India and back. Part 2

Our lucky Boing 777 is getting closer and closer to the ground. The city of New Delhi spreads far and wide while it seems that an invisibility cloak is covering it gently. It's very likely that fog could have been the reason for that effect, however this large city faces a serious problem of air pollution as well. The idea of walking on stable ground outside of the airplane instantly put a smile on my face. This was the longest flight in my life - fourteen hours.

My thoughts got interrupted by a familiar mechanical sound of the plane beginning to lower the wheels. Something about landing always brings me back to the present moment as I close my eyes, take a deep breath and then look outside the oval window. It's that sinking feeling at the pit of the stomach as you visualize the plane getting closer to the runway and then a sharp, abrupt noise followed by the engine working hard, wings turning to slow down the plane. I instantly feel relieved and unconsciously stamp my feet down thinking that it would help the plane to stop faster. We are finally on the ground! The pilot talks to us while taxing the plane to the gate and my eyes are moving very fast looking around for something cool and unusual. I really love airports. They seem to me like their own universe with airplanes from all over the world covered with colorful insignia of different companies, all the restaurants, bars, coffee shops, random massage shops, mountains of souvenirs, how the passport control works, special services, flight attendants wearing cool uniforms, proud pilots marching around. In the mean time the seat belt sign goes off which means it's time to get up and play the game "who's going to get their bags first". Deboarding the flight AI 102 slightly reminded me of the experience you would have in Russia. Everybody is in the rush to leave their seat as soon as possible blocking the isle and making it almost impossible to take your bag from the cabin above the head. In this game, so eager to leave the plane, I realize that I just lost a second item on this trip. First, the security in JFK airport took my Russian spray that works like magic on burns. The spray, of course, was flammable and didn't belong in the carry-on. In New Delhi, feeling the freedom, stripping layers to adjust to the heat, I notice that I left behind the neck pillow. Just a thought of going back to the gate and going against the flow of hundreds of passengers overweighs the value of this life saving travel item. There is no turning back. Surprisingly, I’m not upset, maybe slightly sad but I'm not reacting to it at all. Is it India affecting me or is that what maturity is?

New Delhi welcomed us with a smoky smell as if something was burning, it made the back of the throat feel scratchy and I was looking around in hopes of finding the source of it. Nothing stood out and it all went away eventually or my body simply started getting used to the new smells. I kept marching down the long hallways following the signs to the passport control. After taking a sharp turn, a long arch opened up with big letter stating "Welcome to India" as I passed it, yet another beauty opened up before my eyes. Along the long wall, a massive mural was almost floating, covering it like a shiny carpet. Large bronze plates looked like a countless number of balloons in the air and sporadically some elegant hands would emerge. Those were mudras, the hand gestures used in traditional indian dances as well as yoga. I recognized some from my yoga classes or books that I read but some were new to me. The view was so stunning however it was time to head to the passport control. After some confusion with the lines and finally going through an adventure of taking fingerprints and being looked at by three immigration officials, my new passport got two colorful stamps and I was officially in!

My friend and I started browsing the airport, gathering the information on where our gate will be, where to get some food and finding a good lounge area to rest. As we walk, I once again have to stop. In front of me is the Sun Salutation installation. A metal spiral goes from the ground all the way up to the ceiling. It has to be at least 5 feet tall. Along this path are the elegant figures of a yogi doing a complete round of Surya Namaskar, a sequence aimed to warm all the joints, work the muscles, positively affect internal organs and body systems while making the mind more focused. 12 poses repeated 12 times will honor 24 hours in a day and 12 months in a year. I found this cool break down of the poses, mantras and chakras that are affected when you practice the Sun Salutation (skip it if you are not interested):

1. Mountain pose (Tadasana) Folded Hands (Anjali Mudra) in front of Heart Chakra – Om Mitraye Namaha

2. Upward Salute (Urdhva Hastasana) opening the Heart Chakra further – Om Ravaye Namaha

3. Forward Fold (Uttanasana) with palms touching the ground in surrender – Om Suryaye Namaha

4. Left Leg steps back & right knee bent (Anjaneyasana) in awareness of the sun energy- Om Bhanave Namaha

5. Plank distributing energy – Om Khagaye Namaha

6. Knees-chest-chin or 8 limbs pose (Ashtangasana) – Om Pushney Namaha

7. Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana), opening up the root chakra – Om Hiranyagarbhaye Namaha

8. Downward facing dog (Adha Mukha Svanasana) being aware of inner power- Om Marichaye Namaha

9. Left leg steps forward (Anjaneysana) in awareness of moon energy- Om Adityaye Namaha

10. Uttansana with palms touching the ground in surrender – Om Savitraye Namaha

11. Urdhva Hastasana, opening the heart chakra – Om Arkaye Namah

12. Anjali Mudra in Samasthiti or Tadasana – Om Bhaskaraye Namaha

I look down and away from the installation and a man emerges wearing military camouflage uniform with a belt around his body attached to... a gun! To say that I was somewhat confused and felt slightly uncomfortable is not to say anything! I kept seeing more and more of them in the airport so I imagine that it's a normal practice and security measurements. Once again my thought process was interrupted. This time by my stomach gargling which reminded me that it was time to eat. And that's when I found my new love - fabulous dosas. They are these big Indian crepes made from fermented butter that are cooked on a flat hot iron surface. Before they dry up, the cook folds them 3 times in this envelope shape. Once it's on your tray, you may break it down with your hands and dip it in variety of vegetable sauces. Needless to say it was a lot of fun and absolutely delicious. Try to mix coconut, cilantro and tomato chutney-really nice and refreshing sauce or serve dosas with sambar (vegetable lentil stew)!

With food in out stomachs we found these fantastic beige leather lounge chairs or even like pool side beds, that were very comfortable and made people watching even more enjoyable. As I looked at the airport ground, little did I know how many adventures were awaiting. I closed my eyes and a smile touched my lips. One last flight left until our destination! To be continued...

#traveling #airport #yoga #India #airindia #indianfood #food