd or 3rd) I came from customs and my bag was already on the belt!! AMAZING. Of course, poor Danielle's didn't come out for another 25 minutes. I went to look at duty free, I always tend to judge the price of cigarettes as to whether the duty free shops are cheaper than the US because I don't buy that much liquor in the US and gas stations are always advertising their carton price. In Dubai, cigarette cartons were $13 USD. In India, they are $16 USD. In the US, they are $28 USD (Per the billboard at the gas station by my house... which notably still did not have gasoline when I left). CP/TP and SJ, place your brand orders - think of me as your $12 off coupon.
The airport was packed - many people with huge suitcases (bigger than my 3 week suitcase!). We met a lady from IR at the airport where her and the driver picked us up. Their were 4 men that were helping the driver with the leggage... I thought they were just being helpful because they knew the driver (I have traveled so much but yet I can still be naive). They, of course, wanted money. The exchange rate is about 45 rupees to 1 USD. I only had money from the UAE that I needed to exchange, so I didn't give them anything. They seriously tried to hassle Danielle. I think that is because she is so small and cute... and I appear to be large and intimidating to these men that were half my size (but could still lift my 57 pound luggage like it was a toy). She finally pushed them out of her way to get into the car...she may be small and cute, but she is fiesty!
The drive to the hotel was uneventful - it was dark at 9pm, so we didn't see much. The lady from IR was very helpful though, talking about things we could & should do.... and what we need to tell people regarding food. Danielle & I both cannot handle spicy food (neither can Sherry who arrives on Friday). We are staying in New Delhi. (I have no idea what the difference is between "regular Delhi and "New Delhi". I am sure I will find out.
Our hotel is the Intercontinental Eros Nehru Place. As we pull up, they check our car for bombs (reminded me of the Marriott in Istanbul). They had a putting green right where the taxis pull up - not something I have seen at a hotel before. The hotel's common areas are VERY nice. When we checked in, we both received vouchers for massages... not too bad! The rooms however... well..I have definitely stayed in worse. The bathtub is not something I want to get in - the paint is chipping and the floor is cracked. Danielle called to warn me that the water would first come out brown and I asked if her tub was in the same condition as mine. It was. After getting settled, I went to check out the health club, which was really nice for a hotel... Dubai's gym was not as nice, therefore, it was not as motivating to go. This gym & pool were very nice...maybe a good workout will make me feel a little better... along with the pharmacy I brought with me.
Not sure what I am up to tomorrow. The location has arranged for us to go sightseeing on Thursday (they have a holiday, so we won't be working), so I don't feel like I "must" go see everything tomorrow. It will be nice to relax and catch up on work. Hope all is well. I promise to blog more this time... unlike in Dubai!
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