Arrived Safely in Chennai

Tuesday, April 27th


Our flight left Kansas City at 1:45pm on Monday and we arrived in Chennai at midnight on the 27th. The flight on United was very nice. We had a 5” x 5” screen in the back of the seat in front of us where we could watch one of 5 movies being shown. We had a dinner meal on the flight to Brussels and a small breakfast the next morning.

When we got on the connecting flight from Brussels to Chennai, we switched to Jet Airways. Economy service on Jet was a few steps above the United experience in several ways. When the seat reclined – the bottom pushed forward as well – much more comfortable. And there was a net under the seat in front of you to rest your feet. The monitor for each seat was 12” x 8” (much bigger) and you had your selection of about 20 different movies to watch. On this flight – we had two full meals plus they brought around juices 4 different times and ice cream bars after the last meal. But….the food was Indian (VERY spicy). There was this green stuff that seemed to be source of the hot taste. We had be selective about what we ate. They also brought around HOT towels to wash your face and hands just before take-off and right before landing.

Chennai Airport

Chennai is the 4th largest city in India, but the country is still very backward. We had no problems going thru customs and our bags arrived safely. When we went outside the airport – there were more than 100 people lined up down a long hallway waiting for passengers. As we began to walk down the hall – a big white smile appeared with a sign that had our names on it – it was Mujeed Khan (the driver that Ramiah arranged for us). Mujeed was a very nice and accommodating person. He walked us out to the parking lot where his van was and took us to the hotel. The parking lot outside the airport was very dirty…lots of trash and walls made of metal board, broken stones and people sitting around on the ground.
By the time we got to the hotel, it was 1:30 am and we both passed out in the bed.  We are going to rest on Wednesday to prepare for the 8-10 hour drive to Ramiah's village for the wedding on Friday.  Since we will be in the car most of the day on Thursday, we may not be able to post another blog until after the wedding.  Friday will be filled with festivities!   Talk to you soon....