The first thing I noticed was the driving... to this day (2 weeks later), I am still amazed by it. I have learned however to keep my head down, read my news paper, or just shut my eyes while I read. I guess it makes sense to tell you that I am driven to and from work. Other notables... the people are very polite and respectful - especially at the hotel. The currency is 45 rupees to 1 US. One can buy a sandwich and drink for 50 rupees. The electricity keeps cutting out every hour. But as most places have a generator, power is restored momentarily. The temperature is about 33 and no rain in this season and is a lot like Trinidad. In fact, the best way to describe here is that it is like being in Chaguanas but with GREAT food. Words cannot describe how good the food is. No beef though. Cows are sacred here and there is just no eating beef here thus far. In fact on the roads, you will often see cows walking against traffic. Poverty... yes it's here. Once I had a mother tapping the glass with a baby in her arms and it was sad. There are also a few cloth tents/shelters along the road where people live with dirt floors. Heaven help them monsoon time. Paperwork... I have never seen so much paperwork and red tape in my life. There are about a million forms to fill out, some of them in blue, some in black, some you have to fill the same form out five times even though they are duplicate. And everything dealing with the government is stress. They make you register with the police within 14 days of arrival and that by itself is a whole day process. But on a positive note, a country is about its people and the Indians are warm and welcoming. I can't wait to visit an ashram with the family and go to the many sites especially the Taj Mahal.
On a personal note... when I arrived initially, I had a really hard time for the first couple of days. I was jet lagged, had paperwork problems with my pilot license, culture shocked and was home sick. I am in a type of country club that has 24 hotel rooms. The place has billiards, big swimming pool, tennis courts, squash courts, a gym, and a most amazing restaurant that I can order anything I want for free. Oh and all the dry cleaning is free too. I have mostly been playing squash and swimming on my time off. Don't want a Delhi Belly. Tonight's room service... Chicken Biryani.
I miss EVERYONE in my family dearly but this opportunity through FlightSafety is one I cannot pass up one if I am to get current again. FlightSafety hopes I will come back soon and teach having gained valuable experience.
In the meanwhile I am doing courses and writing exams to fulfill the Indian Aviation regulations. And boy do they have many. Soon I will be shipped out to Hyderabad in the south and start flying my astronaut off. Will fill you in then... Namaste
