Tuesday, April 11, 2006

After breakfast, I was sitting in the lobby and Sloan stopped by. Jonathan had been suffering intestinal problems from the lamb dish he had yesterday for breakfast at the roadside stop to Agra. Later he was to say that he should have been more cautious. His transiting Venus was exactly conjunct his natal Rahu at the time he ate it.

Today, we toured Delhi. I was happy that Dr. Sankara and his wife, Dr. Prema were going as they had said they wouldn't yesterday. Dr. Prema helped me pick out the clothes I was buying as gifts. They included shirts for my two daughters and an outfit for Laurinda.

Good deals on souvenir clothing at this store

We had lunch at a fast food South Indian chain restaurant (there is one in California). There are many side dishes and bread in the middle. Once the bread is finished you eat the rice. I couldn't finish everything. Professor could, though. He seems to do everything with speed.

I couldn't finish everything!

Then it was more shopping in another part of New Delhi which is crowded and traffic jams everywhere. Someone described it as a parking lot. I hung out while everyone else was shopping and was complimented for my patience. Mr. Sagar from Sagar Publishing (Professor Choudhry's publisher) joined us to help us shop. At one point we went searching for little pouches, but to no avail. Finally, Professor said he could give me some. We drank a coke and waited for our ride and then it was back to the airport. Dr. Sankara related his book publishing experiences. It is tough for a first time author. Even Sagar said that. But he could print 1000 of his books for about $1000 (I mentally converted rupees into dollars). We bid farewell to Dr. Sankara and Dr. Prema and then it was back to the Club.

I'll always be grateful for the kindness shown me by Dr. Sankara and Dr. Prema (shown here with the charming Vishnu Kant)

I had a small meal with Sloan and Jonathan at the club, packed, and waited for the ride to the airport at 10:20pm. Long lines at the airport just to get through the door. Then, long lines to xray the luggage. Then, long lines to go through ticket counter (although this was expedited by a Lufthansa staff member for me). Long lines through customs and through security and then to the gate. I had plenty of time to spare though. I looked around for a phone to call home with no luck. So, I just sat and waited.

A disciple and his teacher. Thank you very much Professor Choudhry for your warm hospitality and especially for the gift of Systems Approach astrology...

Next: Ah, Paris In The Springtime!