Yesterday was a long travel day, departing from the west coast to NJ, then 14 hrs. to Delhi. During the Newark layover, I made sure to eat my last American meal - a beef burger, salad, and a root beer float - I split with my fellow NYer, Pearl. No beef, salads, nor ice-cubes for 6 weeks, and hopefully I will avoid Delhi belly during these travels.
The flight to India passed by quickly, and before long the 16 of us were through customs. Once outside were were greeted by the staff with roses and tote bags. I am so happy to be back to India, seeing the familiar sights of rickshaws and cars buzzing though the streets. I knew this experience is going to be vastly different than my volunteering in the Pappankalan slum when we arrived to the Taj Mahal in Delhi. Grandiose is the only word I can use to describe this hotel. The staff is ridiculously accommodating (yes Kevin, there was a man to hand me water and wet rolled towels to cool me down during my run this morning). This afternoon we are meeting for lunch on the rooftop and will be debriefed on our program and the cultural history of India.
Below is a link to the Hotel:
http://www.lhw.com/Hotel/The-Taj-Mahal-Hotel-New-Delhi-New-Delhi-India?ext=Search&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Asia_APMEAO_india_hotels&utm_term=taj_mahal_hotel_delhi%20exact&LID=sg7rQjXvz&pcrid=10557766288
