India Day 1
Now I know what a 15 hour plane ride is like. It’s easy to describe: Extremely long! Luckily, I made a conscious decision before I left to be as non-productive as humanly possible on my trip over.
Screen shot of the in flight real time map
Usually when I travel, I have my laptop, some books, and other miscellaneous work stuff ready for me to tackle on the plane. Then I arrive at my destination disappointed in myself because I usually don’t get much done. So this time I approached things very differently. I chose to be absolutely worthless for 24 hours, but brought along some good stuff “just in case.”
My plan worked beautifully. Other than a handful of brief productive lapses I was able to, for the most part, be highly ineffective, doing little more than sleeping and watching movies.
In the interest of full disclosure I am ashamed to admit that I did break down for a few hours and read about half of “Leadership And Self Deception,” although I was able to snatch myself back into non-productivity with one of my favorite movies of all time, The Shawshank Redemption.
I had a fascinating first impression as I exited customs and turned a corner where the very first shop greeted me. I don’t know what I was expecting, but rather than any exotic Indian wares, the first thing I saw was a wall full of English style candy like I would expect to see in England. Flakes, Galaxy’s, Toblerone’s, and Licorice All-sorts were piled high and deep, with US dollar prices, not rupees. Made me feel like I was back in England.
My first "Indian" wares: English chocolate and treats!
Two people greeted me outside of baggage claims, a manager from the hotel and a driver. It took about 30 minutes to get to the hotel, during which time I learned about the fabled driving conditions in India. I’m not sure why they paint lines in the road, they seem to be completely irrelevant. As the manager explained to me, the lines aren’t the real “rule of the road,” rather, it’s more based on “if there’s space.” In other words, if you can fit, go for it! Our driver seemed to enjoy his job a little too much, and drove like he was playing a video game. He had a foot on the gas, his hand on the horn, and I’m sure there are still scooter drivers pulling themselves out of the jungle this morning as I write this, that he drove off the road without even noticing.
But we arrived at the Claridges Hotel safely, and I was greeted as if I was nobility. Wow. Between the car and the check in I must of been bowed to and smiled at by a dozen people, all extremely friendly.
And now, after a good night’s sleep, I’m waiting for Sanjay to pick me up and show me the sights of Delhi!
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