I have arrived in Delhi after a few weeks spent moving internationally and then doing some personal travel. It's been a whirlwind few months, and I'm afraid I haven't had the time to dedicate to the pre-trip activities that I was able to document last time. However, now that I'm in India, I will try to update daily (or at least every other day). I hope you'll tag along!
I arrived at around 8:30 pm last night and was met at the airport by an IVHQ driver who had my name on a sign. He was friendly and welcoming as he drove me to an apartment to spend the night. Here I met two other volunteers who had also arrived early. This morning at 7 am we were transported to a house further inside Delhi where we will be spending our orientation week. Today has been quite laid back as it is technically an arrival day. There are six or seven more volunteers flying in so the driver will be back and forth to the airport all day.
The house is multi-level, with bedrooms on the lower level, more bedrooms and a living room area on the second floor, and a dining room and kitchen on the roof. There is a cook who prepares our meals, and someone who comes in to clean. Breakfast consisted of some tasty rice, yogurt (which I didn't eat as my tummy has been a little iffy) and flat bread made with potatoes and onions. It was delicious! My first impression, from the pick up at the airport until now is that the programs here in India are better organised than in South Africa.
So far my accomplishments have included getting cash out of an ATM and buying water. Though this afternoon a few of us are planning a visit to a nearby temple. I will let you know how it goes!
Aside: During the month I spent in South Africa four years ago, I had the pleasure of being part of a special program run by my beautiful cousin in Winnipeg. She works with seniors and together they followed my blog and regularly sent well wishes and questions. My cousin has asked if they could do so again this time around, a question that delighted me! Hello, Winnipeg! :)