Day 5: Delhi

So, it’s New Year’s day and everyone feels, as everyone’s favourite Frosted Flake mascot would say, “Grrrrrrrrreat!”

Okay, actually, that’s not entirely true. Some people woke up to face 2007 with a disagreeable stomach, a wee bit of a headache, and feeling just a tiny bit tired. Nevertheless, we had troops up and about as early as 11 am, off for shopping, eating, and general sightseeing. The blog team feels it’s worth recognizing New Year’s Eve’s “Last Men Standing” (LMS)—Mr. Mohit Kaushal, Mr. Jose Brotons, Mr. Marcelo Camberos, and Mr. Jason Powers. Though none of these four can remember the explicit time that they managed to get back to their rooms and drift off to sleep (read, pass out), general consensus amongst team LMS is somewhere around 9 – 9:30 a.m.

Never mind that a good three hours of that was spent bumbling around Delhi looking for a place to get an early morning breakfast until finally settling on a trip back to one of the local resident’s apartments where Mr. Powers cooked while the other three fell fast asleep. Though he would never publicly declaim the accomplishments of the other “Last Men Standing”, in a separate interview, Jason did seem to feel that he has accomplished “something more” by struggling through those early morning hours, especially in the name of providing much needed sustenance for his fellow study trippers. Comments from the other three do suggest that the pasta that was prepared was in fact, quite delicious. Of course, almost anything is delicious after a long night of much celebratory drink and dance.

After a day of sleep and recovery, the group headed out for an evening meeting with Jyoriraditya Scindia, a GSB alumni of 2001, as well one of India’s youngest Members of Parliament. This encounter was thoroughly enjoyed by our group, and it was certainly the most intimate setting that we have enjoyed thus far.

Enjoying Francis Wacziarg's beautiful living room

Discussion topics ranged from the obvious (India’s rapid growth and the role of the central government in that) all the way to the deeply personal (Mr. Scindia’s own personal journey and the challenges he’s faced as one thrust by personal tragedy into a role he didn’t expect to assume for a great many years).

Jyoriraditya Scindia speaks with Sarah and Janel

Our meeting was also graciously hosted by Francis Wacziarg at his home in Delhi. Mr. Wacziarg is a noteworthy entrepreneur in India, having started a number of successful and fascinating businesses. One of the more notable of these (in addition of course to his important role as father to our very own study trip professor, Romain Wacziarg) is the purchase and conversion of many of India’s historic palaces and forts into luxury hotels, an effort which not only generates economic value and preserves these impressive landmarks, but which also brings a very tangible sense of the spirit and culture of India to those who are fortunate enough to stay there. Mr. Wacziarg’s sitting room reminding many much less of a sitting room and much more of an impressive Indian art exhibit or museum. We were truly fortunate to be welcomed into such an impressive home, treated with such hospitality, and treated to such a veritable cornucopia of foods (my favourite of which were the shrimp). Also, a glass of three of Moet settled a few still unruly stomachs and helped seal in a lovely New Years Day.

By the way, does anyone know who won the Rose Bowl? It seems that as I write this no one on board our bus seems to know… oh yes, and there’s also been a request from some of the women on the bus for a recap of the Rose Parade. We’ll be sure to bring you back a few cheap souvenirs in return for providing a precious link back to the good ol’ U.S. of A.

The day ended with a smattering of activities. Some enjoyed our hotel’s spa, sauna, and steam room. Others took advantage of Bakhara, a restaurant in our hotel which is, seemingly indisputably, the best restaurant in all of India. Still others sought their beds directly, craving still more sleep after an incredible New Years Eve.