Time with Neal's Family

After a few days of relaxing in Delhi we took Neal's family to our city for the first time. They were real troopers with the dangers involved in travel here. 

We got into the cars late because of unexpected circumstances and ended up driving late in the night as the fog was descending on the villages. This created much more danger than simply crazy traffic and large potholes in the road. We were at certain times driving blindly toward the headlights of distant and fast moving vehicles.

My Dad said: "Neal I am glad that I came to India so that we could die together on this crazy road!"

We laughed and were glad to reach home that night. 

At the moment of arrival we were met by our friends who helped us unpack. We received so much help from our new friends.

 Our gatekeeper even came the next day and gave us some food for dinner.

 We went out and drove around our city for the full tour one day: all of the landmarks and old buildings were viewed. 

We went to the park and walked, got a taste of Indian fast food and ended the day by buying Elijah his 1st tricycle! He loved it! 

The next day we had lunch with my language helper (who called my parents "Auntie and Uncle"). 

We then went to dinner with our old host family. They had biriani and chick pea salad- yummy!

We also had some meat and roti (bread).

Their entire family showed
up for the event.

 Our friends with us before we left. They were so kind to host us.

We even had dinner with my driver's family one night. Dad and Mom loved the parathas (potato stuffed bread pockets). They had lots more Indian food than anticipated but never got sick!

This was our last day in the city... 

our gatekeeper's wife bought all of us gifts in the local market. 

Mom got a coffee mug and I got a glass in the shape of a heart. My family was so appreciative of all the love that was shown to them by people that had never met them.

Next we went on to Agra where my family saw the Taj for the 1st time. It was the most pleasant visit we had ever had (last time it was like 104* C). 

They also went to Pizza Hut ("exotic" for Indians) and then we got coffee.

We stayed in a hotel that ended up not having any hot water 

(Dad was so looking forward to his 30 minute long hot shower).

The next day we got up and drove down the new, pleasant, and smooth freeway to Delhi.

It was a relaxing trip where they got to see the countryside and fields of grain.

Finally we arrived back in Delhi for a few nights to relax at our favorite comfortable hotel before sending my parents back on the plane to go back home.

Dad took us out to Chili's and we went to play arcade games in the mall.

Elijah loved all of the driving games. He sat in GB's lap to drive the cars around and made the noises - "Vroom - vroom!" He loved it.

Another pic of Elijah at the arcade. He really loves cars. He may have a future in racing!

GB and Elijah at the coffee shop in Delhi.

Elijah and Rachel singing the new "Get your Jammies on" song. He was grooving and moving as they bounced around the hotel room. And of course he had to stare at himself in the mirror!

Overall it was a quick and encouraging trip. We already miss them and look forward to seeing them again soon!