Friday, June 29, 2007

Landing in New Delhi...

Now that I have landed in Delhi many times, I thought of sharing my experience and it is only 14 days before I land at IGI airport so the memories are coming back.

My nose tells me that I have arrived in Delhi. I can smell and know that the flight is about to land in Delhi. It is a good smell, a familiar smell of dust and smoke. This smell fills the air cabin as the plane flys over Delhi, few minutes before landing.

It is so wonderful to feel choked, I feel so nostalgic. For me who is allergic to dust and smoke, I know I have arrived in Delhi when I sneeze. It takes a while for my immune system to adjust to Delhi air.

As soon as one gets down at IGI airport there is a strong smell of Phenyl and the white tiles and mosaic floors reminds one that they have gone back in time. Man I love the 80s, I feel I am a kid again.

By this time having experienced so many 'fragrances' my nose gives up and I barely can breathe.

Then comes the immigration queues, the wooden tables, and paan eating babus waiting to stamp your PASSPORT and ask weird questions. Just as one thinks it is all over and now I will meet my loved ones. One has to collect the luggage, with people literally resting their heads on your shoulder to look at the conveyor belt.

By now I want to really get out, cry, scream, run; but wait there is more.
While getting out of the airport I have to tell so many people that I have arrangements to go back home. People of Saddi Dilli are so courteous to the guests. I am talking about millions and zillions of taxi drivers waiting outside.

Well, whatever it is. It is my home and I love being in Delhi. The dust, the smoke, the traffic, the swearing while driving, the food, the mess - I love it all.

Dilli is Dilli
And, I love Dilli

3 comments:

Priyanka said...

Bharat da Dil....Sadi Dilli....!!!

Azahar Machwe said...

excellent post! :D night time or day time u didnt say which u prefer?

i guess its landing... thats what matters.. :)

The thinking thinker said...

day time/night time all... this is not for a specific landing... but a combination of all :-D