They've Arrived

As their plane descended into the Kochin airport on a typically hot, sunny Sunday afternoon, Mom and Dad were looking out their window, ready to behold that forest of palm trees that I had written about in my first few days in India. It was, of course, breathtaking...

...as was the moment we embraced for the first time in five months. When we finally let each other go so that we could find a taxi and load our luggage, I was struck with disbelief. I kept saying, "I can't believe you're really here," and Mom kept replying, "Neither can we!"

After spending five days in the crowded and polluted city of Delhi, Mom and Dad seemed relieved to have arrived in the calm and serene state of Kerala. "This is just so beautiful," Mom said over and over. "I know, and I live here!" I kept replying...

...and Dad continued to try to make conversation with the taxi driver who, bless his heart, knows about three English words.

Anyway, we are all having a wonderful time. In the first 24 hours alone, Mom and Dad have climbed a mountain, ridden on the back of an elephant (I don't think they really enjoyed it, though), eaten with their hands, and learned a few words in Malayalam. It has been a busy, but wonderfully special first day.

And now, after climbing that mountain, riding that elephant, eating with their hands, and learning a new language, they (and I, their guide) are quite tired. Time for some rest.