December 21, 2007   Books , India , Meditation , Seeing Good at Work , Spirituality , Travel

India - "Everything conspires for my good" 2007

Last night's meal on board British Airways was roasted turkey with stuffing, cranberries, and some yam-like pie. So I got to have Than...

Last night's meal on board British Airways was roasted turkey with stuffing, cranberries, and some yam-like pie. So I got to have Thanksgiving dinner after all.

The next day, on the way to Delhi, we had an Indian meal with lime relish, and this morning, we were served a probiotic drink along with breakfast. Interesting.

One hour in Delhi and already four attempts at swindling me. "Your flight is at ten, and there is no bus till ten, you have to catch a taxi.". "It's better for you if you wait here." (So you miss the bus..) "May I have your passport?". (Er......no!) And so on.

Finally, the Delhi domestic terminal bus arrives. Oh, my God. Run-down, noisy, and worn. But smiles all around. Even the man who tried to cheat me with the taxi now sweetly helps me to the correct bus.

Curiously, we outsource computer support here since the whole place is run on handwritten records in ancient, grubby, large ledger books that are carefully studied and checked since they have the power to stop anything or anyone from doing what they need to.

Run down, dirty, and colorful.....and alive. The fast food places look delicious. I can't wait to eat my first power bar wisely taking up space in my checked baggage.

Modern boys in designer jeans among businessmen (and a few businesswomen) in corporate attire, carrying briefcases, and surrounded by color, color, color. Westerners stand out even more when they adopt local clothing, colors, and beads. (I want to be like them.)

There's a commotion here at the airport. Everyone is rushing to a window, leering out, and loud, gabbling voices compete with the seemingly constant delayed flight announcements.

It's getting wilder and louder. Where are all those armed soldiers now? They've vanished. What's going on? Simultaneous yelling and my heart is beating faster, and I can't hear the announcements, and the rest of the folk in the waiting area are strangely untroubled by the aggression in the corner. What is happening? Now the jet noise is added, along with simultaneous announcements from various carriers and the scent of curry. I'm hungry.

A lady is waving a sign. Oh, thank god! It's my flight.

Next: India's southwest airlines, burning bodies, and raw sewage. Oh, and three bomb blasts and mosquitoes. Oh, and Shiva lingams, fire ceremonies, and yoga. And orphans. And chanting. And the holy, blessed Ganges. And aghors. And Prassad.

Later!