Right as I got off the plane, my nose was overpowered by a familiar city-scent. Dusty-diesel air. Similar to the smell of Hong Kong, if you’ve ever been, except a little spicier. Sarah McDonald, author of Holy Cow, describes New Delhi’s air as a “noxious cloud of smog and dirty diesel fumes.” I think it’s rather homey. Reminds me of visiting relatives in China.
After customs, we were automatically greeted by our USEFI hosts and tour guides. They brought each of us a bouquet of flowers that immediately wilted once we exited the air conditioned airport. It was about 90 degrees at 2am. We heard yesterday was also 90, but felt like 120 with the added humidity. Can’t wait to wake up in the morning!
Our hotel (Taj Mahal Hotel) is immaculate. We were welcomed by many people opening doors and taking our bags. Then a woman dressed in a beautiful pink gown dotted our foreheads with pink, powdery bindi for our “health and prosperity”. They gave us a variety of fresh fruit juices and bottle of water for tooth brushing. I think I can get used to this rock-star treatment.
We have a packed schedule for the next 5 days. My biggest worry right now is sleep, so I’m off to bed. Let this adventure begin!
1 comment:
Wow, such a busy schedule! And I thought I was busy. I am trying to read through your blogs chronologically. I've never been to Hong Kong, so I will only have to guess what you mean about the smell!
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