Thursday, May 31, 2007: Arrival in Delhi

We arrived to Delhi yesterday (Thursday) around 4 pm. Our train from Jaipur to Delhi was cancelled so we flew Jet Airways, another extremely impressive Indian airline. After collecting our baggage and piling into the cab, we directed our driver to 9 Green Ave (the home of my good friend from Penn, Sanam). We pulled up to a large estate - shielded from our view by a massive gate, guard house, and fence. After being escorted inside, we were asked to drop our bags at the front (they would be brought to us shortly) and were led down a 1/2 mile drive winding through beautifully manicured gardens, past a large pool, a prayer room, small gym and several other structures. Finally, we were shown our guest room - awaiting us was a large basket of fruit. Our bags, as well as coffee, tea, biscuits, and snacks were brought shortly thereafter.We spent the afternoon taking a tour of the grounds and visiting with her parents. They are constructing a new house on the estate - here in India - her home is referred to as a Farm House due to its vast amount of land and multiple structures. Her home is amazing - the artwork, architecture, landscaping is outstanding. Not to mention, the amount of hired labor is overwhelming.That evening, Sanam had arranged an incredible traditional Indian dinner for us of Butter Chicken, Palak Paneer, Dal and a variety of other Indian dishes. We dined like kings: there were more servers than diners. Everything was presented on silver platters, wine was served, and the food was unreal. We finished it off with a variety of Indian treats. That night, Sanam and I met some of her friends at a trendy lounge out in the city. Being here just less than 24 hours, I can already see how much more liberal and progressive the culture is here in Delhi. The nightclub felt like back home. There were plenty of white foreigners - people dressed like they would in LA, Dallas, or NYC. However, India is still India. The other end of the wealth spectrum still exists. Driving from Sanam's home to the club, at every stoplight several malnourished children come to the windows begging for money. Despite pockets of extreme afluence, the roads are still lined with poverty - shanties, street vendors, cows, and rubble.This morning (Friday) we are scheduled to attend a private Yoga session with a local Yogi Master here in Delhi. Afterwards, we are taking a tour of Delhi - visiting one of Sanam's father's real estate projects as well as a newly built Hindu temple here in the city. Tonight, the chef is cooking Tandoor chicken and has agreed to give me a cooking lesson.The day sounds fun. More to come.