Surrounded by the sound, sound, cattle in the marketplace...

And there are. Cattle in the marketplace, I mean.

Have arrived safely in India. The plane ride from Bangkok to Delhi was perhaps the most luxurious thing I have experienced on this trip so far. I flew Thai Airways, and had what was easily the best airplane meal of my life. I laughed to myself at how ridiculously excited I was when the beverage cart rolled down the aisle and they were serving a decent chardonnay; WINE! Wine that tastes good! Wine that is FREE!! :)

But here I am... on the subcontinent, as they say. I feel as if I'm just dipping my little toe into the huge pool that is incredible country. I think I'm ready to take the plunge.

I can't think of any other place on this trip that I've heard more about before I arrived; so many warnings, and tips, and horror stories. Maybe it's that whole glass half-full/"little Mary sunshine" thing I have going on, but I will say that given my first impression (having admittedly spent less than 24 hours here), it's better than I expected. Yes, it's dirty, and hot, and crowded and the traffic is atrocious, and the "elegantly furnished" (as per their business card) hotel room I'm staying in leaves a little something to be desired, but I'm glad I'm here. Managed to use the Metro, the prepaid auto-rickshaw service, purchase train tickets at the railway station, and visit the Red Fort and the Jama Masjid, which has the distinction of being the largest mosque in all of India. Busy, busy day. Off to Agra on Saturday to see the Taj Mahal before continuing to Varanasi.

Will post updates and pictures as I can.