India day 2

So much to tell you about today blog fans.
Overnight it was incredibly hot. The AC in our room sounds like a generator so we turned it off just to be able to go to sleep. We are now on Delhi time and slept for 10 hours.

Breakfast in the room brought by the friendly staff at the hotel. (I only think they are friendly as I over tipped them on the first day 100R=£1, normal tip is 10R=10p)

Went to Lallis workshop at Indermotors and finally met the man himself. Sorted out some of the paperwork and one of his men took us for a ride into central Delhi. Mental, but the most exciting ride I have ever been on. Andy nearly had an incident with the Royal Air Force, I'm sure he will explain but he's safe. We went right into the heart of official Delhi and saw the Parliament buildings and in the distance India Gate. But no time to sight see when riding in Delhi. Once we got back the spares and tools we are taking were explained to us and we had a full course on how to mend the Enfield with a hammer and gaffer tape. (I have the Gaffer tape). Lalli has sat us down and explained the rules of highway driving in India and how the locals treat the highways. Needless to say we listened intently and took it all on board. (basic concept: expect the unexpected, avoid big things that hurt)  The mechanics fitted my GPS power lead and after we had finished the 'Borrowing' agreement (cannot hire motorbikes without an official licence) we had the Pooja ceremony. Lalli said prayers to the god Ganesh and garlands were placed on the bikes and we all shared a sweet rice dish.(Even the bikes). Incense was burnt on the handlebars. The bikes were then delivered to the hotel.

We then went off into Delhi on the Metro. We had decided to go and see all the places we had seen earlier but on foot. Well we got a bit lost and found ourselves quite a walk from central Delhi so we got into an 'auto' (Tuk Tuk). The driver agreed to take on a tour of the sights (300R=£3). Excellent tour but had to endure the family carpet shop routine......We don't have any carpets.

                                          India Gate - memorial to the war dead.

We ended up at a shopping Plaza we visited last night but today there was so many beggars. Lots of little children but it has been explained to us not to pay them as the children are passed around to beg. (Fagin style).

So anyway back at the hotel. Coffee and water (3lts today). We are going to a recommended chicken restaurant tonight which all the locals go to. We are going to pack up later ready for a 6am start to get out Delhi before the heat really gets going.

Sometime later.....

 

 Been out to the restaurant and had a full chicken dinner with Andy and that came to £7.  Bags are packed and we are skyping home and facebooking etc.

Will update the blog from somewhere north of India over the next couple of days.

 

 

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