Delhi, India
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
After a traditional Dodd-like rush to the boarding gate we settled down to the 9hour flight. We listened attentively to what we thought was an English safety announcement and were worried Indian English was all Greek to us. The following announcement was actually in English, though almost as incoherent. We were picked up by the 'complimentary' hotel airport pick-up by the proverbial Indian man with a van. This van lacked wing mirrors, indicators, door catches, seat belts and driver with any inhibitions. The back street Hotel Astoria had been slated by each and every visitor and true to form tried to charge us 500Rs for the free pick-up; so to find a room with a roof was a pleasant surprise and the most intricate toilet flushing system in the known world. The telephone was only for ornamental purposes and the key holder was stolen from another hotel.
We then signed up to a tour around the north and stays at hotels about ' 75% better'. We'll see how that turns out.
Alex.
