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Published: December 19th 2008
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Well the trip couldnt have started on much more of a high than when we got a call on our way to the airport to say we had been upgraded to business class. Although the goodbyes were sad we were smiling as soon as we hit the business class lounge with our backpacks and traniers (although this may have been helped by the free flowing champs)... thank you SO much aunty Tracy!
Less than an hour into the flight and several Kia Royal's later we were both pretty crunked. We blame the air hostesses who wouldnt let our glasses reach empty. We tucked into our first curry and before they had cleared our plates away we were both fast asleep, exhausted.
We met a really nice lady on the plane who gave us a few tips, the main one being to make sure we take a meter taxi from the airport. However, in a quest to save ourselves ₤1.50 we put our trust into a little Indian man to take us. Turns out the hotel we had previously booked had kindly given our room to someone else because in true Nikki and Leanne style we were an hour late!
Ended up in another hotel but once we were there we felt like total lost puppies and didnt know what to do with ourselves so we slept.
We decided/were talked into hiring a driver for the first half of our trip which worked out about the same money but much more comfortable, much safer and we have our own personal, english speaking guide .
Whichever Partridge had day 2 in the bet for when the itinerary would change CONGRATS!! We will be heading to Bikaner tomorrow after a bit more sight seeing in Delhi, then onto Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaipur and Agra, then flying to Goa for some beach/party time and finishing our trip in Mumbai.
After a couple of hours with 'Sally' in the tourist office, we headed to some of the sights in Old Delhi. We started at Jamai mosque where we had a rather amusing guide who managed to tell us everything we needed to know about it without actually using any words, just some crazy hand gestures and some grunting, then charged us ₤1.20 for the pleasure.
We also visited a statue of Hanuman (the monkey God), a Jain bird hospital, a
Sikh temple and a Jain temple.
The most interesting part for us though is the people watching. You cannot explain this place or the people in words. It is the craziest and most chaotic place that either of us has ever been to! We think we will be dreaming the sound of car horns for weeks after this trip and absolutely everything is 'no problem'. We have made a couple of videos as we were walking through the streets but they still do not capture the reality of this place.
On our way back to the car we walked past what looked like the preparations for a big party. Before long we were talking to the families of the bride and groom of an Indian couple due to wed that evening. Plate of food in our hands and mid mouth-full we accepted an invitation to the evening ceremony.
Off we went to buy new pashminas and some flowers for the bride and groom (Mum- you would have had a run for your money. A huge arrangement gift wrapped with a bow for ₤2.50!)
When we walked through the entrance we were immediately whisked off to join
the procession, leading at the front with the bride's Mum and Dad. In front of about 500 Indians, the ceremony was brought to a halt so they could take photos of us with the bride and groom. We were then told that we must perform a dance in front of the newlyweds which drew in a bigger crowd than they had had all night! Hands flying all over the place, in true Bollywood style to the sound of drums and trumpets, we blagged the performance of a life time which ended in cheers all round and petals thrown all over us!
After seeing how talented the two guests of honour were, all the men and children at the party wanted to dance with us more and learn our moves. We were a bit reserved but came into our own when the DJ pulled out Sean Paul- Temperature.
Unfortunately we think our driver wanted an early night when he whisked us off the dance floor to say our goodbyes. One of the funniest experiences we have ever had but also a huge honour, especially when we over heard the bride's brother telling her that us attending was a special
gift from him.
An amazing and totally overwhelming first day which we couldnt wait to do all over again.
No problem.
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Raman
non-member comment
hi there
hi, I'm a design student and an architect here in India and I'm researching on the problems that tourists face while finding there way in Indian Cities. Please mail me your comments, ideas, observations on this. I'm based in Delhi and this research is for the improvement of signage systems in the city. Thanks Raman