Catching Up

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So, I'm in my single room, listening to Broken Social Scene, and surfing the web...and I'm in India. It's a little surreal, but I can't say I'm not enjoying the accommodations that the SIP Guest House has. Really glad I decided to stay in the guest house.

But that's not the point of this entry, because since everything's been so crazy this past week and I've already been to three major cities, and I haven't really done anything with this online thingy, I figure I should making an attempt at being thorough with this.

Should I start with the beginning? As in, should I start with December 22, when, two days before my flight leaves town, my passport containing my visa has still not arrived in the mail? I'm not sure I really want to revisit that week, but long story short, the visa came...after making a countless number of telephone calls...after changing my flight...after being a basket-case for a week...and after 3 days of orientation had already passed in Delhi. But no worries, I made it onto a plane going in the direction of India at some point, and hey, I even got a day in London out of it. I landed at Heathrow, and after getting through immigration, I made my way to the foreign exchange desk, where I received a decidedly odd look for exchanging $60 for a mere 25 pounds--as if that would really get me anywhere if I actually got in a bind and needed cash. Needless to say, the exchange rate was lousy, but the only thing I ended up buying anyway was a bottle of water the next day (and I'm sure it was worth the $3.75 I paid because it's a cool bottle and I'm still using it here.)

After spending the night at the Novotel hotel, I met up with some family friends whom I had never met, but who knew me quite well solely from the wonderfully elaborate Christmas cards my mom sends everyone every year. Aunty and Uncle's daughter, Kiran, took me on a mini-tour through London, bought me lunch, and I even got some cool pictures out of it. If I can figure out how to work this photo album thing then hopefully I will be able to share them as well. It was a rather gray day, I have to say, but that was balanced out by the cool sights, and, of course, by being able to listen to people talk with British accents all day. Quite nice indeed.

I do have to add a note about the hotel, seeing as it was the first time I'd ever stayed in a hotel alone. I have to say, especially after travelling internationally, I initially felt very isolated, and pretty much just really lonely. But then my mom called within about 15 minutes (I swear she has an antenna that sounds off every time my feet touch the ground again), and I was able to chat with her for a bit. I also discovered that the room had a place where I could plug in my Ipod and listen to my music, and THEN I discovered that the music not only played in the room, but in the bathroom as well. So I took a shower while listening to a mix that's near and dear to my heart, felt much better, and then looked through my guidebook on India before falling asleep. Eventually I appreciated being alone, which was what I was hoping would happen anyway. All of this will hopefully help to explain why I felt the need to take so many pictures inside of the hotel room as well (it was a pretty cool room).

This is already a long entry, and I haven't even reached India yet. Perhaps I shall make this a to be continued...

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Photos

Breakfast at the Novotel
They brought me a croissant and coffee and orange juice! OK, so I was bored and wanted pictures by which I could remember my delightful meal which followed my FIRST EVER night alone in a hotel room. whoa

Novotel Room 16 (I think)
It looked nicer before I messed the bed up.

Face of the Enemy
Apparently he's been there for several months now.

The London Eye
This is the biggest ferris wheel I've ever seen, and it must be at least in the top 3 or something overall.

Water Glass Musician
Kiran, I figured you'd like this

Comments

[Aunt Dana]

WOW
really cool, glad the hotel room worked out - was definately cool, but understand about the lonely...Still buried in snow and ice here in NM but the temp should get above 35 today and melting has started....will refreeze tonight.....but, may see the front yard soon....take care and keep journaling! Much love, Dana