Countdown to India

Wow! I can't believe my trip home to Chicago is almost over. It was way, way too short. I feel like I just got here. Christmas with my family was so nice... We don't bother with presents. Just hang around, cook together, play games, sit by the fire, drink beer and wine. It's like thanksgiving but better since we're even more thankful not to have Christmas shopping.

After Christmas, my parents, two brothers and I took off to Akumal, Mexico for a week. We stayed at the Gran Bahia Principe Coba. I've been to Mexico 4 times and I have to say this time around was the best. The resort was pure luxury... an all-inclusive with beautiful grounds, beaches, delicious food and drinks. I told my friends I think the Mexico trip has de-prepared me for India. Going from luxury to poverty like I've never experienced will most certainly be a shock.

Beyond that, even though I've done a ton of reading, I feel ill prepared. My brother Pat, who's going with me, is sick right now with a fever and what seems to be Delhi belly even though we haven't reached India yet. I guess Akumal belly better describes it since my father is sick too. It's a concern to say the least. I hope my brother recovers before the flight. I hope I don't get sick as well.

Our travel plan is to land in Delhi and after exploring the city and going to Agra, travel by train counter-clockwise around India with most of our time spent in Kerala, Ponducherry, Hyderabad, etc. We've done a lot of research but our plans are vague as far as hotel bookings and train/travel logistics. Pat an I differ on a number of things too. He's prepared with all his vaccinations: hepatitis, yellow fever, malaria pills... he's covered it all. I'm careful and have most of my inoculations, but after living in Asia for a year and a half, I don't feel worried and I've opted against taking malaria pills.

I did try to book a hotel in Delhi for our arrival. I've read arriving can be a nightmare for first-timers. All sorts of scams await you at the gate from cab drivers ripping you off, to being dropped off at the wrong locations with aggressive hoteliers overcharging you for seedy rooms. I picked the Hotel Hari Piorko as our destination for the first night. In order to make a reservation, I dialed the hotel's number: 91-11-23587999. Of course I neglected to enter the country code, so a 911 operator promptly answered, "911 what's your emergency!?!" I freaked out and speechlessly hung up. Of course, I received a call back and tried to explain I was trying to dial India, but within seconds the cops were at my house. I have to admit, although annoying, it's nice to know how immediately 911 responds.

After convincing the officer I wasn't in trouble, I re-dialed the hotel, this time the correct number with the country code, and reached Yuvi. He seemed like a great guy but totally blase about my reservation request. I want to have a room with 2 beds since I'm sharing with my brother, and most importantly, airport pickup as I want to avoid the taxi cab nightmare when we arrive thoroughly jet-lagged and scam susceptible. Yuvi just said, "yes yes yes" to everything I requested, but when I asked for a confirmation number he said, "no confirmation number miss." I'm trusting someone will show up at the airport to meet us even though I don't know how to locate that person or how the hell to get to the hotel. I'm choosing to be on Yuvi's wavelength: relax, and go with the flow, not worry... just say, "yes!" If he screws me over, he can read my vicious remarks on every travel forum. On the other hand, if he shows up, I'll do my best to take the time to praise him and the hotel. We'll see... So far I'm 60% optimistic.

So the countdown to India is on! Pat and I leave Wednesday and arrive Delhi Thursday. I'm so excited and even though things are uncertain, it's going to be a blast. I will do my best to post regular updates. Happy New Year!!