Arrival in Cochin, India

Jess arrived in Cochin, India to celebrate her birthday.   She was anxious to tour Agra to see the Taj Mahal.   Unfortantely her friend was not able to join her due to class schedules.   She apparently has gotten some additional responsibility related to the "Balloon Club."  Below is her email to me.

Hi Dad,

So you probably talked to mom and I'm really sorry to do this to you, but I need your input/help for India again.

So when you booked me the flight my intention was to go with Jordan, but 8:00 p.m. is too early for him because he has a field lab for a class/he may not got to Delhi at all. That said I was told by everyone that traveling alone in India is not good,  Especially being a girl getting there at 11:00 at night with no hotel. I'm only expressing this concern because I've heard multiple horror stories. My friend Kelly, who is on the ship, has a friend who was kidnnapped in India when she took a cab alone and was held for ransom for 2 days.

I'm not trying to be dramatic, but everyone I have talked to has said that India is one if not the worst place to travel alone in out of all of the ports. That said, if there is any way you could help me either a) help me get a hotel room near the airport or b) if it is possible to cancel the flight - there is plenty to do in southern India, by Cochin.

I would love to see the Taj Mahal and northern India, but I would only have one day and transportation is terrible so what do you think I should do?

Thank you. I'm so sorry to be a pain in the butt, I know you already booked the flight- but I was hoping to go with Jordan. I want to experience all of India, but would also a) like to see the country without being rushed through everything and b) don't want to die.

Also If the flight cant be cancelled, I am going it is only a matter of seeing if there is a hotel/ maybe getting in earlier when it is a little safer since i wil be alone/ getting a later one that Jordan could get on.

THANK YOU AND SORRY--IT WAS NOT MY INTENTION TO DUMP THIS ON YOU

Sincerly,

Jessica L. Coder

VP of Balloon Club, Spring 2013 Voyage, Semester at Sea

She will be exploring Southern India around Cochin and not traveling to Agra. We have heard Southern India is is a lovely part of the world.   Perhaps we will do a family trip to Agra to see the Taj Mahal.

Signed:  The Grouch