We arrived in Delhi yesterday. We spent the plane ride here hearing Doug's horror stories about the "Heritage Inn" (our humble abode for our two nights here in the city), but after 26 hours on a plane and in airports we were all thrilled to arrive anywhere with a bed.
This morning the jet lag caught up with us and by 6:30 we were ready for the day. We passed the extra time in the morning on a leisurely breakfast and several cups of Chai Tea. Though not typically a chai enthusiast I am obsessed, "when in India..."
This afternoon we took the metro to Delhi University and observed a Moot Trial event (Indian version of Mock Trial.) We grabbed lunch at a chain-restaurant for our first real Indian food here and even the Indian McDonalds served delicious curry with paneer!
Our one main event for the day was a lecture with Ratan Laal, a professor at the Hindu College in Delhi University. We met Ratan at his beautiful house on campus and spent an hour learning about the history and modern implication of the caste system here in India. Although the caste system is something I think foreigners have a very hard time fully "wrapping our heads around" there were echos of American racism and segregation. Born low in the caste system, Ratan has fought in court for his position at the university and he talked about feeling as though he did not belong among the other professors.
Though today was leisurely, tomorrow is an action packed day. We're checking out the sights in Delhi before we leave on a overnight train to Veranasi tomorrow evening.
Namaste.
Bailey
Enjoy the train ride to Varanasi, Bailey! It's truly e
ReplyDeleteAn experience that you won't forget. When you're at the station, try to imagine that dance scene from Slumdog Millionaire breaking out around you.
All the best,
- Pete
P.S. Did Doug's stories about your accommodations prove to be true?