1st Full Day in India - Nicole

Today is our first full day in India! We arrived late last night (Friday) in Delhi after a 13.5 hour plane ride. The plane ride was not that bad considering they played wonderful Indian films the entire trip and served delicious Indian cuisine. Upon our arrival at the Delhi airport, we were warmly welcomed by EMPI's students and staff; they presented each of us with a handmade rose garland. After a 20 minute bus ride to campus we were again welcomed by the business school's students and faculty. As we drove through the city to campus, we saw cows and dogs in the street...it was unreal!
Today we woke up at 7:30am (after going to bed at about 2am). We had a delicious Indian breakfast! Then, after getting ready, an Indian woman performed eyebrow treading of most of us (basically the Indian version of eyebrow waxing, but they don't use wax). After the eyebrow treading, we each got mendi on our hands and arms (some girls got it on their necks and legs too). They designs are so beautiful and elaborate! While the actual design process took only about 10 minutes, we had to wait for about an hour for the ink to dry. My design starts at my index finger and covers my entire hand and forearm (I took many pictures and the design will definitely still be there when I come home)! After the mendi, we ate a delicious Indian lunch and had a traditional Indian dessert. Next, we watched a puppet show, dancing monkies, and a guy blow fire (all traditional Indian customs and all so entertaining). After the performances, we danced to Indian (punjab) music. All 18 of us dancing was so much fun...I only wish I could dance like some of the real Indian dancers! :)
We are on a one hour break now. Many girls are resting from jet lag, but I am way too excited to sleep. I have had such an awesome time and it is only the first day! Since we are here during the Indian holiday, "Holi," we will be celebrating tonight and tomorrow. Indians celebrate Holi by throwing paint at each other ... I will definitely be writing about this experience in my next blog!
On Tuesday we are meeting the Dalai Lama! I am so excited for this! We are attending his teaching session and doing yoga/meditation. This is truly a one in a lifetime opportunity! In addition to visiting the Dalai Lama, we are also going to the Taj Mahal and site-seeing through Delhi and other cities. Saturday will be our shopping day! I think that I will definitely have to buy another suitcase for everything I plan on buying!
Alrighty, I am off to the culture show. I am looking forward to seeing the traditional Indian performances that the EMPI students have planned for us...it should be amazing! Check back and thanks for reading! :)