Off we go again, this time to India. Our main destination is to photograph the Camel Festival. Yet, who can go to India and ignore all of the famous ancient sites. We treated ourselves to business class on Emirates Airline and I have to say, we were not disappointed. Each with our own pod, our own private bar with water and sodas, the most extensive movie selection to rival Netflix and seats that lie flat, with a mattress to boot. Twelve and a half hours from New York to Dubai and another 3 and half hours to Delhi. Phew, we are tired despite our flight accommodations.

The Dubai airport is an architectural wonder of intersecting steel and glass. One could buy whatever they wanted as the shopping is overwhelming. The perfume smell is nauseating as you walk through the terminal. The collection of gold is beyond comprehension, every make of watches are represented and one could buy an entire wardrobe of clothes both traditional and modern.

As the plane landed in Delhi, it brought back memories of 1991 where we were stranded for two days waiting for a plane to Bhutan. One feels as if a curtain has fallen over your eyes, seeing only vague shapes in the distance. The smog or smoke, depending on who you talk with, is so thick you cannot see the stars at night, nor the distant landscape in the day. We are told it is because of the many fireworks that have been punctuating the sky in celebration of Diwali, a traditional holiday much like out New Year’s Eve.

Our hotel is hidden down a side street, with an unimpressive entrance. It has several floors with two rooms on each floor, very tidy, clean and perfect, no glitz, just a small hotel with flair. The rooftop restaurant looks over the city and out of the kitchen comes the most delicious Indian cooking.  Tomorrow we explore Delhi.