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Our first impressions of India
were good. We were very impressed when the immigration
officer at Delhi airport said to Geoff, "I notice
that it will soon be your birthday - I am pleased
that you will be spending it in India", before
standing up and shaking his hand! |
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After exchanging some money
at the local branch of Thomas Cook, we were greeted by a
representative (plus driver) from Kuoni and presented with
two flower garlands, which we wore somewhat self-consciously
as we drove to our hotel. We had been warned that driving
(or being driven) around India would be "interesting"
and we were not to be disappointed! The was a lot of overtaking
on the left, cutting in, constant tooting of horns and no
lane discipline... so what were those white lines painted
in the road for, we wondered? Queuing for the tolls was
another experience, because "queuing" doesn't
really happen. We decided almost immediately that the best
policy was to relax and to try not to take too much notice
of the road!
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Above: The toll booth between the airport and the
hotel
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Our car journey was relatively
short and painless, despite the traffic. A left turn out
of the traffic chaos and we were in a different world! |
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The Trident Hotel at Gurgaon
was stunning. Modern and clean with a vast blue-tiled infinity
pool at its centre. The room was comfortable. |
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There were no automatic doors
in the hotel complex, yet every time we approached one,
it was opened for us as if my magic, by somebody who bowed,
smiled and greeted us! |
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After tea and an afternoon
nap, we strolled around the hotel grounds, watched the sun
set and then went for supper. |
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The hotel restaurant served
all types of food; Indian, Italian, Japanese and more. The
wines were very expensive, so we gave them a miss. |
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Another walk after dinner,
admiring the flambeaux, wasting gas and adding to India's
carbon footprint, but very impressive nonetheless! |
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