Marg and Hector were last on the bus this morning, there was a Cash Crisis looming again What had we spent our money on? Nothing actually, today was Tip Day. The last of the Euros was converted, we need enough to cover Dinner this evening, and were unsure about the arrangements for Lunch. We had seen Toll Roads at Gurgaon as we passed through on our way to Rajahstan. The road from Agra to New Delhi was as close to motorway as one might find in India. Much of the road was elevated when it crossed through established settlements thus avoiding congestion. In fact, this highway was quiet except when vehicles overtook on the inside and out – Toot -too-toot.
Lunch turned out to be a Pit-Stop at the equivalent of a Motorway Service Station. Neither of was particularly hungry, Spicy Crisps sufficed. We don’t get Crisps like this in the UK. Crossing into New Delhi, the Coach Curtains were tied up, farewell to roaming cows.
First thoughts were the contradiction of such a Modest Man. The interior of the House had various attempts at museum exhibits, some more convincing than others. The Life-story was told in pictures. The gardens were perhaps the best part of this Historic Site, it was here Gandhi was shot, poignant. Again, there was a time-line relating his early years in South Africa before moving on to London then finally back to India. Marg may have seen Attenborough’s movie, Hector unbelievably has not.
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Another Museum?
I cannot say I felt any great sense of enthusiasm as we entered the National Museum. An hour, to look at weapons and embroidery. As a Geographer I was drawn to the world Map, it showed the parallel development of Civilisations across the planet. I had to explain to some the meanings of B.C.E. and C.E. Rosemary mentioned an Exhibition upstairs. There’s an upstairs? Two more floors, and Hector had paced two thirds of the allotted time on the ground floor.
Most Impressive
I have often wondered what other religions there were to rival Judaism in the years B.C.E. That there was another which has survived in part to this age is all the more remarkable. Zarathustra, Parsis, The Magi, Freddie Mercury too.
The Lotus Temple
The Final Stop of the Grand Tour was near to the Lotus Temple, that we were not going in bemused. There’s nothing to see inside, we didn’t even go in the compound, photos through the gaps in the perimeter. And so we bade – Farewell – to Nevandra our Driver, Raj his Assistant and Water Wallah. We were told that they would be away with another Group tomorrow. Finally, Bhupendra, Bhupi, whom I can now reveal is opening a very Posh Hotel. This Chap is very much part of India’s Aristocracy. He undertakes his handful of Tours each year to pay for the education of the Children whose Father died after sucking snake poison from Bhupi’s Father. Honourable.
Standing in the foyer waiting for our room keys, someone spotted a sign – Happy Hour. Hector went to check this out. Until 20.00 one could enjoy – Buy one get one free, or for Rs 999 all the Bier you could drink, with a Starter. Everyone was doing mental arithmetic. See you in The Bar as soon as…
Marg wished to swim, Hector accompanied as far as the pool-side. See you later, Dear.
The Usual Suspects were sitting at one end of a high and long table. Ladies had wine Chaps had Bier, or did they? One Bier will never be named in this Blog, is this all they have? The Menu showed the various Kingfishers and more. Needs must, it’s hot out there. Before I had achieved the halfway mark in Bottle #1, Karina had a Tête à Tête with The Waiter to establish why Drinks were coming one at a time and could they do a Bottle of Wine. The Waiter admitted to having two Bottles only of Kingfisher Ultra, bring them here right now – was Hector’s directive. The Freebie was also summoned and passed along the table to someone less fussy.
And so the next hour or so was set up. The Maitre d’ made an appearance in the Basement Bar. After consultation with his staff he approached The Hector. As long as you are here it is Happy Hour. Bring it on.
Marg joined the expanding Company after her swim. The Final Dinner would be taken in the bustling area immediately outside the Suryaa Hotel, meanwhile Marg was hungry. A snack was summoned, others ordered their Dinner here. Meanwhile the Final of the Cricket was on TV, perhaps this had something to do with the offer to keep us here. Fifteen of the Twenty feature in the photos, methinks everyone was there at some point.
There is life outside
Around 21.00, Hector felt it was time to go in search of The Final Curry. The usual Chains were represented, we’ve done Pizza. Pebble Street – was the eatery that had shown up on Google Maps. On the ground it did not hold the required appeal. The area was stowed, most Eateries were stowed and or Vegetarian. The Rampur Kitchen came into view, this would provide – The Last Hurrah – and provide a worthy conclusion to The Trip.
Party on
Back at the Suryaa a few stragglers remained. When the cricket stopped, Happy Hour stopped, so it goes. We should have been able to have more nights like this.
Breakfast + The Flight home
Breakfast was back to Eggs, various and Fruit Juice. Hector was taking no pre-flight chances. Farewell – some were continuing their Trip to Amritsar, some to the Mountains and so on. The remainder were sat together on the ten and a half hour flight home. Five movies and the Veggie Option. The story of The India Trip 2016 ends where it began – Curry-Heute.
The Hotel and Restaurant visited today:
Suryaa Hotel – New Friends Colony, New Delhi, Delhi 110025, India
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