I made it!

WARNING: Before you begin reading this blog expecting incredibly eloquent assessments of Indian culture I should tell you: 1) I've slept approximately 8 hours over the past 2 days and I don't always make the most sense when I'm sleep deprived. 2) My only previous experience blogging has either involved Civil War related topics or historical methodology, so I'll do my best not to suddenly have the urge to write about where black soldiers who fought for the Union are buried in Pennsylvania. I can't guarantee anything though.

Right now it's just after 6pm in Hyderabad, a full 10 and 1/2 hours ahead of the East Coast, which basically means I no longer have any idea what my body is telling me to do right now.  To rewind slightly, after immediately entering the check-in line for Etihad Airways (the official airline of the U.A.E.) in JFK, I felt that I was suddenly in the minority.  This wasn't an uncomfortable feeling just very unfamiliar as I spotted one other person with hair lighter than a dark brown and maybe four others with fair skin. While I knew that this was how things would be in India, I guess I wasn't expecting the sensation while still in the United States. Etihad Airways, however, quickly reassured my American sensibilities by giving me the dinner option of delicious roast turkey, potatoes, and cranberry sauce. (This was also the first time I have received a menu that outlined my dining options on an airplane, which may have in itself made the food taste better.)

Approximately 12 hours later I arrived in Abu Dhabi, where I got my final flight into Hyderabad.  Though there were only a few splashes of colors on the clothing of the travelers, all of the dark hues are balanced by the terminal’s fantastic ceiling, which has the illusion of growing out of this central pillar that gets progressively broader—like a tree getting more full from trunk into its leaves—until it becomes the ceiling itself, changing from a green tiles to a dark blue sky.  Other interesting aspects of the Abu Dhabi airport were the small number of women who seemed to be traveling alone; the vast majority seemed to be accompanied by a spouse-like figure or with a family.  Also, security lines were separated into male and female lines. 

Overlooking Hyderabad

My roommate Kasia and puppies!

I finally landed in Hyderabad at about 3am local time.  Indian immigration was interesting because there were only two massive lines, without any differentiation between citizens and non-citizens, a striking difference with the disparity you find at American airports. I successfully collected my bag to the ebullient sounds of "Frosty the Snowman" from the airport sound system, and as I left the airport a man running a currency exchange booth wished me a "happy new year's in advance," very forward-looking of him. Since arriving in India this morning I have had to wait for about five cows to meander across the road, sipped tea from a balcony cafe with a gorgeous view, and played with the adorable puppies that seem to live in front of the international dorm.  I have yet to sign up for classes or receive my permanent housing, but these sorts of technicalities don't seem to matter so much to me right now.  It's December and in the low 80s in the afternoon. I'm in India.