This is the first time since I have left the UK to have time to update you all on my incredible adventure.
Arrival on Mumbai was wonderful, my sister Dina met me and straight to a spa for total relaxation. It hits you hard when you arrive and see the slums as you are taxing down. I was shocked with the poverty and crowd. Its 20 times worse than Egypt, but the outings are nice. Unfortunately got very sick on the second day but recovered quickly due to the wonderful care of Dina.
Arrived in Delhi, very similar to Cairo. Exhibition and business opportunities much bigger than UK. So on the last day I get introduced to a safari company who want representation in the UK and insists that I have to visit the safari lodges in Central India.
The sleeper was a huge adventure and very tough. Toilets so unclean. I had to think 10 times before going, so had to not eat or drink. We then arrive at 5:30 am to be met and driven for 3 hours to the lodge. Hectic but a beautiful place not like the rest of India. We never saw tigers though. Everytime the tigers had just left the area we entered. Very organised safari. It is freezing here at night the temperature drops to 3 degrees. So when we went on the Safari at 6 am it was hell. Wrapped in blankets and wearing my suitcase the suffering continued till 8 am.
Again back to Delhi for one night before my journey to Rajashtan – the remainder of the golden triangle. Jaipur is lovely, again very similar to Egypt. Beauitful ancient palaces and the old city is pink. Everything pink. I am staying in an old palace with butlers doing everything for me…which makes me feel I have stepped back in time. I am on the go all the time. Today we went to another city called Pushkar and back again in one day. But I get to have my dinner in my lovely Mahri suite. Where Maharaj used to stay. Except that its freezing. I have a young boy at my beck and call. The minute I step out of my suite and say hello, he jumps to attention! Even carries my room key, runs to the kitchen gets my coconut water. infact today I had four butlers attending to me…hahha.
The food here is special! No one cares about health! it doesn’t exist. Everything is swimming in oil and butter. If you ask for grilled, it still comes with oil. Their bread here is magnificent and the naan is beautiful very thin and you can have it without any butter…shocking.
I have to pack now for my next trip. Visiting Mumbai again for 4 hours, to see Dina then connecting for Kerela. Jeremy just called so he will arrive in a few hours and I will arrive in the afternoon tomorrow insh.
Not sure how to pack domestic flights here are so strict!
Miss you all very much. I honestly feel as if I have entered a different time zone…at least 60 years back.
Amal on her incredible India adventure xxxx