Bell at Mount Abu

Bell at Mount Abu

Monday, 10 February 2014

Touchdown!

Well, here we are at 7.pm local time in our hotel in Jaipur.  The flight from Heathrow went well and we spent a reasonable night on board - 8 1/2 hours - though John did not sleep much and I managed to contract the first stage of Delhi belly on the flight before even getting here!

The transfer from Mumbai international to the domestic airport was a bit of a worry - but actually it went very smoothly, apart from a short delay and the Go Air domestic flight was comfortable.

First impressions of Mumbai was of the juxtaposition of the new high rise blocks in amongst the patchwork of slum roofs in all directions.  As we were bused across the runway we could see the ladies in the slums going about their daily business of washing and cleaning.  The climate at lunchtime was 25 degrees C and a little humid which gave it a tropical feel.  Jaipur was a little grey and cloudy by reminds us of driving through Luxor but with the Maharaja Palace style of architecture in places - some authentic and many kitsch copies.  Our driver was on hand to welcome us with a very nice people carrier and seems a very nice person - presenting us with gift of welcome scarf each.  Attended to our every whim and took us to a heritage Haveli which is a traditional house turned hotel which has a lovely aged decadence about it although it is only 40 years old.  There is a rooftop restaurant for dinner tonight - you can hear the distant buzz of busy traffic   - for me a very good first day.
Yvonne






Going through the airports was interesting. Be prepared to have your passport and visa checked about every 50 yards.  I think it is a good source of employment really.  If I was still using film in my camera it would be completely fried by now.
John. 

8 comments:

Unknown said...

Wow your rooms looks luxorious. I hope this comment appends correctly. Fabulous ceiling, at last something to look at during those magic moments instead of the damp patch.

Sorry to hear Yvonne you had pre-Delhi belly.

PandA said...

Great start - hotel looks good, enjoy.

Unknown said...

Glad to hear that you've got there safely and all is ok .Have Fun R&G x

drat said...

I just love the security checks. Always puts a smile on my face; plus the stamping of documents, bags tags, customs declarations, etc.

#sounds like you got off to a good start - hope the Deli belly has subsided.

John Pilk said...

Lol re damp patch. Individual sleeping bag liners tend to keep one pretty chaste!

John Pilk said...

Hi Trevor, Delhi Belly did not develop from those initial grumblings. We did have to return a rather sulphurous smelling lassi to the waiter so we are being careful. In fact we had pizza yesterday as veg curries are beginning to lose their edge, even after only three days!

John Pilk said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
John Pilk said...

Thanks Rich and Georgie. All good so far. Eating loads too much and have so far avoided stepping in the cow pats!