India Adventure September 2022

 Surprisingly awake, I connected with one of our photo  group members, Kim. We had lunch in the hotel and set off for Kahn Market.  The sun was baking hot and humidity high. A woman on the plane next to me, from LAX to Qatar said New Delhi has a burning smell to it, mostly from burning leaves and the pollution. That is definitely one of it’s distinctive smells.  We traversed the streets and rotaries (no streetlights in New Delhi), taking care at the crossings, as our trip leader, Nevada warned. No one stops for pedestrians here. It’s all about moving all varieties of vehicles forward, at a fast and frighteningly close clip. I think it was Kim who said he thought the many horns sounding were more connected to emotions, but I think it’s a mix of warnings, hello’s, watch outs, and get moving. Especially the cows, which surprised me because I thought their being sacred would earn them more respect than a car trying to honk them out of their path.  Kahn was an intere...

 I was surprised there were very few foreign nationals in Delhi Airport’s Passport area. That was pleasurably quick, compared to Nairobi.  Ranjan met me after I was cleared and got my bags. Sona was our driver. In Hindu, Ranjan means person who follows an Sona means gold. Every Hindu name means something.  My hotel, the Taj Mahal New Delhi is huge and lovely. It’s going through a renovation so I’ve been warned of 9am hammering, which I won’t be around for tomorrow, with my 7am leave for the fast train to tour THE Taj Mahal.  I was brought a welcome cappuccino and cookies! And have a pretty view from my room. Time to freshen up and take a walk. Delhi Airport welcome Hands of peace and meditation Larger than life Ladies Room sign Men’s Room Part of an art installation on the way to Customs My Welcome drink This water seems too good to drink! View from my room Lobby ceiling

 After a long flight from LAX to Doha, Qatar and then on to Delhi, I’ve arrived in Delhi! A shout out to the Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar.  Such an interesting place. Lots of art, a few lovely cafes (at least in my terminal), and duty free shopping. Love walking around and people watching.  I had a lovely respite at L’Etto Cafe, based in London and owned by a man living in Qatar. There are other locations. Absolutely a dream place to visit. I had a delicious saffron Tres Leches and a latte while finishing up some photo editing for a client and uploading. There were electric outlets below the sofa area and the airport has very good WiFi. A great place to while away my five hour stopover.