Sunrise at Charles De Gaulle Airport
The journey back to New Delhi was actually surprisingly smooth with a few minor exceptions. I had forgotten how much I hated the Toronto airport. The reason being that if you ask a person for help, the send you in the wrong direction and then you have to re- trace your footsteps back to where you first began. I think I am still hurting from having to give away an amazing bottle of syrah from Argentina upon arrival in Toronto a couple months ago.
Basically I had no idea where to grab my connection to Paris from. The lovely folks at the airport sent me to the Air Canada international departures area even though I clearly told them I was flying with Air France...sheesh! It meant that I had to run across buildings to catch my connection and barely made it with 10 minutes to spare! But, I am not complaining...just stating some plain facts. I.e. (sorry my Torontonian friends- your airport sucks!)
If you guys decide to travel abroad, try Air France. They are almost similar in their service to Cathay and they basically liquor you up so much that you can pass out and avoid get lag completely! Did I mention the cute stewards....oui! I am going to Paris...oui! I will meet you anywhere! (Just Kidding- sorry raj!) There really isn’t anything memorable that I can say about Charles De Gaulle airport- except for the fact that the sunrises are spectacular and seriously, Europe is overpriced. I can feel it from the airport. Holy smokes! 8 Euros for a cup of coffee and a croissant! Well I am just glad to say that I only spent 2 hours there and managed to spend 30 Euros in that time (lure of chocolate really)
I think I started to feel a bit nervous as we entered afghan airspace (I hope the no fly zone area). I was in shock that I actually decided to leave everything behind and jump on a plane and head to India of all places. Okay I know my ethnic background is Indian but I guess I just couldn’t picture myself heading to India and living there by myself. It’s something that I would do in Cambodia or Africa...but India scares me. Actually, I think it is the fear of how I will be treated or what kind of cultural shock I will experience that scares me. I know this sounds strange but I am out of my comfort zone completely. Yes, I have issues but so do you: P
Funnily enough, all my trepidations (thanks to Rahul- no burka needed) about going through customs didn’t actually pan out. I didn’t have to slip any money under the table and I wasn’t even asked why I was visiting. It was awesome! The not so awesome part- finding out that one of my bags (my back pack with basically all my medication, sports shoes, dance shoes and Indian clothes) was somehow delayed in Paris. Normally, I wouldn’t have any issues in having my bags delivered late. The real issue is that I don’t know if I will ever see my bag again. It has sentimental value and don’t want to have to rest in peace. Sigh! Another random side note: wearing a gold wedding band does work! I wasn’t bothered by anyone at all ...small victory...thanks mom!
More confusion. I was supposed to be received by SARD on my arrival...who knew Delhi had two arrival areas! Anyways after an hour it sorted itself out thanks to some quick texting to Ottawa and calling the right people. I just felt bad that the person meeting me (a really nice guy by the name of chandrapal) ended up waiting for a little over an hour and a half because of the luggage delay claims and the confusion. Oh well, so is life. I think he was in more shock when I started speaking to him in Hindi. He has a very limited knowledge of English and from what I had been told was very nervous to use English with me and have to pick me up. He is really a sweet man.
The locality in which I am staying is actually quite safe: Janakpuri and the distance between my work and home is a matter of 5 minutes walking. Great stuff! Not so great is the shock I received regarding my furnished accommodation status. Well, apparently “fully furnished” in India actually means having a bed with a blanket and running water with electricity. That’s it. I don’t mean to come off as a princess but I guess this is part of the shock value as well. I kind of figured that I might have a kitchen or even a western styled washroom (soon to be replaced to one yay). But, I guess it is human nature to just feel afraid when we are put outside our comfort zones.
My new room
No comments:
Post a Comment