We have arrived!!

Well, I have been in India now for about 24 hours.  We arrived at 1:30am earlier today and it's now almost 12am as I sit in a quaint bamboo infused internet cafe in the heart of Paharganj Market to catch up on emails and grab an evening meal.    I have to say it is official, I am in love!  From the minute I stepped out of the airport quite frankly- something in the atmosphere and then waking up and walking out onto the balcony of the hotel overlooking the street- the sights, sounds, smells. . .all intoxicating to me.

Anahata enjoying a cup of tea on our hotel balcony

This is the view from our hotel

Later, walking through the market, mesmorized by all the beautiful Indian crafts- the colors, the artistry as incense burned in the air mixing with the smells of exotic, ancient perfumes and then of course, there are the cows wandering about freely, the rickshaws, bicycles, motorbikes all whizzing by.  It was hard not to go crazy spending money on scarves, embroidered tapestries, clothes etc.  For now I've only purchased 5 beautifully decorated/embroidered pillow covers for about $2 a piece!  But I'm sure I that's not the end of my shopping especially at these prices!!!

To close, for  now, I just need to write how grateful I am.  The trip over was so smooth!  Great timing, seats and company!  We were met at the airport and whisked away to a quaint, older, very Indian hotel right in the market area and ended our night with a hot shower and a cup of chai tea.  I'm so grateful for this experience of being in such an exotic culture with so many beautiful people and I look forward to the myriad of adventures that await us and that will transform us!