We got to our hotel last night around 3-something A.M. after about 26 hours of being in either planes or airports. Even at that time of night, New Delhi was bustling with tiny little cars beeping and honking and weaving in and out among the trucks and busses. The temperature was in the low 90s last night; I haven't been out yet today. Needless to say, for this group of weary travelers, it was amazing to be greeted at the door of the Taj Mahal Hotel New Delhi by two beautiful Indian women in saris. They put garlands of jasmine blossoms around each of our necks (mine was on my pillow all night to enjoy the wonderful scent), and put a red powder bindi on our foreheads! Another thing about our arrival to the hotel - our bags were all x-rayed before entering. If you remember the terrorist activity in Mumbai back in December...it was at one of these hotels, so security is pretty tight. We have a free day to rest and recover before our welcome meeting late this afternoon at the USIEF (United States India Educational Foundation) offices. Disclaimer on the picture - remember that this was taken in the wee hours and I've been traveling a long time! Some groups have headed out to shop (keep in mind this is a group of 14 ladies 2 men); I think I'll rest for a while and explore the amazing hotel grounds before we hit the ground running tonight.
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