I'm home now and posting my final Kerala, India experience blog. Thank you all for spending the past few weeks with me. It was a incredibly moving experience. Now to distribute the Sarees, Lunges, Elephants, and Scarves....
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
An Exciting Trip Home
I had the window seat on the flight from Dubai to JFK...in a 3 seat row--argh! I only got up when my seatmates did so three potty breaks in a fourteen hour trip--sorry kidneys :( The plane was an hour late leaving Dubai which ate up my buffer between flights. I managed to get to the front of the line to get through customs and pick up my checked luggage by some fast walking. What I forgot is that my nice overnight stay in Dubai meant my bags were first on the plane...and last off. I made it to my connecting flight in time to wave goodbye--bye, bye. I wasn't crushed, I knew there would be other flights home, what I didn't know was that because I had booked through Emirates, Jet Blue said I had to make my new arrangements through them via phone. I was back in the states and could use my cell again--Yay. A half hour in the queue: deedeedee deedee deedum deedee--music to make me scream (I did cuss at it a couple times); and finally a live person. He made all the arrangements and got me on a Delta flight later that evening. My daughter was already in Chicago having gotten the pick up time wrong--can't fault her enthusiasm to see me--but it had me more stressed worrying about getting her a hotel room to stay the night.
Now for the air trains. Airtrains at JFK go between several terminals and city stations---I've learned. First; I arrived in Terminal 4 and had to get to Terminal 5, thank you for the instructions and directions information desk! Next to JetBlue, who couldn't help me after waiting in line for a few airport minutes. Then waiting on hold for Emirates while taking the airtrain to Terminal 7 for the Emirates partner American Airlines. Then leaving Terminal 7 because it wasn't the right one---thanks airport security for adding to my stress and sore feet (even with the airtrains there is a considerable amount of walking--JFK is HUGE!). When Emirates answered I planted myself until the call was completed. The 800 number I was given is routed to Dubai, so no call backs if we were disconnected. He recommended a flight on AA but there was no way I could have made the connection--I'd have to recheck all my bags, get back through security, and then to whichever gate. So on to Terminal 2 or 3--both of which house Delta flights. The problem is I had Terminal 8 on the brain and so that's where I went until I actually got to the check-in desk for AA and slapped myself in the head.
I found out that the airtrains don't just run between the terminals, they go out to satellite stations to hook up with real trains. Fifteen minutes after boarding I was back at my starting point at Terminal 8 and waiting for the airtrain heading in the right direction. A cursory inspection of the route map looked like Terminal 1 followed immediately after 8, but a more indepth look revealed that it's not an oval afterall, it's a loop with a long tail. Arriving at Terminal 2/3, I opted for trying 3--they are not together---argh. I chose right! I couldn't check in with the auto kiosk because I wasn't in the system--don't cry--and was redirected to the 'special assist kiosk.' My reservation was in the system and I was able to manually check in. I was rewarded with the knowledge that while Emirates allows 2 bags free, Delta charges. I wasn't going to cry, I wasn't going to laugh, I was just going to hand over my credit card; when wonder of wonders, the agent said Emirates had already taken care of the fee. I had been disappointed over the hotel voucher, the delayed flight, and the long telephone wait--but all was now forgiven. Thank you Emirates' representative for being considerate and providing good customer service.
After a gate change and finding out that I didn't have an assigned seat, the flight was delayed. Abigail had thoughtfully done the leg work in finding a reasonably priced hotel near O'Hare (well Kyle did and she forwarded the info :). One call later and I knew she could comfortably wait at the hotel until my flight landed (and it turns out, take a bubble bath in the oversized tub). I had woken up in Dubai at 4:45am their time and didn't sleep on the planes. Dubai is one hour behind Trivandrum, India which was 11.5 hours ahead of Chicago, and New York City is one hour ahead of Chicago. My head hurts trying to think of how many hours I remained awake until we arrived at the hotel. Even then I needed to eat and while waiting for pizza to arrive, Abigail and I went through all the goodies I'd purchased, dividing them up so they'd be easier to distribute. One meal, nice hot shower, and an amazingly comfortable bed put me to sleep for all of 4 hours. Funny thing though, Abigail drove back home and I was able to sleep the entire way...guess it's all about who you trust.
Now for the air trains. Airtrains at JFK go between several terminals and city stations---I've learned. First; I arrived in Terminal 4 and had to get to Terminal 5, thank you for the instructions and directions information desk! Next to JetBlue, who couldn't help me after waiting in line for a few airport minutes. Then waiting on hold for Emirates while taking the airtrain to Terminal 7 for the Emirates partner American Airlines. Then leaving Terminal 7 because it wasn't the right one---thanks airport security for adding to my stress and sore feet (even with the airtrains there is a considerable amount of walking--JFK is HUGE!). When Emirates answered I planted myself until the call was completed. The 800 number I was given is routed to Dubai, so no call backs if we were disconnected. He recommended a flight on AA but there was no way I could have made the connection--I'd have to recheck all my bags, get back through security, and then to whichever gate. So on to Terminal 2 or 3--both of which house Delta flights. The problem is I had Terminal 8 on the brain and so that's where I went until I actually got to the check-in desk for AA and slapped myself in the head.
I found out that the airtrains don't just run between the terminals, they go out to satellite stations to hook up with real trains. Fifteen minutes after boarding I was back at my starting point at Terminal 8 and waiting for the airtrain heading in the right direction. A cursory inspection of the route map looked like Terminal 1 followed immediately after 8, but a more indepth look revealed that it's not an oval afterall, it's a loop with a long tail. Arriving at Terminal 2/3, I opted for trying 3--they are not together---argh. I chose right! I couldn't check in with the auto kiosk because I wasn't in the system--don't cry--and was redirected to the 'special assist kiosk.' My reservation was in the system and I was able to manually check in. I was rewarded with the knowledge that while Emirates allows 2 bags free, Delta charges. I wasn't going to cry, I wasn't going to laugh, I was just going to hand over my credit card; when wonder of wonders, the agent said Emirates had already taken care of the fee. I had been disappointed over the hotel voucher, the delayed flight, and the long telephone wait--but all was now forgiven. Thank you Emirates' representative for being considerate and providing good customer service.
After a gate change and finding out that I didn't have an assigned seat, the flight was delayed. Abigail had thoughtfully done the leg work in finding a reasonably priced hotel near O'Hare (well Kyle did and she forwarded the info :). One call later and I knew she could comfortably wait at the hotel until my flight landed (and it turns out, take a bubble bath in the oversized tub). I had woken up in Dubai at 4:45am their time and didn't sleep on the planes. Dubai is one hour behind Trivandrum, India which was 11.5 hours ahead of Chicago, and New York City is one hour ahead of Chicago. My head hurts trying to think of how many hours I remained awake until we arrived at the hotel. Even then I needed to eat and while waiting for pizza to arrive, Abigail and I went through all the goodies I'd purchased, dividing them up so they'd be easier to distribute. One meal, nice hot shower, and an amazingly comfortable bed put me to sleep for all of 4 hours. Funny thing though, Abigail drove back home and I was able to sleep the entire way...guess it's all about who you trust.
Dubai
So I purposely looked for air travel that would give me a long layover in Dubai opposed to doing multiple flights (which cost more). After the initial panic about a hotel room, and the dubious thought of carting my carryons around and spending the night awake at the airport (which I have done in the past--ugh), I arrived at The Dream Palace. My taxi ride was interesting in that I rode with the Ladies Taxi service. Pleasant enough people and given my propensity for supporting the underdog (in a patriachical society), I asked them to also pick me up in the morning (which they apparently forgot about--thanks Jassmina).
Dubai is tall and interestingly shaped buildings--lots of them. There are two commerce centers; one around the city center and the other near The Palm. I have lots of pictures taken from the Metro and some from my sore footed walk around and around and around. It's hard to be safe when you're constantly looking up so I was a bit slow going. Back on the Metro to the Mall of the Emirates. It seemed poetic to visit given that I've been to the Mall of America. Prices are enormous compared to India. Although I expected it I still kept being caught at figuring the exchange wrong. So I now have some figurines that cost 13USD that are worth maybe 5. Oh well, it was all about the experience. Turns out that the airport duty free was actually cheaper than the stores at the Mall--yes I did buy more stuff--and got to wander around more---poor feeties.
Dubai is tall and interestingly shaped buildings--lots of them. There are two commerce centers; one around the city center and the other near The Palm. I have lots of pictures taken from the Metro and some from my sore footed walk around and around and around. It's hard to be safe when you're constantly looking up so I was a bit slow going. Back on the Metro to the Mall of the Emirates. It seemed poetic to visit given that I've been to the Mall of America. Prices are enormous compared to India. Although I expected it I still kept being caught at figuring the exchange wrong. So I now have some figurines that cost 13USD that are worth maybe 5. Oh well, it was all about the experience. Turns out that the airport duty free was actually cheaper than the stores at the Mall--yes I did buy more stuff--and got to wander around more---poor feeties.
Bye!
Saw the majority of the group off at midnight. Almost missed them because I thought they were leaving at 12:30 am. Got to say my goodbyes to those from other schools and see you around campus to those from my school. All packed and ready to go but not sure of the weight. Took both bags to the exercise room because it has a scale--turns out it didn't agree with the airline scale. Breakfast with the few left and then a quick trip in a cab to the airport in plenty of time to depart. My first layover--a long one--was in Dubai. Emirates grants free hotel and food vouchers when you have long layovers unfortunately you have to register for the service when you book (my bad). Luckily I found a great 3 star hotel with the awesome help of Travel Tours at the Dubai airport. My options were 313USD; 212USD; or 84USD--and that only with some major finagling by the tour guy--who also recommended staying off the tour buses and just riding the Metro since all I wanted to do was see and be. It all added up to what I probably would have spent anyway, so thank you to the helpful hotel registration people who assisted and directed me away from their businesses--really they did this with smiles on their faces and handshakes all around. Guess I looked like a straggler because I really was one.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Leaving
After a couple days spent back at the Laurie Baker Center with some interesting speakers and some site visits in the afternoons we have come to our final day. Our farewell dinner was attended by several members of Costford and the LBC. It was very nice to see Sajan and Shialaja along with their daughters and mom again. I flitted from table to table because I wanted to be able to spend a final few minutes with each---of course I took my plate with me, the food was very good!
It seems so odd that we have reached this last day. I picked up my new glasses and walked around a bit before coming back to pack and attend the dinner. Most of the group is headed to the airport to catch an early morning flight. There are only three of us to share breakfast before two more of us head out; one to spend another week here doing research (our instructor) and one to head to the airport (me). Our final group member is here for a couple more days. She's traveled quite a bit on her own and she's remaining here at this hotel where the staff know her. I almost wish I had thought to book a longer stay as well--especially when I hear that temperatures at home are -7 F!
It's sad to be going but it will be good to sleep in my own bed. It will take awhile to unpack given the need for the new full-size suitcase to cart all my goodies home. But classes start on Tuesday so it's right back into it for me. Two more writing assignments for this class and all will be done, except of course for the wonderfully awesome and amazing memories of these past three weeks.
Did I mention that I finally got my postcards mailed? After almost the full three weeks looking for a post-office and only finding them when they were closed or had long lines when we were short of time, the driver took us to one that's open 24 hours a day and only about 2 kilometers from the hotel--ARGH! It would be nice if they sold stamps somewhere besides the post office but it also would have been nice to know that this place existed several weeks ago. So anyone expecting a post card from me from India--it's on its way ;p~
It seems so odd that we have reached this last day. I picked up my new glasses and walked around a bit before coming back to pack and attend the dinner. Most of the group is headed to the airport to catch an early morning flight. There are only three of us to share breakfast before two more of us head out; one to spend another week here doing research (our instructor) and one to head to the airport (me). Our final group member is here for a couple more days. She's traveled quite a bit on her own and she's remaining here at this hotel where the staff know her. I almost wish I had thought to book a longer stay as well--especially when I hear that temperatures at home are -7 F!
It's sad to be going but it will be good to sleep in my own bed. It will take awhile to unpack given the need for the new full-size suitcase to cart all my goodies home. But classes start on Tuesday so it's right back into it for me. Two more writing assignments for this class and all will be done, except of course for the wonderfully awesome and amazing memories of these past three weeks.
Did I mention that I finally got my postcards mailed? After almost the full three weeks looking for a post-office and only finding them when they were closed or had long lines when we were short of time, the driver took us to one that's open 24 hours a day and only about 2 kilometers from the hotel--ARGH! It would be nice if they sold stamps somewhere besides the post office but it also would have been nice to know that this place existed several weeks ago. So anyone expecting a post card from me from India--it's on its way ;p~
More Elephants
The nature preserve was a bit of an adventure but not because of any wild animals. We were up at 5am to be in line by 5:30--which we almost made. A man selling masala tea off a cart saved the day by providing me with a little bit of caffeine while we waited. We were actually waiting on the bus in the line to get into the nature preserve. Where we were actually headed was the lake so we could catch a boat to motor around and see if any wild animals were around.
There are two tickets: one to get through the front gates, the second to get through the boat ramp gates. We had the first but not the second...yet. The instructor and our van driver grabbed the 3 thinnest people off the van and headed through the front gate before they opened. Rickshaw drivers were waiting to rush people to the front of the line for boat tickets. Our group of 4 reportedly had a very interesting race with other rickshaws for several kilometers, then they had to run the final 500 meters. They made it--whew--and managed to buy the last 16 tickets for the first boat flotilla. If you don't get the first boat you have to wait until it gets back from the 1 hour cruise---yeck!
We didn't see much on the cruise except birds, and birds, and more birds. However their was some excitement when someone spotted some elephants. I couldn't see them but a classmate with an awesome camera captured them--yay! We also saw some water buffalo, and maybe some boars? The lake is manmade and many trees and rocks still line the waters and shore...from a distance I could believe they moved :)
After are excitement we checked out of the hotel and headed back down the mountain...Thiruvananthrapuram (Trivandrum) here we come!
There are two tickets: one to get through the front gates, the second to get through the boat ramp gates. We had the first but not the second...yet. The instructor and our van driver grabbed the 3 thinnest people off the van and headed through the front gate before they opened. Rickshaw drivers were waiting to rush people to the front of the line for boat tickets. Our group of 4 reportedly had a very interesting race with other rickshaws for several kilometers, then they had to run the final 500 meters. They made it--whew--and managed to buy the last 16 tickets for the first boat flotilla. If you don't get the first boat you have to wait until it gets back from the 1 hour cruise---yeck!
We didn't see much on the cruise except birds, and birds, and more birds. However their was some excitement when someone spotted some elephants. I couldn't see them but a classmate with an awesome camera captured them--yay! We also saw some water buffalo, and maybe some boars? The lake is manmade and many trees and rocks still line the waters and shore...from a distance I could believe they moved :)
After are excitement we checked out of the hotel and headed back down the mountain...Thiruvananthrapuram (Trivandrum) here we come!
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Elephants and Spices
Today was the long dreaded ride up the mountain to Thekkady. I did not throw up. Yay! Because of my body's reaction the one time I had to ride in the very back of the van, I am now allotted the seat immediately behind the driver. This means the coldest air from the AC hits my face and I don't have to deal with as much vibration. The erractic motion from the driver weaving in and out of traffic and the constant start/stop are the same no matter where anyone sits in the van. Today I also made use of the ginger gum our instructor had and took extra of the Stugeron (motion sickness meds). I was sleepy but not any more so than my seat mate with the really hard head. I know it's hard from the couple times it slammed into my shoulder. It had to be uncomfortable for him, and he always appologized, but I gave him my travel pillow--it just seemed like he needed it more (for cushion if nothing else! ;).
We did stop a couple times, which helped a lot. Once for breakfast, once for tea, and once just to look at the scenery. Once we'd checked into our hotel room (and ate some lunch) we were off to view a spice plantation and see some elephants. Yes, I rode the elephant, but we actually went on a walk about on a trail in the woods and I communed with her the entire time. I thanked her for allowing us to ride on her back and she peed and pooped. I'm not sure if that was her response or just the function of the moment. It was a wonderful experience.
We finished the evening with an amazing martial arts performance where swords, metal bands, metal poles, acrobats, and fire combined to make an hour pass by in only a few minutes. I was on my feet alot shouting and clapping after each performance. Dinner finished out the night with a short stop to pick up some cashews from a Kudumbarshee micro-enterprise that sells to tourists (and looks like every other mom and pop business on the street).
Off to bed for now with an early wake up (5am) to go to a nature preserve before heading out of the mountains and back to Trivandrum. Night all.
We did stop a couple times, which helped a lot. Once for breakfast, once for tea, and once just to look at the scenery. Once we'd checked into our hotel room (and ate some lunch) we were off to view a spice plantation and see some elephants. Yes, I rode the elephant, but we actually went on a walk about on a trail in the woods and I communed with her the entire time. I thanked her for allowing us to ride on her back and she peed and pooped. I'm not sure if that was her response or just the function of the moment. It was a wonderful experience.
We finished the evening with an amazing martial arts performance where swords, metal bands, metal poles, acrobats, and fire combined to make an hour pass by in only a few minutes. I was on my feet alot shouting and clapping after each performance. Dinner finished out the night with a short stop to pick up some cashews from a Kudumbarshee micro-enterprise that sells to tourists (and looks like every other mom and pop business on the street).
Off to bed for now with an early wake up (5am) to go to a nature preserve before heading out of the mountains and back to Trivandrum. Night all.
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