Welcome to Blogamsala! (That's Blog + Dharamsala for those scratching their heads.) The first time I heard of blogs a couple of years ago, I thought, "Who would want to read Joe Schmo's thoughts about the world" - but there is me being critical and dismissive again. It is interesting to see what people post, especially the better writers and thinkers out there. They also seem to work well for travelogue sorts of things. So I'll try it out. If I get advanced maybe I'll figure out how to upload photos.
So...here I am in India again! With touchdown today in Delhi, I've now made it here each one of the last four odd-numbered years. The heavy, hot, humid air, the smell of stagnant water and unwashed bodies, the dust and flies, and the sounds of buzzing rickshaws and Tata diesels are all comfortably familiar. They virtually scream out "Welcome to India."
This time I had a little more excitement than usual. I flew lovely Aeroflot from LAX to Moscow to Delhi, and I got here fine (the Russian-built jet for the second leg rattled a lot, but it made it here no questions asked) but my baggage did not. Apparently it is still in Moscow. All four of us who made the LAX-Delhi connection didn't get our bags. This was the third time making this trip for one guy, and his luggage has been late (and pilfered) every time. He took this route again for the same reason I did - it's a cheap last minute fare. Anyway, unflapped, the Aeroflot guy at the airport promised us it would come tomorrow, and he told me they would even send mine in a taxi up to Dharamsala. So I am sticking with my travel plans and going to Dharamsala tonight. It's about a 12 hour overnight bus ride. I'm looking forward to that, actually, mainly because I know the alternative is a super-uncomfortable hard-bunk train ride - the kind of thing that can be fun the first two or three times but gets old.
Well, as it's been 36 hours since leaving the house, it must be time to go buy some fresh underwear and wash up.
Take care all. I'll post again from Dharamsala.
1 comment:
Hi Marcus, Trying to figure out this blog. What a fascinating experience. Not sure about the sleeping or the food, but the bus ride would be interesting. Reminds me of The Iron Rooster.
I went into a new Borders in ABQ after the conference and found more travel books; then went to the religion section; then art;
ended up with about 20 books!
I'll see if this works; my first 2 tries didn't make it. Take care,
love, Mom
Post a Comment