On arrival at Chennia aiprot - May 10

May 9 - in the plane
May 10 - arrival airport - Chennai
After twenty two hours of departure from DC, I landed with joy and I was the first few to come out of the plane. I came to immigration and I just wondered if I were in some kind of a crowded market due to noise around me. People were screaming and yelling. There were four long lines and one short line for diplomats. Some of my co-passengers and I moved from the long line to that one. At the end of the line, I was told that they were getting only the passports from Qatar. British air has just arrived and I have to wait. So I went back to British Air line; by this time I was the last one on the line. The line was moving very fast and I was very happy. Alas, I learned that they were collecting all passports in a plastic bag. We were asked to wait. After 15 minutes, one immigration officer brought a bag; every one ran to him. One could not hear the name because passengers were shouting at the same time out of frustration and anxiety. Then another lady came with a bog and shouted “British Air”. She was very close to me. Guess what! My name was called within six or seven names. I got my passport and came downstairs, went through security for the carry in bags, picked up suitcases, and was exit to customs. I was told that I could not go because I have not been cleared and there was no stamp from Immigration. I was asked to go back upstairs. I took my turn in line again to go upstairs and then explained to an officer and got my passport and customs document signed. When I came downstairs, I was asked to go though the security for the same hand luggage that was cleared a few minutes before. I went to an officer who saw me running around earlier. He permitted me to leave without any problems. My friends have been waiting for more than two hours from the time the plane landed.
I should admit this is the first time that I have encountered such a chaos at Chennai airport. Usually, immigration has been very quick and orderly. Whatever happened that day made me realize that how much anxiety a long journey can created and put a stress on your body and mind. However, I was so happy to note that no one used any cuss words despite the circumstances. I was just wondering how this situation might be if it were one of the cities in the US. I did not hear anyone getting angry and miserable. Everyone was just eager to go and see their loved ones waiting outside. That was all. I was so proud of the Tamil heritage at that time about respect for authorities.

May 11: Church in the morning and I will talk about my 11th evening experience in the next post once I arrive Pondicherry.