Why did I think it would be a good idea to take my laundry to the hostel laundry service at 5am this morning? He did say before 10am but obviously wasn’t expecting counting women’s underwear at such an unearthly hour. As I waited for him to finish a discussion with his colleague about whether to count my fleece as an overcoat or a jacket, when in actual fact it’s more of a jumper, I started to get a little nervous about the time. He insisted on writing each piece on a list and then wrote each piece again out on another list – 22 pieces in all – he read the names of the articles out loud and I was pleased there were no other guests around – brrrrrraaaasssss and panties can be slightly embarrassing- there was just no hurrying or interrupting him, he was taking his job very seriously.
On completion we sprang into a taxi to New Delhi train station. It was still dark but so incredibly busy. We found our train and seats and in the process moved some French people already nestled down in our reserved spaces 😉 The train was incredible – a high speedyish express called Shatabdi. Totally unprepared for the punctual start and the ensuing 4 course breakfast watching the sun rise out of the left side and various animals and people walking along the tracks in a calm chaos on the right and listening to some magical mystical Indian music, almost expecting snakes to wind their way out of wicker baskets. A truly exceptional train experience.
We had arranged to meet a tour guide in Agra and I bumped into someone who asked if I was mrs patreeshah, who I obviously am. Strange how you just automatically meet up with the right people – almost magnetic.
First stop the Taj Mahal. I couldn’t wait to see that, has been on my bucket list ever since Lady Di did her iconic sad pose. Of course I wanted to recreate this and asked the unofficial official photographer if he could make me look like Lady Di – he assured me he could and he was hired. He said one photo would cost 100 rupees which is about 1 euro 50 cents. What he failed to tell us was that he took a minimum of 40 photos and on completion of our photo shoot asked for 4000 rupees and said he would throw in a CD gratis!!! I’m not a savvy in the know traveller as yet – I’m working on it, but also got persuaded to buy a carpet as well today – tomorrow I shall be more careful 🙂
The day ended with another unspicy meal in Agra – in order to get something non spicy, you have to look blonde like me and rub your belly and pull up your nose in order to convey a distaste for spicy food. I think this is one thing I do quite well 🙂
Back in our hostel in Delhi, the music pounds out from the disco (courtyard) below and I once again find myself believing I am too old for hostels……I would however rather not sleep all night, than ask them to turn the music down 😉
Haha tolle Story!
A carpet? Just magic!!