India Day 1 - Canada to New Delhi

I know ‘Day 1’ isn’t two days but there is a 12 ½ hour time difference between home and India, and it’s been a whirlwind. The trip started out on Friday with a ride to the local airport from a friend. It was lovely to have a sendoff and someone to share my excitement with.

I was quite worried about catching my second flight in Calgary as there was only 41 minutes between my first plane landing and my second one, the important overseas one, taking off. But much to my own amazement, I made it, and miraculously so did my luggage! Despite the fact that I hustled to the wrong gate (59 instead of 39) I got boarded in time. The nine hour flight headed to Frankfurt left at 5:25 pm. I enjoyed "Far from the Maddening Crowd", a movie I had wanted to see. Catching a nap was difficult as my seat position just wouldn't let me sit still.

Landing in Frankfurt was confusing as the gate for my next flight wasn't listed. But a hospitality greeter got on his cell phone and told me where to go and how to get there - most helpful in a foreign country. I had a comfortable 2-3 hours to pass, much more relaxing than 41 minutes of panic and worry.

The last leg of my journey was operated by Lufthansa, and they are a real class act. I had been able to get aisle seats for both long flights and there was an empty middle seat - bonus.  I watched most of "Queen of the Dessert", and I slept on this flight!! 

The plane arrived on time at 1:30 AM and I foolishly thought I could be at my hotel within the hour. However the eVisa check-in process took well over 2 hours! My heart sank when I saw the line-ups and the number of clerks available to process everyone. Each one of us had to be electronically fingerprinted and photographed seemingly by grumpy clerks who didn't really want to be there. I was so thankful when a text message came through from my friend in Canada. It was surreal to communicate back and forth from India. The luggage from the flight had been pulled off the carousel and stored beside it instead but eventually I was on my way. 

The female G Adventure driver I was supposed to have didn't greet me. However, a male with the G Adventures sign was there waiting in the throng. He sat me down in a restaurant area then finally the female driver, from Women on Wheels, came.
The hotel was further than I thought it would be and I was surprised by the roads. They were freeway-like and the ride was quite an experience. Next time I won't sit in the front seat though! By the time I arrived at the hotel it was after 4 am and I got to bed about 4:45 am.