... With that out of the way ....
Today was exhausting - or, I should say, I was exhausted. Jet lag can really take its toll. I did manage to stay awake all day though, which bodes well for me being able to feel more human tomorrow.
Orientation programming dominated the day: grant logistics, the dubiously named "cultural awareness training", and lessons on how to work with the Indian media.
Two highlights though:
1) Meeting the foreign secretary, which is the equivalent of the US's Undersecretary of State: the top career diplomat. She was recently appointed and was previously India's ambassador to China. Her promotion reflects the growing importance of that relationship to India's economic, military and geographical future. She was incredibly engaging, very interested in our projects, and works in one of the most impressive buildings I've ever seen - a palace of red sandstrone, and a true marvel of colonial architecture.
2) The Fulbright orientation soiree, which was held this evening. Met a lot of interesting members of the Fulbright board, various newspaper editors, etc.: many of the major names in Delhi's intellectual circles. Many of the connections will be very helpful for either Dana and I, and it was fascinating to be in a crowd of Indians and ex-pats all of whom have done such interesting things with their lives.
I am desperately tired and I know what I just wrote is of little substance, but I'm trying to get in the habit of writing. More tomorrow perhaps when I'm feeling more lucid.
Glad you are safe and sound. Let's see a picture of that sandstone building.
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