The first thing I noticed when we got off the plane in Bangalore was spices, I smelled spices. In the air, from the people, I have no idea what the source but it was such a welcome smell after 24 hours of airports and airplanes.
After 20 hours of flying, a chaotic trip through the airport - immigration line, security line (where our whole flight's carry-on bags were scanned by one guy who never looked at the monitor and the metal detector went off for every person that went through but no one checked the reason why), baggage claim, customs and then the mad rush of "trolley retrievers" (basically baggage handlers looking for a tip) to help us with our bags. Actually, to help Chris with his bags, I was completely ignored, despite being American and pregnant, I guess a woman struggling with a 50 pound bag and a 20 pound backpack doesn't tip well enough. Well, as it turns out, neither does Chris, because as soon as the trolley retriever asked for a tip, Chris said no. Maybe next time he'll help the pregnant wife.
My first sight upon walking out of the airport doors - a stray dog missing a foot running around the crowd gathered waiting for passengers. Welcome to India. We quickly found the driver sent from the hotel, and, with a much appreciated offer of bottled water, got whisked away in the car.
The drive from the airport to the hotel was amazing - I wished I had more sets of eyes just so that I could take it all in. Nothing was familiar, everything was new, and I wanted to take much more time to really see it all. Gated and walled buildings lined the streets, inside of which I caught a glimpse of rambling structures and green gardens. Men of all ages were out sitting on low walls, curbs and standing around street corners, for no apparent reason, since I saw no open bars of restaurants. It was late, 1:00 a.m., so the traffic was light, but still there was the ever-present honk and beep of cars, auto-rickshaws and motor-scooters. Take driving on the wrong side of the road, add a complete disregard for traffic laws and signs, and you have a driving experience that I will not soon take part in. I now see why I will be so glad to have a driver. By 8:00 a.m., the honking and beeping in the distance is almost non-stop and continues pretty much through the day and night.
We are exhausted but were barely able to sleep, even after a shower and despite a comfortable bed. Hopefully the jet lag doesn't last the whole trip. I was up at 6:00 starving and excited to look outside our shuttered patio doors. Who could sleep when a whole new world waits outside?! After a delicious breakfast of papaya, pineapple, fresh mango and watermelon juice, Idli and Sambhar, and Bhatura Cholle (one of my favorite dishes at Viks in Berkeley), we toured the hotel gardens, which are beautifully maintained tropical grass, trees and plants, and visited the pool and spa, and we are back in the room waiting for the day to start. We just realized that it's Wednesday and that we completely lost Tuesday so we better get on the ball and start touring hospitals and potential homes. Unfortunately we can't get started right away but have to wait for the city to wake up. Apparently, shops, banks and businesses don't open until after 10:00, so we just wait and rest.
More later and hopefully pictures...
Hi Mol,
Thanks for letting us know how things are going. Sounds so exciting! Things here are...vigorous, if you know what I mean. S is doing really well. The two littles are playing together quite nicely & we're keeping busy. Only 11 more days...I'll be checking your blog to keep up with you...Have fun!
Love, Katie
Posted by: Katie | July 18, 2007 at 08:31 AM