I initially started this post when I arrived in India, since I noticed many things which did not fit into any one day, or only happened once. As I sit in the Delhi Airport, waiting to enter the secure area, I figured I better wrap up the blog on India. So today, will be a mis-mash of stuff, (ok, there was very little order before, but hold onto your seats, there is no rhyme or reason).
32 and Smoke was the forecast for the very first day, and I thought what does this mean, I thought it was smokey already, what would it be like if the weather network was calling for smoke. 15 days later, I still notice the smoke but it is not so bad, it is true you can boil a frog, without him jumping out of the pot. I also don't find the heat and humidity crazy, but maybe it gets warmer as the sun goes down, maybe it does. Although, I do plan on being on the other side of the security line (after 8pm), and in the AC lounge. I am counting down the minutes, not because I want to leave the country that badly, but I really want to check my bags, so that I will only have to worry about my backpack.
I don't know how it works, but it does. While my Canadian trained sense of order is amazed and sometimes shocked at the chaos and lack of regard for driving laws, people and goods do move from point A to point B. I am also amazed that corruption is so prevalent, in addition to a entry tax, we had to pay a bribe, not because we were doing anything, but so that the border service people would make our journey more "interesting" than it was. Once again, I am really thankful that I am not doing this on my own, for the first time in India.
They say a picture is worth a 1000 words, and a video must be worth a 1000 times that, but even if I had full-motion video running constantly, I don't think I could adequately convey to you a complete picture, unless you have been to India, (or a similar developing country) would fully understand. For example, there is a rule of 10 people in a vehicle and it appears this is checked only at the toll booths, (which seem to be every 50 KMs). At these oasis of calm, (HA, let me say it again HA), numbers 11 through 20 would get off the vehicle and walk through the gate. While I have mentioned the motorcycle passenger limits, I could not stop wanting to take a picture of these daring people. It would be one thing, if she was holding on to the driver while riding side-saddle, but this is not the case. I did take one photo today, of a woman who was holding a baby (less than a year old, I guess), out like I would hold my nieces and nephews, and this was while her husband (?) was manoeuvring in traffic, and over rough roads, (A KLR would kick butt over here.
If you don't know ask. First, I was glad to see a western style washroom, in all the places we have stayed or visited. However, there was one component that I did not understand. I guess Crocodile Dundee would use this to wash his boots. I do have to say, that I do prefer the North American approach, especially since there did not appear to be a way to control the water temperature, and a little shot of cold water in the morning or the middle of the night, would not be my favourite way to wake up. But hey, call me crazy.
The showers (baths) are also something we are not used to, it is a bit of a shock to see a shower head without walls, curtains, or glass in those homes which have upgraded (?) to a western style shower. I question if this is an actual upgrade, because the more traditional method is very environmentally friendly, since you are limited to a set quantity of water. At the same time, you have to plan a little bit for a bath or shower, since you have to turn on the Geyser, (yep it confused me the first time also). The basic idea is that you fill a container with warm water, and then you wet down, then you soap up, and then you rinse off. I guess in a country where there are perpetual shortages of everything, you take steps to ration water. At the same time, the traditional toilet, is also more water friendly, even though it would take a bit of practice to get used to it, you would definitely not spend any additional time sitting and reading.
I know that you have to bargain for everything here, and even though I started my practice in North Bay, when buying new cell phone covers, I have nothing on the local population, however. I think that this skill goes away with time, since I believe that Ruby, actually paid the price written on the package. I now know that it is something you are either born with or learn it really early. After our walk, (no climb) to and from the mall we stopped at the little store above the house where they were also selling fireworks. There was this little boy, maybe 5 or 6 bargaining like a seasoned pro for some firecracker. I think he wore down the guy, since he was the one who looked like he should have been kissed first. I wonder if this kid would be willing to come with me when I look for a truck, hmmm
I am not sure if I would ever get used to eating and then going to sleep, especially a good, wait GREAT spicy meal. However, it is pretty common that the last meal of the day is taken just before bed Of course this follows a late lunch, (1-3pm). Aside from the unusual hours of eating, the food here has been great. I suspect that typical Canadian cooking will be a little bland when I return.
I also have to say what an excellent driver Harnek was, in fact I would recommend him (or his father, he took us to the Red Fort), to anyone who is coming to Delhi and wishes to have a reliable and English speaking car and driver. Contact me if you want his contact information, I am sure he can also put you in contact with the guide in Agra, who will be more than willing to show you "the Other side" of the Taj Mahal, I am almost kicking myself for not buying that carpet, and the inlaid marble pieces. C'est la vie.
Finally, I have to say something about the hotels, all of them were excellent, great service, very friendly staff, and beautiful rooms. The meals were excellent, and really reasonable in Canadian terms, in fact India has been a very reasonable vacation, (of course it might have been different, if I was staying in hotels the entire time, or I did not get a deal on certain hotel rooms, (special package deal), it is good to know important people. I sure hope I can return the favour when Ruby's family visits Canada. However, I am going to suggest that one should not eat and go directly to bed.
Till next time,
Cim "I really like Hot Tamales" McDonald
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