Date: June 16th, 2024
The excitement of returning to India after a year was palpable as I embarked on a journey from Cary, North Carolina, to Delhi. The trip started early in the day with a drive from Cary to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). I rented a Toyota 4Runner from Avis and set off on the journey, making several rest stops along the way to keep the energy up.
At Washington IAD Airport
Arriving at Washington IAD, we dropped off the rental car and took a shuttle to the terminal. The check-in process with British Airways was smooth, and I was pleasantly surprised by the efficiency of the staff. The security process at IAD, however, was a bit more stringent than expected, with shoe removal still required—a contrast to the more relaxed protocols at other airports.
Onboard the Flight
The flight itself was comfortable, though I found it didn’t quite match the experience I’ve had with Emirates in the past. My son, Tejas, quickly took to the in-flight entertainment system, which was a pleasant surprise. He managed to navigate the device effortlessly, keeping himself entertained with movies and games.
After a nine-hour flight, we landed at London Heathrow Airport for a layover before our connecting flight to Delhi. The transit process at Heathrow was smooth, and we didn’t have to collect our check-in baggage, which was already taken care of by the airline. One thing I appreciated at Heathrow was that removing laptops from bags was not mandatory, making the security check hassle-free.
At London Heathrow
Our layover at Heathrow was quite long—10 hours to be exact. Heathrow is a massive airport with plenty of shopping options to explore. I spent time browsing and ended up buying some souvenirs: a toy bus for Loh, a key ring for myself, and sunglasses for my wife. One interesting observation I made at Heathrow was the significant presence of Muslim staff, including women in full burqas working at the sales counters. This made me reflect on the changing demographics of Europe, and I wondered about the cultural implications for the future.
The Final Leg to Delhi
After a long wait, we finally boarded our connecting flight to Delhi. The flight was similar to the first, with a focus on Asian cuisine, which was served twice during the journey. We landed in Delhi at 9:30 AM local time on June 16th, and the first thing that struck me was the intense heat—a stark contrast to the cooler climate of Cary.
Arrival in Delhi
I had pre-booked a cab for our trip to Ghaziabad, and it was ready and waiting when we arrived. After completing immigration and collecting our luggage, we boarded the cab, which charged us ₹2500 for the trip to Ghaziabad, where my flat is located, and where my brother-in-law lives.
At the airport, we had an interesting yet somewhat frustrating experience. Two men started loading our luggage onto trolleys, and I initially thought they were airport staff. However, after loading just a few bags, they asked for money—specifically in dollars. I ended up giving them $20, only to realize later that they were not official staff but opportunistic hustlers looking to make a quick buck.
In Ghaziabad
We reached Ghaziabad by 11 AM, and the chaotic traffic conditions in Delhi were a sharp reminder of the differences between India and the US. The honking, lane indiscipline, and general hustle and bustle were overwhelming at first, but it felt good to be back in my homeland.
Jet lag was starting to take its toll, so after a quick bath and lunch, I decided to take a nap. The evening was spent booking my next journey— a flight from Delhi to Tirupati, scheduled for 9 AM the following day.
Preparing for the Next Leg
Given the overall situation, I decided to book an Uber for my ride to the airport. The driver was a bit reckless, speeding, changing lanes without signaling, and honking excessively. At one point, he nearly caused an accident by not slowing down for a speed breaker, but luckily, there was no oncoming traffic, and we were safe. I firmly asked him to drive more carefully, and after that, he followed the rules more diligently.
Reflection
The journey from Cary to Delhi was a blend of excitement, reflection, and a few surprises. It was a reminder of the cultural contrasts and the unique experiences that come with international travel. Despite the minor inconveniences, it felt wonderful to be back in India, and I was eager to continue my journey to Tirupati.
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