Delhi and Safe

These trips never seem to go badly wrong but the vexing moments that come and go in waves. My arrival in Delhi was not without one of these trying events. The flight from Helsinki to Delhi had already been deferred to following day, but when the check in assistant said that I was on standby; alarm bells. He followed up with a promise that there would be a seat. Shortly after that the plane was proclaimed delayed with little reason given. Another proclamation came and hour later, exactly the same as first, except for ‘technical reasons’. Finally, and suddenly, the plane was being boarded and I joined a huge queue, hearing stories of overbooking being put about by some of the people. In my standby status I was definitely feeling nervous. However!
Delhi is much the same as last time I arrived there 2 years ago – hot, overcast and very humid.

The Delhi Partiers

The 3 hour flight delay turned out to be blessing in disguise as there was much less time to wait in the airport ‘restaurant’. Quite a seedy affair where broken subdued lighting and ancient crumbling furniture characterises the place perfectly. Four young professional guys ambled in from the rich side of town in. I cant honestly say, after almost 3 days of frustrating slow travel, I really didn’t want to join in, but they were a friendly bunch. Three hours passed very quickly and then into the steamy morning light to get the bus to Delhi. Now in the Smyle Inn situated amidst a chaotic array of shops, cheap cafes, and smells that often haunt me when I am dreaming of being here.
The Main Bazaar area opposite Delhi station. By the way, Smyle Inn can be found on the internet for advance bookings. http://www.smyleinn.com/

The only real job I had to do was to confirm and arrange further train reservations. It all went quite smoothly thanks to the staff working in the International Tourist office at New Delhi station. Now, armed with 22 reservation slips, I am just about ready to go. Tomorrow it will be to Jaisalmer in the Thar Desert next to Pakistan. Almost too tired to think at the moment, let alone make this blog.