I just spent 30 minutes writing five-six paragraphs about the challenges of life in Delhi and a sudden power cut erased what I wrote! A perfect example of what I was writing about. I am still very happy to be here, and am even considering moving here, but boy oh boy life is challenging here. Intense smog, power cuts, hordes of people everywhere, scary insects, animals and water, beggars -- including tiny children gripping your car door so you can't shut it -- traffic chaos, a huge temperature drop every night (from 28 in the day down to 7 at night, [View Full Entry]

---

---

I am writing this at some ungodly hour of the morning because I can't sleep. So much for getting over jet lag in one day! I had one great day where I felt well, and now I am tired and grumpy. My friend Mychael, who comes here often, says India has a way of causing exhilaration followed by despair. I think I know what he means. He advised not getting affected too much by either, easy to say. My friend Lynne, who has travelled a lot, said basically I will feel like crap for two weeks, so don't worry about it! [View Full Entry]

---

---

It is my second day in Delhi and so far I have not experienced any of the "horrors" people have warned me about. I am having a very soft landing, I guess. I think I am very lucky -- well, that's what Ajay keeps telling me! I have so far stayed close to home, which is an area of South Delhi. It must be one of the nicest areas in Delhi. Ajay and his family live in something they call a "colony" -- dusty streets of four-story apartment blocks, most of them quite gracious. Today we walked in a park thick [View Full Entry]

---

---

I have been in Delhi less than 24 hours and already I feel at home. Arrived very late Monday night after a 21 hour journey. The entire trip went very smoothly, and I even made two friends (see pictures) during the journey. Only problem is the jet lag. I feel a bit weird, almost dizzy, and very tired. I am staying with my friend Ajay and his family in south Delhi. Also in the flat are his parents, his brother Vijay, sister-in-law Meera and their daughter Varada, who is seven. Today we sat on their very large marble terrace under the [View Full Entry]

---

---

One hour until my friend Sanjay picks me up and takes me to the airport. I am ready and packed and ... very excited. No idea what Delhi is like, no idea where the trip will take me. Holy cow is right! For the past two days as I have been saying goodbye to friend and relatives, I have been taking pictures with my new digital camera. Here are some of them. Bye for now. Next entry will be from India! [View Full Entry]

---

---