India Day One

   Had my first Indian meal on Turkish air flying here from Istanbul.  Great saffron rice and  lentils!  I was relieved to see a gentleman holding a sign with my name on it after I exited immigration at the Delhi airport!   Thank goodness I've been in some of the back streets of Puerto Vallarta.  Otherwise my 4 am arrival at my B & B hotel would have been extremely terrifying!  The driver took me down 2 narrow dusty roads near the expressway.  We passed numerous 3 or 4 story buildings in various stages of construction - they looked like they had been under construction for months, or some maybe sitting unfinished for months.  Along the side of one street were large tubes for installing sewers.  After turning around and asking directions 2 times we finally arrived at my lodging.  It is called Colonel's Retreat and quite lovely once you are inside.  It has marble floors, 3 stories tall and comfortable.   Each floor is arranged with a family room sitting area and dining table in the center surrounded by groups of about 4 rooms.  Breakfast is included.  Really any meal you wish can be had.  After arriving today I unpacked a little and set my alarm for 9:30 and went to sleep.  I vaguely remember turning off the alarm.  I woke about 1 pm ! !    Just as I was getting dressed after my shower, someone knocked on my door.  It was time to register.  The woman who cares for everyone's needs is Teesta.  She knows everything you would need to know about the city and surrounding country.  She gave me a breakfast of rice, lentil dal, potatoe & pea curry with yogurt and a small plate of sliced tomato, cucumber and onion.    I spent the late afternoon and evening at a state sponsored artisan market.  Too many options and vendors to even begin to select something.  I was overwhelmed.  Plus they are very charming in their bids to offer you the finest quality and best price.   Teesta assured me that walking from Colonel's retreat to the metra & back was safe, which it is.  Coming back after dark was a challenge for my sense of direction but luckily nearly every building in the area has a security guard.  Helps to add to the mood of safety and for asking directions.
   Now, I'm going to look for Teesta to see if they have any ice cream and then go to bed.  Tomorrow I have a tour of the Old City and a cooking class in the afternoon.   After dinner it is packing and getting ready for a morning flight to Veranassi.     I'm hoping it will be easy to find internet there!