Start with a *bang*

I think it’s what, the 9th now? We arrived safe and sound in Delhi late night on the 7th (well, except for Molly’s bag) and it’s been a whirlwind since.

Yesterday we all woke up at a decent time and had breakfast, booked a car for the next 4 days, visited Dr. Connor’s at the World Bank, ate a snack at the hotel , napped, went to a temple, went to an underground bazaar, went to The Lalit Hotel for a way too fancy dinner (I swear, I didn’t know, it said live music so I suggested it!), came back and discussed our meeting with Dr. Connors and collectively passed out.

The meeting with Dr. Connors was a good one. She did not seem to be acting as a World Bank agent and appeared to be more interested in giving us as much information about water issues in India as she could (and providing contacts where she could not). I cannot say I expected anything from the meeting, although part of me says if we could have met here after a week or at the end, we could have gotten more from her. Hopefully she’ll stay a resource throughout the project.

During our conversation, we brought up the recent flooding in Mumbai, and talked about how there are these recurring problems year after year. She mentioned that in India you have “flash floods and flash problems” and that, while it is a serious issue, folks in India do not look at monsoon problems the same way outsiders do. It is welcomed since it brings cool weather and provides for some entertainment.

I get it…I just don’t buy it as an excuse.

Department of Drinking Water Supply and more World Bank today. Let’s see what they have to say about it.

Peace,
Maulin

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