A day of firsts

Finally the Internet has been fixed! It has proved a lot harder than I anticipated, but here's my first post. I keep forgetting that I've only been here a few days and I already have so much to write!

My trip thus far can be summed up by a series of firsts. What an interesting way to start my journey. First of all this is the longest plane ride I have ever been on. All in all I was travelling for 18 hours, it was the worst 18 hours of my life! I had to turn off my phone so I didn't have any concept of time (which I'm coming to embrace since I've gotten here), during my flight I couldn't fall asleep and when I finally did there was no comfortable position and I was awakened about 2 hours before we landed for breakfast. I'm pretty sure I was awakened out of a sound sleep which usually makes me feel very sick. This happens a lot if I try to nap during the day (and which is why I don't nap). This was the first (and only time I'm sure) that I was forced to refuse breakfast!I was so glad to finally get off the plane.


As we were landing I saw India for the first time. It was dry...dry and brown. I have totally skipped Spring 2010 and will experience 2 summers this year. I was surprised how quickly I was able to get through customs and get my baggage. My driver Kewal was ready to pick me up, the evening was warm and we headed out to Hauz Khas, where CCS rents the flats. As we pulled out of the airport I met India. The best way to meet her is whizzing along around 40mi an hour driving Brit style on the road and weaving in and out of traffic. If you ever want to see what I drive through every morning search for a youtube video of Delhi traffic or feel free to pick up any Hindi movie. Our car shares the road with other cars, motorcycles, bicycles, people, carts and even the occasional elephant (as reported by the other CCS car on their way to their placement site). At first it the traffic is chaotic and random and it is seems like everyone honks their horn but no one listens. I have since then learned that there are rules to the road even if they are more suggestions then they are rules. I will take a picture from the car or taxi soon so you can get a better idea.
At the apt I met M.P Singh akaVicky and he showed me around the flat. As you walk in there is the living room and dining room, off of that is the gated patio where I can hear the call for prayers at the mosque outside our complex, on the other side of the dining room is the kitchen. The kitchen as a 2 plate gas stove, sink, mini fridge, and microwave. We really don't eat here so we just use it for tea and snacks. through a small hallway are the bedrooms. There are 3 rooms with 3 beds a piece each containing its own bathroom plus another bathroom in the hallway.
The bathroom itself is always very interesting, the toilet cannot handle t.p so I have to be very careful not to accidentally flush it, which can be a hassle in the early morning. The sink is nice, but useless since I use bottled water to brush my teeth and wash my face. The shower is the length of the wall. There is no bathtub per say just a divider to keep the water from spilling to the rest of the room. There is also a shower curtain which seems to be put there more as an after thought because it only reaches 1/4 the way across. It really isn't necessary anyways since because its already warm when we wake up. The other apt has a similar set up and that apt plus the main office are a very easy walk.