Relaxing, India Style

The long transition from Egypt to India began with everything going right- no missed trains, trams or flights- and even passing through customs in New Delhi was a breeze. When we got through to baggage claim, however, we were alerted that our bags had, in fact, not left with us from our stopover point in Abu Dhabi. However, the friendly agent who found us to deliver the news assured us it would be no problem and helped us fill out the appropriate bureaucratic forms. As these forms usually do, it reminded me of our ‘license bureau,’ a mock government office some friends and I set up at Burningman to confuse and entertain hapless passersby (“Property Irregularity Report- Missing/Damaged/Pilfered”).

As we did not yet know where we would stay in Paharganj, the Delhi Mecca for all things exportable to worldwide Indian shops, we told the agent that we would call them back and give the address once we had one.

We had an address starting at around 6 in the morning and called the number.

and called

and called

and called, altogether, around 150 times, with only one time getting through, only to be promptly dropped. I decided to give up for the day, but I hope no one thinks I am a quitter! Still, I decided that India just didn't want me to get through that day- the message was clear.

The next morning, I called. Lo and behold, on the first try, someone picked up, politely took down our hotel address and information and promised a speedy delivery.

At 10 PM, the bags showed up, just as I was calling (once again) to inquire about them. It was amazing.

So, bags in hand (or on back, as it were) we are off to Rishikesh for a couple of days before meeting Tom at the Taj Mahal. What better place to meet?

Lesson: kick back, relax, and, amazingly your bags will arrive!