Linda: First Moments

First Moments

For nearly two years, we have been researching and planning this trip, a proposal instigating by Eleanor and embraced by our family. It has been an interesting and enlightening process - a journey of research prior to the now present reality.

Our thanks extend to many people whose advice and help have made this excursion possible and prepared us for our first day here. As I edit this, now nearly one week into our journey, I realize how much of what has been easy in our adjustment has been due to the previous experiences and advice of others; contrarily, some of the difficulties we’ve also experienced could have been remedied by a few simple questions! Asking the right person, the right question, at the right time. And then, all is possible on every level. It is a lesson I meet throughout my life. There are those whom I love who are shining examples of knowing the questions to ask and having the capacity to ask them. India will afford ample opportunities to practice this, I am sure, as well as to learn, once again, to live fully in the moment.

On board the plane, one has ample opportunity to reflect. This journey has been discussed for so long that it did not seem very real – an abstract possibility that was interesting to plan, discuss, and research. And as the plane was flying away from home, I wondered, not for the first time, what possessed me to come so far for so long. From all accounts, this journey would be one that would have its immense beauty and also its trials. What will we face? Though I had many impressions and information, when I tried to project these expectations forward all I saw was a blank page, waiting for the pen to write. The joke of our travels was to not end up like a person we’d heard about, who left India in 24 hours – never to return. Though it was so unlikely that this would occur, there was that nagging doubt that we may do just that.

There was an excitement in flying over the Atlantic, leaving snowy Chicago for Brussels and, some may be surprised, my first step in Continental Europe. Every step of our way was surrounded by kind, helpful people – and we are especially grateful to the Belgian air personnel who returned Eleanor’s wallet. Thanks to a kind friend, Eleanor had some Indian rupees – which we ended up needing immediately! It was cloudy as we flew over Europe. I was hoping to see the Alps from the plane – perhaps on our return. The next time I looked down, lights were twinkly over Isfahan, and I thought of some dear friends who were quietly sleeping far below, sprinkling our prayers and good wishes from high (very high) above.

This was one of the few times in my life that the flights I booked actually ran on time, though there was the last minute scramble in Bloomington to catch the first flight. As Eleanor probably stated, our flight was cancelled and we received a phone call that the only other flight was leaving in 3 hours! Thankfully, Patrick answered his phone, my father dashed out of bed, we piled the last minute things in our bags and left some things undone – including the opening of Christmas presents which we were hoping to do that morning!! As a side note, American Airlines has a long ways to go to compete with the service and comfort of Indian run Jet Air. As with the auto industry, much can be learned from others who have had to learn to compete against the odds. The seat bottoms slid forward as well as the backs tilting, we received scented warm washcloths to refresh our selves upon arrival and just before touching down, the coffee and tea was endless, the meal choices served in beautiful containers (all delicious), an endless array of entertainment, and a general calm and relaxed atmosphere. Simple things that make such a difference! It is the details which make a difference, a precept which I must carry back with me. How often we choose to buy something because of that little extraneous detail of comfort and beauty that has nothing to do with function. How important it is to take a few moments and think of the little things one can do to make an activity more appealing and enjoyable. I’m convinced that it really does not take much effort, just more thoughtfulness.

We arrived at midnight to a balmy Indian night. We’d expected to go through the usual conglomeration of pay phones, ATM’s, and little offices where one can book hotels, etc. We quickly went through customs and all of a sudden, we were outside. There we were, amongst a sea of smiling Indian faces, some holding signs, some waiting quietly and expectantly for their loved ones. It was a blessing to come at night, as the swell of horns beeping and people milling were diminished and we could calmly ride out to a taxi and to our hotel where, despite reservations confirmed by email and a deposit, there was no room! Again, our good advice upheld us, as we half expected this. There is a very large musical festival in Chennai going on and rooms are at a premium. A single room was found in an hour and we all squeezed into it with a second room coming available at noon the next day. We had arrived!

Our first day was spent trying to get Patrick set up with an internet account and getting a cell phone. Even getting a cell phone took two days, and getting an internet account was impossible. People from India were surprised that his was impossible, and suspect that security on internet access is extremely high due to the recent events in Mumbai. One has to have a local address, verified by photo ID to have internet access in India. So … internet cafes and buying service at hotels will be our way back home. Our hotel is inside a walled compound with many trees and security personnel at the gates. The security was less for safety than to keep the streets of Chennai from spilling into the compound, providing an oasis of quiet for which we were grateful. There are remarkably few Westerners with us due to the musical festival. In fact, many of the musicians were staying with us. If we had only known earlier!! Or stayed longer!! And so, we are thrust into Indian culture in a very hospitable mode. Everyone greets us with warmth and interest, especially when Eleanor and I dress in saris. It was later when we found out how much this was noticed … and appreciated.

लिंडा/Linda