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Our trip to India was our 10th one with GCT/OAT. On each trip, we are assigned to a trip leader. They have all done their jobs; making sure we get from place to place, handing out room keys at each hotel, reminding us about times to be somewhere, showing us what was on the itinerary from GCT/OAT, telling us about the sites during our visits, arranging for local "step on" guides, and other jobs that are not always noticed. It can't be easy to constantly have a new group of travelers with different personalities and needs. They are "on call" when we aren't on tour, but we don't always want to bother them since, after all, we are adults who can cope.
This trip we had the good fortune to have a Trip Leader Extradordinaire who did more than required. Within 10 minutes of entering our hotel rooms, he called to ask if everything was OK. (That's a first for us.) He went out of his way to make sure that we had the vegetarian food we requested. He was informative, witty, friendly, and caring. He always had something nice to say, no matter what the situation. When he could have taken time for himself, he didn't. Instead he took us for more "discoveries" showing us places not on the basic itinerary. He adjusted the schedule so we could fit more in and found time for us to get some relaxation time. Our group was a very congenial one, probably partly due to his leadership and guidance. Since he's been a guide for so long, he seems to know EVERYONE. The funny part was that some of the people didn't recognize him because he used to have a mustache. Shaving it off makes him look younger.
His introductory 
email and answers to questions I had before the trip were indicators about his efficiency and concern as a trip leader. When we visited the GCT-sponsored school, he showed enthusiasm for the project, explaining how the GCT/OAT office staff and trip leaders worked to improve the school. It didn't seem like work at all, but a labor of love. I had the impression it's a school that he will continue to do more for and not because it's required. When the principal returned to the school after an errand, it was helpful having someone translate and explain exactly what was happening at the school and plans for more improvements.
When we were at the OAT camp, we had the privilege of viewing a cooking demonstration. Again, Sanjay was involved, as he pointed out the ingredients and gave some of his own explanations. (Of course, the cook could have explained everything but Sanjay wanted to be part of it.)
While we wandered around the various sites during our "free time" there, he waited patiently for us. He was always available for the frequent questions we had.
We always could find him, especially when we left the train station. The funny thing was that he usually held up a water bottle, but this time there was an OAT sign.
No one could miss seeing that. I'm sure the locals were probably used to these signs since there are so many OAT groups who pass through the area.
Before our Farewell Dinner, he provided a summary of our trip, showing us on the map where we had been. Since many of us had planned to wear something we "got" on the trip, he wore the t-shirt one of our group members (from Texas, obviously) gave to him. While we were at the dinner, following someone else who spoke, I read something I decided to write about Sanjay. I've written similar words for only a couple of trip leaders. Seeks new discoveries for all of us
Attentive to details
Never ignores the smallest details
Jokes about situations that would normally be uncomfortable
Always doing extra..calling to check if room is okay
Younger looking without the mustache
Sets the highest standard for all GCT/OAT trip leaders
Exceptional tour leader
Takes what happens in stride and goes with the flow
Has infinite patience
Inquisitive mind.
With great appreciation to Sanjay for a memorable experience.
People have asked me WHY we decided to visit India this year. There has been a lot of fear, based on the situation that occurred last year in Mumbai. My response always is that I won't let fear control what I do and where I go. There is also concern about health issues.
So, my answer is 'Why not?" when they ask. For now, these places can be visited UP CLOSE. I've read and heard that there might be
a time in the near future when people will not be able to get close to the Taj Mahal. That's one of the reasons we chose to go THIS YEAR. We were able to walk around the structure, touch it, and go inside.
There was increased security at our hotel in Delhi and at the Taj Mahal. Is this really much different from security at our national treasures? Nothing about the security scared me. it's just the way it is. Something we accept as we visit other places. In fact, the airport security was more than at most others we've visited. (I pack my carry-on, knowing that there might be times when I have take EVERYTHING out for inspection. A little inconvenience for the travel experience.)
Even my doctor has wondered why Steve and I choose to go to countries where we need to take special meds. I've printed out info for him about recommendations for meds for our trips. Since he's not a "travel specialist doctor," he contacts a doctor he knows who is.
For Eastern Europe, it was recommended to get a Hepatitis A shot. (It lasts 10 years so I figured it would be a good idea since we intended to travel more.)
In Peru, it was Diamox for high altitude and Cipro (antibiotic...just in case). The high altitude, even with the Diamox, affected me. I don't want to think what would have happened if I didn't take it. One woman in our group opted not to take it and she had to use oxygen when we were in Lake Titicaca area. We didn't need the Cipro on that trip, but others, who hadn't brought it, did. They purchased it from the local pharmacy (no script needed).
Last year (Thailand) was our first experience with Malarone, an anti-malaria med. We had no problem with it, other than a headache the first couple of days. The alternative is something no one wants. The Cipro from the previous year was still ok to use and we did need it on that trip. Thank goodness we had it.
Our trip to India was similar to Thailand with the meds needed. We took the Malarone (finishing the regimen today since we're supposed to take it for 7 days after leaving the area) and had the Cipro with us but didn't need it. We did use Alpha-CF for some cold-like symptoms. I also used an electrolyte powder when I was slightly dehydrated. No big deal. (Dehydration can occur anywhere.)
There isn't a need for special meds for every place we visit. We do, however, bring the basic over-the-counter meds to have with us just in case we need them. Most of the time, we bring them home and save them for a future trip.
Travel...a wonderful experience to see different places and meet friendly people. No fear... but proper caution both for safety and health.
LONG travel day... More than 24 hours from the time we left the short-stay hotel until we arrived home in Ellenville.
Again, at the airport, we had to show our passports as we entered the terminal. First stop was the British Airways ticket counter to get boarding passes and check our suitcase. Went very smoothly (Yay!) and very little time needed. We went to the security area (no shoes had to be taken off) and put bags on x-ray conveyor belt, just like we've done many other times (at different airports) for the trip. Had the "India Security Pat-down" and went to get my backpack. This time almost everything had to be taken from the backpack. Makes me wonder what he thought I had in there. Explained what everything was and stuffed it all back inside, not as neat as before. (Gave up on being neat at that point. Too tired and just wanted to go sit down.) Bought a cold drink (Of course, we couldn't take our free water in with us) and waited for our flight boarding to be called. Many of the people in our group fell asleep (not surprising since it was after 1 AM) but I stayed awake. (Someone had to watch our carry-on bags.) At one point, I walked around the secure area, checking out the shops and food places. There's a Subway there, with limited sandwich choices. I wasn't hungry. (I knew there would be food on the plane.)
Our flight left on time, flying about 9 hours to London (Heathrow). I think I slept about 7 hours, though not consecutive time (food serving, having to get up so person next to me could go to toilet, my getting up for the same, and leg cramp from the limited space in the seat). Smooth flight, arrived ontime in London at Terminal 5 (new one completed last year).
As usual, in London/Heathrow sytem, we had to go through security there and bag x-ray. Took its usual extra time (can take more than an hour for this), but no extra inspection of my backpack. They did take my "liquid quart bag" to check its contents. (I can't figure out how they would be able to find out exactly what is in each container; they actually stuck a liquid-sniffing device into the bag!) Three hours until our flight...
We walked in/out of the shops on the second level, kept checking the Departures Board for our flight gate (Heathrow does not post that early so you don't know if you'll be in the A section, where we were at the time, or have to take a shuttle to the B section.) We were told that we should stay in the A area, even if we might have to go to the B part. Seems that if you're at the B section and have to go to the A section, you'd have to go through security again. (Why? Who knows?) Our flight left from the A section, easy for us. Our gate was on the lower level so we had to take a bus to the plane. (More transportation.)
Plane ride, less than 7 hours, smooth and uneventful, with meals, ample supply of cold drinks, and choice of movies on seat backs. I didn't have to get up for anyone else the whole flight so made it more relaxing. (Well, I'm not saying that an airplane flight today is really relaxing, but it was an improvement from the earlier flight.)
On time arrival at Newark. Very quick through Passport Control (Welcome Home to the U.S.) and downstairs to baggage claim. Called Stan to find out where to meet him and waited for our bags. Not too long a wait.
Felt good to get into OUR CAR and take the ride home.
I'm planning to add more about the people and other topics about our trip as I have time (and energy) this week.
Great to be home. Looking forward to sleeping in our comfy bed. (Sean is home, too. I'm sure he's going to like sleeping at home, too.)
We went to the Varanasi Airport for our short (little more than an hour) flight to Delhi. Flight was originally scheduled for 2:40 PM but left about 2 hours later. Before we could enter the terminal, our passports were checked. Once inside, we stood in line for security check. Bags on the x-ray conveyor belt and a pat-down by a female security person. My backpack was filled with items that were either valuable (cost) or unusual size/shape that wouldn't fit well into the suitcase. Even after they sent the pack through the x-ray twice, I had to show them what was inside. I felt like it was "show and tell" as I took out my windup flashlight (told him, "You just wind it like this, no batteries" ... he was impressed), opened the box that held my small Taj Mahal (he was more impressed), pulled out the metal chairs that go with little table (seemed like he never saw one of those before), and showed a few other things. Steve told me that, as he watched what was happening, he was giving a commentary to some people in our group. We had lots of time waiting for our plane to arrive. Waiting area was crowded with many people, including us, having to stand in the stuffy, hot room. From my limited experience and what I heard, appears that planes are often delayed. It wasn't a weather problem either. Finally we were on the plane and headed back to Delhi. They served food and cold drinks.
When we arrived in Delhi, we all had to wait for our luggage. Looked like all was going smoothly, but we found our very soon that there was a glitch. One of the people in our group had taken the wrong suitcase. Her flight was earlier than the rest of ours, so she and her friend were taking the shuttle from domestic to international. Fortunately, Sanjay was able to get in touch with her so we rode in our bus to the international terminal area to give her the right bag and get the wrong one from her. (That would reach its owner the next day, via the airline.)
Originally we were supposed to have about 5 hours at our hotel to rest and shower before returning to the airport for our return flights home. No such luck with the delay from Varanasi and the bag glitch. We had a little more than 2 hours at the hotel. Managed to get a shower and change into clean, non-sweaty clothes. Made some tea in the room and finished the crackers I bought a couple of days ago.
Refreshed and clean, we left for the airport at 10:30 PM. (Our flight was scheduled for 2:15 AM. They require us to be at the airport 3 hours before international flights.
Our trip to India was our 10th one with GCT/OAT. On each trip, we are assigned to a trip leader. They have all done their jobs; making sure we get from place to place, handing out room keys at each hotel, reminding us about times to be somewhere, showing us what was on the itinerary from GCT/OAT, telling us about the sites during our visits, arranging for local "step on" guides, and other jobs that are not always noticed. It can't be easy to constantly have a new group of travelers with different personalities and needs. They are "on call" when we aren't on tour, but we don't always want to bother them since, after all, we are adults who can cope.
email and answers to questions I had before the trip were indicators about his efficiency and concern as a trip leader. When we visited the GCT-sponsored school, he showed enthusiasm for the project, explaining how the GCT/OAT office staff and trip leaders worked to improve the school. It didn't seem like work at all, but a labor of love. I had the impression it's a school that he will continue to do more for and not because it's required. When the principal returned to the school after an errand, it was helpful having someone translate and explain exactly what was happening at the school and plans for more improvements.
Before our Farewell Dinner, he provided a summary of our trip, showing us on the map where we had been. Since many of us had planned to wear something we "got" on the trip, he wore the t-shirt one of our group members (from Texas, obviously) gave to him. 
