Arriving in Delhi

3 hours on the plane from Denver to Newark
12 hours from Newark to New Delhi
I have finally arrived in India.

After years of wonder and curiosity about what is happening on the other side of the world, the opportunity at last is here to have at least a few of my questions answered, and for new questions to arise.

Stepping out of the hotel our first morning in Delhi you can hardly see down the street. The air is so densely packed with a combination of fog, smog, and pollution, it is difficult to take a deep breath. What you can see is an amazing combination of chaos moving every direction. The variety of life here is stunning. Modes of transportation range from rickshaws (bike drawn carriers) to full buses. The people are wearing a variety of outfits each representative to their economic and social class. Many are in over-worn dirty clothes, but every so often you will see a sparkle of a woman wiz by on the back of a motorcycle wearing a brilliantly colored sari.

No matter where the group is, we stand out. Being here has given us all a glimpse of the 'famous life.' Young school boys, families, and teenage girls all ask for a photo with us. We are as strange and interesting to them as they are to us.

Touring the city, the value of religion shines. One of my favorites site we have seen is the Swaminrayan temple located just outside of Delhi. Recently constructed between 2000 and 2005, it is the world's largest Hindu Temple. Checking all electronics and metals at the door is liberating. There is no pressure to accomplish the seemingly impossible tasks of capturing the essence of this enormous place. The beauty of the temple does not only exists on one level but on multiple. First you see the whole structure, as well as the surrounding ponds, landscapes, and structures. As you walk closer you see the intricate, hand carved detail on the outside of the temple which include scenes and stories of elephants from the Hindu religion. Suddenly other senses are turned out as your feet (which are exposed and barefoot) feel the difference between the white and brown marble that make up the entrance into the temple. When you enter, a giant golden statue greets you. People are walking around, admiring the statues and paintings with one another as well as praying to the different gods.

This city is filled with so many interesting and new components it is hard to take it all in. I am excited to see what else this country holds.