My research of Delhi International Airport warned me that it can be extremely busy, noisy and chaotic. Blogs advised me to wear ear plugs to curb the noise and accompanying culture shock. Since I arrived at 4 am, the airport was empty and quite easy to manage. My biggest concern was finding an ATM, a vodaphone store to buy a SIM card, and hoping the hotel sent a car for me. Never found an ATM, but when I walked out of the terminal there was a big smile from the hotel employee as he waited with my name on a sign. I was never so thankful to see my name. I looked left then right to see if I would be lucky enough to see a Vodaphone shop since my research told me that the airport was my best bet to find a legit SIM card with the least hassle. I couldn't believe my eyes, on the right was a Vodaphone store and it was open. I told the nice hotel man that I would like to grab a SIM card before we go, he smiled. I went to the counter and asked for a SIM card with data. He offered me unlimited data and 150 minutes. I said how much and he responded with a price in rupees. I said I only had cash. This was my first lesson in just trusting in humans. He looked at me and asked for an extra passport photo, which I knew I needed (I research well). He began filling out paper work while I silently hoped it would all be fine and he would take my cash. He spoke english, but not super well, and a misunderstanding could have taken place. I watched silently while the other employee dealt with a different group of foreigners. He insisted they needed rupees. They had to go exchange their currency, some stayed at the counter to start the paper work while the others went and got rupees. I continued to smile and trust the nice young man helping me. While he completed the paper work he engaged in conversation with me. Asking why I was India, how long I would be there, etc. He finished the paperwork smiled, and then gave me a bill listed in rupees. I looked at him with a bit of desperation and politely reminded him I only had cash. He smiled and said okay no problem, 20 dollars. I couldn't believe that 20 dollars would give me unlimited data when 80 dollars on my existing plan would have gotten mr 3 MB. I looked at him and said are you sure, he said of course madam. I handed him the 20, he put it in his pocket, and as I walked away I really hoped the SIM card would work after I waited the 3 hours and followed the directions he gave me.

The SIM card worked perfectly, I never had any trouble with it. I have no idea if he pocketed the money for himself, if he was hiding it from the other customers since he allowed me to pay cash and not rupees. Either way in this moment I decided that I would be safe, and well taken care of and I was welcome in the country of India. It seems trivial, but sometimes the first moments in a new situation that will determine how you posture yourself for everything that come next. I can say that I decided in that moment to allow each experience unfold with confidence that it would be okay and if it wasn't that I would be able to handle it. I let go of the need to know the what and the how of things happening and simply trust that the people that were put in charge of my care knew best. I never asked questions about logistics, amenities, or concerns that only matter if you don't have trust. I only inquired about things I saw that intrigued me.

Not going to lie, the hotel I stayed at that first night was 5 star. But in India 5 star is budget price when its only a night or two. Plus it made the arrival feel safe for me. So as I waited for my ride to bring me to start my experience I did what most would do. I sat in the bar. However, I drank coffee. The young man serving me asked if could could practice English with me. I was happy to have the conversation to pass the time. I learned he was from Nepal and is the oldest of 3. He only spends money on white shirts and black pants since that is the attire he is required for work. The rest of his earnings he sends home to his mother. He said that he is the most successful of his family and the he is very proud of his career in hospitality. He said this is a very good job to have in India and he hopes to go back home to visit but there are some paper work issues. He inquired about my stay and asked why I wasn't drinking. I told him I'm about to meet my host family and figured I should be in my best form. He laughed and agreed. When I left I told him I would be back in a few weeks for one night and hoped we could chat again.