A Lot Has Happened!

Well, the visas were delayed due to the Atlanta snow storm and so we ended up having to drive 5 hours each way to pick them up in order that we could leave in the 1st. We did leave on the 1st and arrived the evening of the 2nd. We were met at the airport by Rahul. For those about to travel, he will meet you in front of the building with a sign with your name on it. He is very nice and knows the locations of all places you will need to be. Be aware that once you leave the airport with your luggage, they will not let you re-enter the building.

We stayed at Hilton Garden Inn and the hotel was very nice. It was up to western standards. My only complaint was that the air had a continual funny odor. I am not certain if the air system needed cleaned or what, but those with breathing issues would need an air cleaning machine. The pool on the roof was spotlessly clean and very nice. At the end of the pool is an attached hot tub. Very relaxing!


We were able to meet our surrogate while we were there and she is a very sweet woman. She is divorced and has 2 children, ages 5 and 2. She will use this money to educate her children and improve their lives. We are very appreciative of what she is doing for us.


We also met Dr. Shivani. She is very intelligent, understanding and thorough. We truly did choose the best when we chose SCI. We have full confidence that we will have our babies very soon! We really like her a lot.


We also enjoyed meeting the staff. It is so nice to finally put a face to the name since we correspond with them regularly. Dr. Shivani truly surrounds herself with the most capable people that help get things done. Nabanita was so kind to assist us with the FRRO application and appointment process. She is a true asset to SCI. Nisha was our translator during the meeting with our surrogate and her light hearted nature and quick smile put us all at ease. Thank you both and to everyone that assists us with this process.


I believe our embryo transfer is to take place on Thursday. Nabanita said she would give me a complete schedule this week. Please send prayers and good thoughts that we get pregnant. Thank you!!


A few observations about India- We went to the Taj Mahal on Tuesday. It is AMAZING!! It is worth the drive to see it. It is breathtaking!! I will post pics of us there once we are pregnant and our families know.


The traffic in Delhi is crazy. Cars come very close to each other. Do not put any body part out the windows!!! If a highway has 3 lanes, there will be 4-5 lanes. Bikes and motorcycles will be mixed in those lanes. Horns honk incessantly, but not out of anger, but rather as a way to notify the other driver that you are there and to watch out. I got somewhat car sick from the repeated stops and starts necessary to avoid other drivers. It makes our driving look boring!! LOL!!


There will be certain areas where women and children will tap on the windows to beg. Rahul said they work for the mafia and the majority of the money goes to them and do not give them money. It is heartbreaking, though, when you see them.


We ate at the restaurant at the Hilton for breakfast every morning as they offer a western breakfast. It is very expensive, about 25.00pp, but we would then just snack for lunch and then have a nice dinner. We will get a room with a kitchenette when we go for baby pick up so we can do some cooking. There are some stores that sell western food items and we will probably bring some stuff. We ate at Johnny Rockets in Select City Walk mall and it was very good. I had the veggie burger. It was the best veggie burger I have ever eaten!!!! My husband had the buffalo burger and he didn't care for it as it was gamey. We also had Pizza Hut and KFC and they were very good as well. We went to the Indian Restaurant across from Svelte and it was very good, but expensive. We ordered 2 entrees and it was way too much food. We could have easily shared one. The curry was fabulous!!


Finally, Rahul really is the best. He knows of all the places that we need to go and can give advice on stores for baby goods, best hotels, etc. and he can come pick you up with an hours notice. Also, Rahul loves American chocolate. We gave him an Almond Joy and he loved it. He told me to bring a lot next time we come. So, if you want to win points with Rahul, make him a bag of various American chocolate bars and he will be in heaven. He is a vegetarian, so nothing with any animal products.


Well, I hope this long post makes up for my lack of posting the last couple of weeks. It was hectic getting to India, but we made it and we are anxious to return to pick up our babies!!!