We've arrived!

Exactly 24 hours after leaving Saskatoon and crossing a few time zones, we've arrived safely in Delhi.  An added bonus is that our luggage arrived as well.

On our way out of Toronto, I thought I'd stop for my last Starbucks.  I bought one, then turned the corner to see that they were already boarding the aircraft!  So, alas, that one didn't get consumed.

Starbucks did get their pound of flesh in Brussels - we stopped there to change planes and I got to buy a grande americano for 3.5 euros, which is about $7 Canadian.  I did get a chance to scope out the chocolate shop and buy some dark chocolate sustenance for the rest of my time here.

Once in Delhi we were met by Dr. Singh and Sanjeev from AIPTF.  The airport is brand new in Delhi and very modern.  Coming out of the terminal you are met with the smell of burning coal, pollution and the other interesting smells of Delhi.  I actually kind of  like it!  There are crowds of people with signs waiting for people and scores of taxis:

All you can hear is honking horns and traffic cops blowing their whistles.  We all got in a cab and Tish made sure the driver tied her suitcase to the top before we left.  She's such a control freak.  (OK - dry humour there, that's your last warning!)  Our drive to the hotel was a much bigger adventure than all three flights!  Lanes seem to be a suggestion here.  They drive between lanes, pass frantically in every direction all while beeping the horn and flashing their lights.  It doesn't matter the size of the other vehicle.  They'll happily swerve right in front of a many ton truck just before a red light.  If you aren't quite sure where you're going, just stop in the middle of the road the turn when the coast is clear!  And we haven't even added auto rickshaws, people and animals yet!

We were welcomed at the Ashok, our hotel my Mr. Kapoor after we passed many levels of security.  The car was searched, our bags were searched and we all had to go through a scanner.

The hotel is very nice.  Hardwood and marble floors in the rooms, lots of closet space, fresh fruit, water, etc.  I'll upload photos tomorrow.

We're off shopping and sightseeing tomorrow.  I'm off to give my teeth a good brushing and ready for bed.

More soon!