Hello From New Delhi

Hi all,
I made it to New Delhi without incident. My flight was on SpiceJe, one of the low cost carriers here in India. It was actually a rather pleasant experience. Non-stop from Chennai to Delihi, on-time, my bags made it. Not too bad. Felica was there to meet me at the airport. There was a bit of a mess when she got in in the AM, but she got us into another fine hotel and they were there to meet me. We're staying at the Karat 87 Hotel, in Karol Bagh ( a part of New Delhi). Its actually not too bad. The place has friendly staff, great lighting, 24-hr room service, hot water, tv, and free breakfast every day.
This morning we arranged a trip with a travel agency to take us to Agra tomorrow. We had the use of a car and driver all day today, and then he'll pick us up tomorrow, take us to our hotel in Agra with some sights along the way, then to the Taj Majal and Agra Fort. Monday AM he'll take us to the airport for our trip to Cochin. Good deal actually.

Today we say the Gateway of India, a really old mausoleum that the Taj Majal is patterned after, and the giant Bahai temple which is shaped like a lotus flower. Then we had dinner on a rooftop in the chaotic Paharghang district, did some shopping, and came home. A full day already.

I'm impressed with New Delhi. The contrast between this and the dusty, filthy town of Vellore is stark. In New Delhi I see a lot less trash (although Felicia, not having seen Vellore, might differ in opinion), a lot less cows (although they are by no means absent), many more cars than motorcycles and ox-carts. The roads are paved, and I see what appear to be middle-class neighborhoods. Don't get me wrong here, there are still plenty of people living in terrible squalor and poverty. This is still India. I guess that Vellore shows me one side of this nation, how many people live amongst filth and dirt and disease, how people eke out a bare subsistence every day. I come to Delhi and see wide roads, shiny condos, and the economic powerhouse that this nation has become. It is a remarkable dichotomy, best represented by my strolls though the city this evening. Beautiful city and filthy reeking alleys with handicapped beggars wallowing in filth as cattle roam freely. This place never ceases to capture my attention.

I took a bunch of great pics today. This camera I borrowed is really getting a workout. The web -access at this hotel is crummy at best, though, so no pics today. Hopefully tomorrow I'll be able to put up a bunch from our hotel in Agra. I'm having more and more fun every day. Part of it comes from being a lot more nonchalant about stuff, as a "veteran" in comparison to Felicia. Part is also just how happy I am that she is here. Its great to see her. I've really looked forward to seeing and doing new stuff like this with her, so good times all around. Plus, I'll probably make her take the stitches out of my face in a day or two!

Awesome!

OK. Well, sorry about the pics, but like before, hang in there. There will be a deluge once I get the right kind of access.
Wish us well.