First Impressions

Step off the plane.Walk through the airport to customs.You already know you aren't in America, there's just a strange feeling, but you're sure why.Then it hits you. Its so quiet, its almost dead silent. 

Inside buildings in India you are expected to be very quiet. You could literally hear a pen drop from 20 feet away. When the airport officials talk to you, its just barely over a whisper. 

When you pick up your baggage you have to keep a good eye and an even better hand on it. Its best to wear you bookbag on your front and never ever let go of your rolling luggage for a second. You realize that 2 weeks is going to be a long time to keep track of all of your things.

You make to the money exchange counter. You aren't sure how much money to change. You try to count your money without it being seen. You don't want to become a walk billboard "Rich American Tourist. Money in front pocket. Steal from me!" You are watching the Indian money count your American dollars, type numbers into his calculator and computer, and count Indian Rupies. THEN you realize that you are India. Women are supposed to look Indian men in the eyes. He hands you your rupies and your receipt. You've practiced Hindi for months so you say, "Dhanyavaad" ("thanks") with a huge grin on your face. As you turn around realize that this was a poor decision. In Indian culture you just flirted up a storm.

You walk towards the airport exit. Through the windows you can see literally thousands of Indians standing outside the airport. Their guards at every door carrying HUGE guns. Your heart starts to beat a little fast.

Someone exits through a door several feet from you, and you hear the roar of the crowd outside. As you get closer you also hear car horns honking constantly. Little do you know that you'll miss these sounds when you are back in America. 

The automatic door slides open. You are immediately hit with the smell of pollution. You fight the strong urge to cough. Later you will blow your nose and discover that your bougers are completely black. It's night time but you can still see the fog of pollution everywhere. 

As you maneuver your way through Indians you suddenly realize how white skin glows in the dark. Everywhere you look people are staring. They've even pulled out their cellphones and you can hear the sounds of cameras taking pictures. You know you'll be all over Indian facebook tonight.

You get on your touring bus and look out the windows as it drives down the busy roads of Delhi. You quickly learn that road laws are not enforced, just politely suggested. Even in pitch black dark there is a variety of transportation methods including: walking, rickshaws, bicycles, automated rickshaws, cars, buses, motorcycles, jeeps, big trucks, etc. 

Animals roam the streets freely. Some people appear to live in the medians and the sides of the roads. 

Very rarely are there sidewalks or even lines on the road. There isn't any grass or plants except for the rice fields. Cow patties line the road. They are being saved to be burned for fuel.

To be continued....