India: First Impression

We have arrived! Our flights went really smoothly. The first was 13 hours to Abu Dhabi and we slept (restlessly) for most of it. The airport in Abu Dhabi is beautiful. I am intrigued by the country and want to learn more about it. Lots of women in burkas and men in outfits I don't know the name for; long white gown type things and hats. I did notice the sexism already. When waiting in line, we were next and a man was behind us. As it was our turn we walked up, and he pushed in front of us and decided he was more important and could go next. We were a little surprised and had to discuss it after to see if that actually just happened! We are so not used to that.

Sarah and I got upgraded to business class so we slept like babies for the 2nd flight from Abu Dhabi to Hyderabad. We arrived in Hyderabad and met Chelsea, the other volunteer who will be working with us, as she arrived around the same time we did. Sarah's driver picked us up and drove us to the guest house in Hyd. We are staying here until 9am while he rests, then we will head out on the 6 hour drive to Ongole where we will be staying.

My first thoughts about India... It is beautiful! I love the city. Haven't seen much of it yet. It was maybe a 20-30 min drive from the airport, but I loved looking out the window and seeing how busy it was, even at 5am. Not too many people; some cars on the roads (they drive like Dominicans!!), a few people begging/sleeping on the streets (I am sure I will see lots more of this when we go to Delhi), and lots of stray dogs running around. It smells a LOT like Ethiopia. The airport had only squatting toilets (holes in the floor); I passed! The little girls were giggling at me when I looked in and opted against it! Maybe some other day... The women here are beautiful. I am in love with Indian clothes and can't wait to buy some. The women just have such a natural beauty about them. Sarah and I were talking about some of the things we want to do in India while on the plane ride. Among them, getting a henna hand tattoo and seeing a Bollywood movie! But first, we need to go make the drive to Ongole. Then we will probably wash up, do some shopping, and likely visit the Childrens Home. I'm not too sure of the plan yet, as we won't see Sarah until we get to Ongole, but I am sure whatever we do it will be fun!