Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Touch Down!

Arrived in New Delhi at 8:00PM after a 13 hours, 41 minutes, 55 seconds wheels up to wheels down according to our pilot, Steve. Flight was quite uneventful as we slept through most of it and arrived ready to drink Kingfishers. Had to negotiate for a taxi and ended up paying 310 rupees approx. $7.50 for all 4 plus bags and a 40 minute ride to our hotel. Staying at the White House, not George´s, which is spotless and included a wonderful full breakfast of eggs and Bhaji Puri, a spicy sauce with vegetables and fried bread. RA says we´ll probably look like that fat, round bread by the time we leave-if we´re lucky! Jean

The weather is hot, humid, but--so far--not impossible. The drive in from the airport was interesting. We were packed into an Ambassador--a local brand--
sort of like a Hillman--three in the back--Ross in the front--six of our eight bags
in the trunk--windows open and breathing in dust and diesel. But it was good because we were brought directly to the hotel and the reservations we had made Province-side were good. Now Steve and I have to snag some cash and we are going to try to get some cell phones to use here amongst the eight of us. So far, so good. Be good, FP--see you in Dec. ra

9 comments:

Hans Muellers said...

Let the good times start to roll.
Glad to hear you arrived in one piece. Just one day at the time, Jean. I learned not to focus too far ahead when I rode in foreign places. Just take it one day at the time. Enjoy that day. Enjoy the mess, too. Because you will talk about the mess more than the good. Smile, enjoy !
I envy you this trip.

Hans

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you are off to a good start. Keep the blog alive. I am living vicariously through you from the Pacific NorthWet.
jeanne

Anonymous said...

I am so happy to hear that the Butts have landed and had their first Indian food. I truly hope that the live vaccine will continue to work as you wind your way through the countryside. Enjoy the sights and sounds and smells of where you are because as I remember-they are a lot more intense than what we are used to! Mind the cows and their "tailings".

I am excited to "ride" with you on this most amazing trip.
namaste, Nancy and Ed in Burnaby

Wayne said...

sounds like you're off to a good start. keep it up

wayne

Anonymous said...

Hi RA and Steve,

Here's what you are missing. I am safe and snuggled in my house, 55 degrees, some rain and I have diarrhea from an apple pie I made with sour cream (fresh from the store!) Would I be better off in India having taken meds to avoid this? Also, big celebration for Rosh Hashana next door. I had to go over to do something with oven this morning, but she couldn't even speak what she wanted as even speaking it was against the rules. She had to point and talk in riddles. Finally I hit the "oven light on" button and all is well. Now they are playing basketball in the yard - how is that legal but speaking about the oven light isn't? If you find out any of these riddles on this trip, let me know.

Anonymous said...

...glad you arrived safely...you are lucky to be out of the country while everything slides into a black hole here...I do hope you cast your votes for Obama before you all left!

steve p.

Anonymous said...

The pic of the "High tech polester" is gooood ;) Have fun and keep in touch.

Bird Brain
xxx

Anonymous said...

Jean, Ross, et. al.!
What a sense of excitement! Glad your group has decided to blog as the ability to collect text, responses and pictures all in one place makes for a wonderful kind of real-time scrapbook for all concerned. Bon voyage! :-)

Troy Plumer
Indianapolis, IN

Anonymous said...

Hi Ross,Jean,Bill and all But Busters
I read and enjoy your blog and look for it every day.
This whole thing sounds exciting. This adventure will surely openyour eyes to a completely diffrent culture. Do enjoy the chance. Thanks for the blog. Kind of makes us feel like we are there.Continue to ride safe and don't try to go 5 or 6 one one bike

Ron Samson