My apologies for not posting in such a long time (especially to you dad!). It has been a crazy couple of weeks, and I will try to fill in all the gaps.
I left for Delhi on May 18th, traveling through London. I had expected (and been told) that I could shower at Heathrow but alas, that was not the case. I can’t tell you how disappointed I was…but, life goes on! The trip was uneventful, and I arrived in Delhi at 11pm local time on the 19th. A lovely man named Moses picked me up and drove me to the guesthouse in Defense Colony (for those with maps). We couldn’t get into the neighborhood because all of the gates were closed, so we ended up driving around for an extra 25 minutes trying to find one that way open. Great for security, unless you are the one that wants to get in! So we finally found the place, and I went upstairs and crashed.
The AIIS guesthouse is great. Air conditioning, an amazing cook (Ashok) who can make just about anything in the world, and huge rooms with private baths. Just what I needed for my first few days. I didn’t do much the first day…just met other graduate students staying at the guesthouse. Really great people.
Saturday, another guest and I (a great woman working for a university in Gangtok, Sikkim) decided to go out for a bit of shopping. I’m sure those of you that know me well are not surprised that I am willing to brave temperatures of upwards of 115 to shop. We went to Janpath, and I didn’t buy a thing. I know, I know—you are thinking that I am sick. But it was just good judgment and possibly a sign of maturity? To get out of the heat, my friend and I ducked into a Barista, which is basically Starbucks, only better. Not only are the drinks amazing, but they have WIRELESS INERNET!!!!! I couldn’t believe it. That was nearly enough for me to change my research site to Delhi.
Sunday was the shopping day...so much for maturity! Fab India is my new favorite place in the world (thanks Arpita!) and will be my downfall. I purchased three shirts and a leather bag that is heaven. Really and truly heaven. I can’t even talk about it…I just get too emotional. Next door, two pairs of shoes. Next we had lunch at maybe the nicest restaurant I’ve ever been allowed inside (well, until Tuesday…but that is for a later post). I had a roasted tomato soup with fresh pesto and basil.
Well, I’ll have to give the rest of the details tomorrow. Must actually do some work today. For those that worry, please don’t--I am ok…working toward good even. And there are only fifty-odd days until I return. Wait, that means a great deal of research. Going now!
See you soon.
