Monday, November 26, 2007

Safe in Kolkata

We made it safely. Another very smooth flight with no glitches. There were a few nerve racking moments at the embassy though. It was very quick, but the gentleman told us that the letter from our social worker stating that we had met Maine's prerequisites for adoption was not enough because he didn't know what those were. He also told us that our legals were incomplete and that the packet should have been thicker with more green pages. Panic. He passed everything through though, so no big deal I guess?
In retrospect, this was really irritating. I don't think we had the gentleman who most often deals with Dillon families. I really think this guy was giving us a hard time to ruffle our feathers. It worked - what were we supposed to do if he requested something else? Our flight was leaving that evening for Kolkata!
The embassy was much different than what any of us expected. I guess we've seen the movies where there are guards and the whole place is run by Americans. We encountered no Americans, not even the guards. No one was especially friendly or helpful, no one smiled. Our driver spoke very little English, and took us to the Canadian embassy first, and then had no idea about gate numbers. He parked pretty far away and then just pointed in a vague direction.

We did get up to the Red Fort today, but we couldn't go inside because it is closed on Monday. We also went to Raj Ghat, the place where Ghandi was cremated. Mom and I had a moment of fame when all of these female soldiers from Yupi (sp) wanted their pictures with us. We gladly obliged.



Maddie and Myles - We saw a Cobra!! Mom got really close to it, but couldn't bring myself to pat it even though the man said I could. That surprised me because I love snakes!

I think the travel is wearing on me. All of the planes and cars, and tonight the smell of Kolkata - I'm not sick, but my belly just isn't willing to eat much food. The food that we have eaten has been very good.
I wanted to comment on the New Delhi domestic airport. We got there really early because we were already checked out of our hotel, and our car time was up. You can't even enter the building until your flight is being security checked. There is an overhang and I think usually this is a sitting area, but the whole place was being recarpeted and they were putting some cloth over the ceiling. There was no place to sit, it was crowded, and we kept on having to move around the construstion. We did this for about 4 hours. I wish we had just kept the car for longer and seen some more of the city. Hindsight is 20/20.

SO. . . Tomorrow is Gotcha Day! I just turned my carry-on into a diaper bag, and after I finish this post, I'm going to make sure I can manage the baby carrier. I'm exhausted, and wish I could sleep, but I'm not sure that's going to happen again.

We continue to be amazed at how smoothly everything is going. We are enjoying each other and this amazing experience.

13 comments:

Peter and Nancy said...

Can't wait to see photos of you with your darling boy! We'll be blog-stalking 'til then, you can be sure. Blessings to you,
-- Nancy

Anonymous said...

I couldn't wait until the end of school so I could check to see if you made it okay. Thanks for blogging so quickly to put all of our minds to rest. Hopefully by the time we wake up in the morning, you'll have the adorable little Max in your arms. The hard part is done, relax, and ENJOY! Love to all!
Carrie

Emily said...

I am glad you are able to see so much! I hope you can get some rest!

Karen said...

Kristy! I'm so excited! I just can't wait to see you get MAX. I am thinking about you, just thrilled beyond words for your family. What a day tomorrow will be. Together, finally!!! Can't wait to hear all about it.

:)
Karen

Kristi W. said...

Tomorrow's the DAY!!! Enjoy every second with your new son. I can't wait to see the pictures!!! Praying for a smooth and happy transition for Max. :)

Kristi

Tara said...

yeah... I can't wait to see the photos. Only hours away now!!!
Hugs,
Tara

Anonymous said...

I am so happy that everything went good today!! I can't believe you will see Baby Max in only a few ours over there. I can only imagine how happy you will be when you get to hold him for the first time. I love you guys and I can't explain how excited I am to know you will finally see him. Maddie and Myles are being so good. They can't wait to meet you in the airport!! I love you guys and miss you!!
Meg

Pam said...

Hey Kristy,
My stomach is remembering how you are feeling. Try to push back that feeling and eat though. You will need your strength if he is anything like my Micah. ;o)
I can't wait to see that Max is finally yours forever!
Pam

Sarah G. said...

Kristy--

Beautiful pictures, beautiful (though harried) stories, and beautiful family.

Thank you for sharing.

-Sarah Fournier

Nadra said...

Kristy....try to get some rest. I know it's hard, but you'll need it. By this time, you're probably already up waiting to go to the orphanage. I can't wait to see picture of you with Max. It brings tears to my eyes just remembering that moment with Ian. Thinking of you!!

Amy said...

Yay - same city as your baby!

Anonymous said...

Kristy, Dan, and mom,
So glad things are going well. Can't wait to see pics of Max with his family. Stay safe. Elaine and Freedom

Anonymous said...

Congrats! Thanks so much for posting your experience, it gives us an idea of what we are waiting so patiently for! I met Emily in Waiting Families Support Group and she pointed me towards your blog!

Waiting for a referral!