Car to Plane to Bus -- September 26 - 27

Car to Plane to Bus

We left on time with Stan driving us in our car to Newark Airport. Made great time so headed into the terminal to check in. After getting in line, someone announced that everyone who had checked in should go to a different line. (I had tried to check in online the night before but it didn’t work. When I spoke to a British Air rep, she said it would be ok and I could easily check in at the airport counter.) This situation was to become the first ADVENTURE of our trip. Everyone in our line was ignored for about 25 minutes while they checked in other passengers. We started talking LOUDLY among ourselves so one of the counter people said “Well we have to take care of the people who checked in online.” We complained LOUDLY so a supervisor came by and told us SHE had told the counter people to check in the others. I said it wasn’t right and she finally let many of us check in. Very annoying that I had to speak out like that, but at least we were all taken care of. Good that we got there an hour earlier than originally planned sine it took us more than 45 minute for the check in.

We decided to get something to eat since it was about 4 and the plane wasn’t scheduled to leave until 6:30. Quick, easy place for soup and wraps. Walked to security area… ADVENTURE TIME again. VERY LONG LINE. Had lots of time so worked out ok. Plane left on time. Steve and I had aisle seats so I could easily get up when I wanted. Couple next to me didn’t get up much. I watched a movie, ate dinner (pasta veggie meal), drank plenty of water, had easy access to the toilet, and got a little of rest. Arrived in London at about 6:30 AM, went through the security, and entered the terminal. Very quiet with not much to do or see until the notification of which gate at 8:40.

We were hungry so bought food at a shop in the terminal. Good deal for an entrée (sandwich and tuna salad), side item (yogurt with granola for both of us), and drink (juice drinks). Of course, as usual, we shared our entrees. Total cost for the meal was 6.98 British pounds (about $5 each).

Arriving at the gate, we met some other people going to India with OAT. Found out there were 2 groups.

Plane left on time. I fell asleep before it pulled away from the gate and woke up TWO HOURS later. Considering we had been up for many hours, it wasn’t a surprise. I had a lot of sleep on the plane, but not continuous since the two people next to me woke me up to go to the toilet a few times. Flight was smooth and arrived at Delhi on time. ADVENTURE THREE … The pilot announced that there was another plane at our gate so we had to wait. The wait was about 45 MINUTES. By then it was getting close to midnight. When we finally got off the plane, we had to take special papers to MEDICAL CLEARANCE about “swine flu” and then go through passport control. ADVENTURE FOUR… EXPECTED -- LUGGAGE CLAIM. I rarely check my bag but did this time. Took quite a while to get the bags (Steve and I both had time to go to toilet while waiting.) but at least they arrived on the same plane as us!
Left secure area and met Sanjay Sethi, our OAT trip leader.

We walked out to bus, experiencing the Delhi HEAT for the first time. It was in low 90s at 1 AM! We were each handed marigold garlands to wear, got into the bus, and were given cold bottle of water. On the drive to Crowne Plaza, Sanjay gave us a basic orientation, some of which I’m sure I don't remember.

Arriving at the hotel, we had to go through security check, putting our hand luggage on the conveyor belt and walking through a screening area. A woman at the hotel put a red dot on our foreheads, welcoming us to India.

Went up to our room (beautiful), unpacked our backpacks, and waited for our luggage. Unpacked a little and went to bed about 2:15 AM. I fell asleep very quickly.