Finally......to India

Hi all, The trip to New Delhi was uneventful although Marie was extremely unwell. I sailed through the whole thing with my eyes shut. Had to be woken up to have a drink (that's OK), woken up to have my meal (that's OK too) and woken up to put my seat upright...not too happy with that one! However we landed at 9pm so there was beggar all to look out the window at. The arrivals hall was like stepping back in time. very primitive and very shabby.

Not impressed with the wildlife in the terminal. As soon as we came off the plane a mouse ran across in front of us..was really hoping that marie didn't jump into my arms!! The mouse was skinny and tiny ..actually thought it was a giant cockroach at first.

I expected the pandemonium at the airport and was so pleased we had ordered a driver from the hotel. The taxi's are like 1956 Morris Oxfords..green..utterly hideous, and... 2 litre. So I was really glad to see this tidy guy with a toyota corolla!!! Some chap came up and loaded our bags into the car and then wanted a tip..marie gave me 100rupees to give the guy. i asked her how much it was and she said to forget it, lets just get to the hotel. (this morning we worked out we gave the guy a whole 4 bucks!!)

The motorway in was amazing - like singapore the roads are one way, but unlike singapore there are no markings and they manage to have 5 cars across on what would only barely be a two lane road. Dusty and many stops on the way at traffic lights to let traffic cross the highway. Cars everywhere, tuk-tuk's everywhere, motoycycles everywhere...even a tractor towing a religious float with cow idols. Through streets with seedy food places right on the road and people cooking on the road. Dogs, dogs and more dogs...on course not as beautiful at Max and Nina! In fact they all look the same as the mouse - skinny and small..except bigger.

We came into the affluent area where all the government ministers live. Suddenly no traffic. Mentioned to our driver, who up until now had not spoken a word since we got in the car, that there was suddenly no traffic - he laughed and said yes and offered no further explanation. Then past the embassy's and the presidents residence, and eventually to the hotel.

The reception staff got Marie straight to her room, which was very thoughtfull. I checked us in and went straight to the room. It was about 11pm Delhi time so I did my usual night time lark...fell asleep in front of tele! The room is just beautiful - dark wood sleigh beds, tan and blue marble floors, exquisite fittings....really getting a taste of India here I can tell you!

Woke up a bit during the night - the sleep mantra works Linda, I finally woke up at 7.30am. We checked out all the reading material, went and had breakfast at the hotel, walked around the hotel, found the business centre and it is now 11.35am and we are blogging.