Monday, December 12, 2011

Homeward Bound

December 12 (Monday):

Departed Mumbai just after midnight at 1:45am.  Arrived in Amsterdam at 6:50am.  Rested, napped and freshened up at the airport.

Departed Amsterdam at 10:40am.  Arrived in Seattle at 11:15am (1 hr earlier), but had to wait on the tarmac for an opening at the gate, which took about 50 mins.  Had to go through Immigration (long, long line up); baggage claim; customs; and finally re-checked in baggage.  Had to take 3 short trains (10 mins) to Gate C.

Departed Seattle at 2:35pm.  Arrived in Edmonton at 5:34pm, and cleared Immigration and Customs.


Drove Home, Sweet Home with Tahira.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Mumbai



December 11 (Sunday):

Got a wake up call at 9:00am.  Showered, got ready, went for breakfast at 10:00am.  An amazing array of food and great service - they even redo your napkins whilst you are gone for second helpings.  Relaxed in the lobby and  watched the in and out goings - not a boring moment.  Went to do some shopping in the small stalls along Coloba Causeway.  Bought some Pashmini and got talking to to the shop owner, who was from Kashmir.  He invited us in and gave us tea & coffee.

Back to the Taj, packed and checked out at 3:30pm - they granted us a late check out, as we had a late night flight.  Left our baggage at the Concierge.   At 5:00pm, we were given a tour and history of the Taj Hotel - some incredible facts going back to the British Rule.  The Hall of Fame reflected some of the guests that had stayed at this hotel - looked like most of the famous people had stayed here at least once - from President's; Kings & Queens to movie stars.  We were shown the exclusive club room; the grand banquet room; the main staircase etc etc.  At one point, Mr Tata (the richest man in India; and one of the top 10 richest in the world, and also the owner of the Taj) came by and greeted us.  At the end of the tour as the group dispersed, the eloquently spoken guide (Viren D'Sa) came to us and asked us to join him for a complimentary drink and chat, which we did. 

Went to experience a bollywood movie at the local cinema - lots of pushing to get in, and lots of whistling and screaming, depending on the scene.  Left after an hour, as were running out of time.  Went back to the Taj, where they had granted us access to the Spa to shower, change and freshen up before our flight.  Checked out at 9:45, and got a taxi to the airport (450 Rupees - $9).

Arrived at the airport at 11:20pm.  Checked in; cashed in my Rupees; and went through Security and Immigration.


December 10 (Saturday):

Today, our last night, was at the Taj Palace hotel.  Got a wake up call at 8:30am.  Got ready, had breakfast, packed and checked out.  Got a taxi to Taj Palace hotel.  There was security all around, due to the recent terrorists attack.  The entire perimeter of the Taj was barricaded, and there were a large number of security personnel all around - but once they got to know us, we were treated with respect.  Got a grand reception - garland, tika, local traditional juice.  They had upgraded our room to deluxe (higher floor).  Unpacked and took in the sights within the hotel - a number of great restaurants; designer shops, patio and the swimming pool.  The service was exceptional, with rooms being made 2-3 times a day, regular check ups to see of we needed tea, coffee or anything etc, etc. 

Negotiated a deal with a taxi driver.  Left at 11:3Oam, went to Dadar - took 1 1/2 hrs due to traffic.  Went to Suvidha - a famous clothing department store.  Went overboard with our shopping - didn't mind as this was our only shopping spree and we were nearing the end of our holidays.  Were looked after very well and given juices as we moved through the various areas.  Then drove to Juhu beach for some 'Pau Bhaji'.  Went to see the famous Bollywood stars residences - Amitabh Bachan; Hema Malini; Abishek & Ashwariya; Rhitik Roshan; Dharmendra (Bobby Deol was just driving in); Yash Chopra etc.  Then drove to Bandra and saw Shahrukh Khan and Salman Khan's residences.  Drove to Haji Ali mosque and then back to Taj Palace hotel at 7:00pm.  The entrance to the Taj was continuously lined up with luxury cars as guests were being dropped off and picked up.

Freshened up and then did a tour again of the Taj Palace hotel.  Went to Delhi Durbar (another famous eatery) for dinner - great food.  Back to Taj to freshen up and change.  Took a taxi to Intercontinental Hotel - the roof top cocktail (Dome) has great views of Marine Drive and the ocean and is famous for bollywood star spotting.  Jackie Shroff had been there 1/2 hr before we arrived.  Took in the scenery, while having cocktails, and took some pictures.

Took taxi back to Coloba and went to another club - Polly Esther.  Slept at 2:00am


Spent the night at Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.



December 9 (Friday):

Got a wake up call at 7:45am.  Got ready, had breakfast and went to Apollo Bunder at 9:00am.  Got a ticket for the City Bus sightseeing tour (180 Rupees - $3.60).  The bus departed at 10:30am, and in the meantime, got my shoes cleaned (20 Rupees - $0.40), and had masala chai (5 Rupees - $0.10).

The tour consisted of Gateway of India; Taj Palace Hotel; Galleries; Museums; Aquariums; Nariman Point; Marine Drive; Tower of Silence; Chowpatty Beach; Bandra; Bollywood Stars houses; Juhu Beach etc.  Had local "Thali" (50 Rupees - $1) along the way, and "Bhel Puri" (50 Rupees - $1) at Juhu beach.

Bus dropped us at Andheri Metro station at around 7:00pm.  Got the local train to Churchgate station - amazing experience - got almost trampled as people jumped on to the moving train to get a seat before passengers could even get out.  Lots of passengers were hanging out on the moving train - this would be our last experience of the local trains.

It took about 45 mins (15 stops) to get to Churchgate station.  Took taxi (50 Rupees - $1) to hotel, relaxed and showered.  Got ready and went to "Leopolds" for dinner - this restaurant was recommended in the 'Lonely Planet' and was packed.  We were give a table right away.  Had beef kebab - great food and great crowd.  Went to Gateway of India for some pictures, and then back to the hotel to freshen up and change.

At 12:00 midnight, went to the "Prevee" club - an exclusive, posh club.  Admission is restricted to card carrying members, their guests through reservations, being a celebrity or being accompanied by a celebrity.  Being foreigners, they let us in.  We experienced the lifestyle of Mumbai's chic youngsters - sons and daughters of Mumbai's millionaires - as they charaded their partners, lavishly spent money on expensive drinks, and had chauffeur driven cars waiting outside.  There were personal open rooms surrounding the dance floor for members.  It was very, very crowded and the music wasn't great.  Left at 3:00am.


Spent the night at Diplomat Hotel.


December 8 (Thursday):

Got a wake up call at 8:00am (knock on the door).  Got ready and went for breakfast at 9:30am.  Finished packing, checked out and took a taxi at 10:15 (900 Rupees - $18) to the airport.  Arrived at the airport at 11:30am - checked in and went through security.  Departed Goa at 1:50pm.

Arrived Mumbai at 3:00pm.  Got a pre-paid taxi (440 Rupes - $9).  Lots of traffic, so the going was very slow, and it took a long time to get to our hotel in Colaba.  Arrived 1 1/2 hrs later at 5:00pm.  The drive was very scenic.  Checked in to the Diplomat Hotel.  The location was great - just behind the Taj Palace hotel.  They upgarded our room so it faced the back of the Taj Hotel.  On the side of our hotel was the Salvation Hostel - where Safraz and I had stayed 10 years ago.

Showered and freshened up.  Went to the famous Bade Miya - just a shack that opens only in the evenings for BBQ's - but very packed, with small tables laid out on the street.  Had chicken and mutton BBQ.  Back to hotel to clear the Delhi Bellies.  Walked along Colaba Causeway - small shops; restaurants; cinemas; clubs etc.  Walked to Marine Drive and then walked along Marine Drive to Chowpatty Beach - must have walked a few kilometres.  Got a taxi back to the hotel.  Heard some good music and went to the hotel bar - all the people were in a great mood and dancing.  A group of men & women asked us to join in and we had a merry time.  Only stayed a short time due to our early schedule the next day.


Spent the night at Diplomat Hotel.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Goa

December 7 (Wednesday):

Got up at 9:00am, with a slight headache. Freshened up and had a light breakfast at 10:00am.  Rested in the room and then walked over to Baga beach.  Spent some time walking along the beach before deciding on where to sit amongst a large number of spots.  Got beach chairs and took in the sun, sand, water and caught up on the sleep.  Had drinks; coconut water ($0.60); massage ($3:00); henna ($4:00); pedicure and manicure ($10:00).  Played some soccer and met/talked to lots of people.


Left the beach at 5:30pm - as the various shack owners prepared the beach for the evening dining.  Went back to the hotel, relaxed and freshened up.  Left at 8:15pm and went to a sports bar for dinner.  Met some very friendly Russian tourists and had Russian Vodka with them.   At 11:30pm, went to the 'Hype' club, which was hosting India's Number 2 DJ.  There were lots of media and well dressed people.  The DJ did not show up until 1:00pm, but he put on an amazing show, playing dance and Bollywood hits - he really got the place rocking.  Left at 3:00am and walked back to our hotel.


Spent the night at Suncity Resort.



December 6 (Tuesday):

Got up at 8:00am.  Arranged for laundry and made phone calls.  Had breakfast and then rested in the room.  Left at 11:00am and took a taxi to Anjuna beach.  It was a 10-15 min. walk to the beach from the taxi stand.  Walked along the beach for some time.  Got beach chairs, had some fresh pineapple juice and relaxed in the sun on the beach.

On the way back, we got a ride in a Jeep that some visitors from New Delhi had rented.  Back to the hotel, rested and left at 3:45pm.  Got a taxi to Caluncate beach and walked around.  Continued our taxi ride to Panjim (the capital of Goa) - where we did a short tour.  The taxi driver then took us to the river boat cruises, where we took a Sunset Cruise on a large cruiser.  Entertainment included 3 traditional dances and public dancing.  The taxi driver was waiting for us when we finished our cruise at 7:30pm.

Back to Baga (the entire taxi ride from 3:34pm cost us 800 Rupees - $16) where we ate at a different restaurant on the beach.  Back to hotel and napped.

Left around 11:30pm and went to Tito's, one of the popular clubs in Goa - entry was 1,500 rupees ($30) for 2 with unlimited drinks.  It was a rocking place, where we met many tourists.  At 3:00am, went to the beach for some Sheesha (pan flavoured).  Another late night.

Spent the night at Suncity Resort.




December 5 (Monday):

Got up at 7:30am.  Packed, had breakfast at hotel and checked out.  Left with Gijo for the airport at 9:50am.  Drove slowly as we had time to kill.  Arrived at Madurai airport at 11:00am.  Bid goodbye to Gijo - it was very emotional on both sides as we had come to know each other quite well in the past 10 days. He insisted (he had mentioned this to us numerous times before) that we visit him in 2 years for his marriage - he would provide us with accommodation and a car.  Gave him very good tip.

Checked in and departed Madurai airport at 1:55pm (10 mins late).  Arrived Chennai at 2:50pm (10 mins late).  Had only 50 mins to collect our baggage, change terminals, check in the baggage, clear security and make our flight at 3:40pm.  Ran, sweated, perspired and got to the boarding gate at 3:35pm.  We delayed the flight and it departed 15 mins late at 3:55pm.

Arrived in Goa at 5:10pm (15 mins late).  Got our baggage and got a pre-paid Taxi at 5:25pm to our hotel in Baga Beach.  It was a very slow drive as there was a lot of traffic.  Arrived at our hotel at 7:00pm.  The rooms were so-so, but the location was great.  Unpacked, showered and made out way to the main drag.  Lots of people, restaurants and bars.  There were lots of food places on the beach, were we had a sizzling dinner with reggae music and dancing on the beach.  Went back to the hotel to freshen up.  Back to the main drag - went to 2 night clubs and a sports bar.  Slept very late.  Look like it's going to be late nights for the next 2 nights.


Spent the night at Suncity Resort.




Friday, December 2, 2011

Kerala - Trivandrum, Kovalam, Kanyakumari, Madurai


December 4 (Sunday):

Got up at 5:30am to watch the sunrise.  From our room we could see lots and lots pf people lined up at various locations to watch the sunrise, and we were lucky to have a much superior view high up from our hotel.  Again, unfortunately it was somewhat cloudy, so did not get the best view,  Had breakfast at the hotel, and then took a ferry to two rocks - a 5 minute sailing. There was a huge line-up for the ferry (2 hr wait - but we jumped the line - at least I have learnt something from the Indians on this trip).  There were very impressive monuments on each of the 2 islands - one of them had an imprint, as legend has it, of Shiva's footsteps as he prayed on the rocks.  Both the rocks were huge and believed to be sacred.

Returned to the hotel, checked out, and departed Kanyakumari at 10:30am.  We drove on a 2 lane highway - best road I have seen to date in India - no potholes; no elephants; no cows; and no driving in between lanes.

Arrived in Madhurai at 2:00pm.  Checked in at the Germanus Hotel.  Showered and freshened up.  Our tour guide, Johnson, came at 3:15pm.  Went to visit the 'Madhurai Meenakshi Temple' - amazing and exquisite - this was nominated as one of the wonders on the world, although did not make the final cut.  There was an elephant that took money (from pilgrims) in it's trunk and gave blessings to people on their foreheads.  The city of Madurai was built around this temple.  Also visited the Thirumalai Naikhan Palace and Thapprakkulam (water palace).

Returned to the hotel and had dinner there - my first steak in India.  Again had drinks with Gijo and slept late.

Spent the night at Germanus Inn.


December 3 (Saturday):

Up at 7:00am.  Had breakfast at hotel, strolled to the beach and watched the fishermen bring in the day's catch - very small number.  Gijo picked us up at 10:00am, checked out and departed Kovalam.  After an hour's drive, stopped at Poovar for boating.  Went for 1 1/2 hr boat ride through mangrove forest; visited 3 islands and stopped by at a floating restaurant.  Continued our journey onwards at 1:00pm through narrow roads and lots of small villages.

Arrived in Kanyakumari at 3:45pm and checked in at the Hotel Seaview.  Kanyakumari is the at the tip and the southern most point of India - known for it's beautiful sunrise and sunset.  It's also known as "Sangam" - where the 3 seas meet - Arabian Sea; Indian Ocean; and the Bay of Bengal.  We had the best room in the entire hotel - top (5th Floor) and the south-east corner room - splendid view of the ocean and perfect for watching the sunrise from our room.

After unpacking, went for a walk - it was packed with lots of people, lots of stalls and lots of beggars - wasn't a pleasant sight.  Went back to the hotel to freshen up and then went to the sunset observation point - unfortunately, it's was cloudy so did not get a good view of the sunset.  Had dinner at hotel and then had drinks with Gijo.

Spent the night at Hotel Seaview.



December 2 (Friday):

Got a wake up call at 7:00am.  Had a restless night as I was itching all night.  Got ready and went down for breakfast - it was a buffet with a large number of choices.  After breakfast, we were informed, and went to the private beach to watch the fisherman fishing.  This was very interesting indeed - at around 7:00am, around 50 men cast a huge net into the sea (with the help of boats) from the beach - this forms like a "U".  They then slowly reel the nets in - 25 men on either side.  By around 9:00am, the nets make the shore, with a large catch of fish.  Half of the fish is for the 'boss' and the other half is divided amongst the 50 men - therefore their day is dependent on the size of the catch.  Each fisherman also gets 10 Ruppes (20 cents).

At 11:00am, drove to Trivandrum - the capital of Kerala - a hustling, busy city.  Saw the Kuthiramalika Temple - a magnificient site; the Ministry (Parliament); museum etc etc.  On the way back to Kovalam, stopped for a road site coconut water.

Rested in the afternoon, then went to Kovalam beach at 5:00pm for a stroll and dinner.  Watched the fishermen bring in the day's catch - which was large.  Gijo has a severe back ache so went to hospital for medication.  Slept early.


Spent the night at Uday Samudra Beach Resort.



Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Kerala - Thekkady, Kumarkom, Kovalam


December 1 (Thursday):

Our crew woke us up at 7:00am.  Got ready and had breakfast on the deck at 7:45am - masala omelette, fresh pineapple juice, toast, butter, jam and coffee.  We got sailing at around 8:15 am.  Arrived at Allepy at 9:15pm, where our driver was waiting for us.  Disembarked and continued our journey by car towards Kovalam.

Arrived in Kovalam at 1:30pm.  Checked in at the Uday Samudra Beach Resort - a 5 Star resort.  On arrival at the big courtyard, we were greeted with flowers, got chandno on the forehead and got juice.  WE were taken to our deluxe room overlooking the ocean.  The resort had 3 swimming pools; spas, Ayurvedic centre, gym etc etc.

Went for a walk on the private beach, looked at some local stores and then relaxed, napped and rested.  Gijo cam to pick us up at 5:00pm.  Drove to Kovalam beach, which was crowded with lots of restaurants and shops lining the waterfront.  It was a very pleasant walk.  Climbed up the hill towards the light \house and went up the spiral staircase to the top of the lighthouse - the view was magnificent of the sea and of Kovalam.

Drove back to the resort to watch a local culture show (Kathakali dance).  Went back to the waterfront and had dinner at one of the many seafront restaurants.  Took Gijo with us and had Fish, Chicken Roti's etc.

Went back to the resort, strolled around the resort and the private beach, watched TV, slept.


Spent the night at Uday Samudra Beach Resort.


November 30 (Wednesday):

Got up at 7:am.  Got ready, had breakfast at the hotel and left Thekkady at 8:am.  Again slow driving as the roads were narrow and crowded.  Arrived in Kumarkom, at the houseboat docking area at 12:00 noon.  We had a big houseboat - 2 bedrooms, sitting deck and an upper deck - all to ourselves.  The bedrooms had a washroom and shower attached to it and were air-conditioned.  There were 3 crew members - cook / server; driver and engineer.  They greeted us with some orange juice.  We got sailing right away.

It was a great experience with a large number of houseboats all around us.  At around 2:00pm, we stopped and docked for lunch.  The cook made us what we ordered - fresh fish, daal, roti etc. followed by fresh fruits.  It was very hot but the breeze and the view from the upper deck was great.  Later on they offered us beer and drinks.

At 5:30pm, we docked for the evening.  Went for a walk through the small village and saw a local temple.  At around 6:00pm, as we stared back towards the houseboat, it started getting dark.   Bu\y now, the crew had connected to the local cable, so watch hindi TV on our sitting deck.  Again, the cook made what we ordered - chicken, fries, daal, roti, fruits, fresh pineapple juice.  After the good meal, talked to the crew and watched TV.  Had an early night around 9:30pm.

Spent the night in the Houseboat.


November 29 (Tuesday):

Got a wake up call at 2:45am.  Packed and departed Munnar Hills at 3:40am (due to strike, no cars were allowed on the road from 6:00am - 6:00pm - so we had to arrive at our destination by 6:00am.  Fast and furious drive, with Gijo swerving and cutting corners at quite a speed as there was very little traffic at that time.  At 6:00am (we were 15 mins from our destination), we encountered picketers who stopped us and then let us go after 5 mins.  To avoid further confrontation, Gijo took some short cuts through back, narrow alley ways pas mud huts.  Arrived at the Rangerwood Nature castle at 6:25am.  Checked in and slept in for 2 1/2 hrs until 10:00am.

The hotel was at the edge of the Periyar Nature Reserve, and we were given a large room overlooking the Nature reserve.  From our balcony, we could see wild game feeding in the forest and in the marshes - we also had the same view from our shower room.

Gijo cam to pick us up at 11:00am.  Walked 1 km to the Elephant park.  Went on a spice tour and sat on an elephant.  Later, we got to bathe the elephant.  In return, we got a big shower from the elephant.  he washed us on 4 trunk loads of water from a large bucket - probably the best shower we've had to date.

Back to hotel and rested.  At 4:00pm, went for a 90 min Ayurvedic massage with steam bath - a great experience.  The highlight was when they cover your eyes and drop lukewarm herbal lotion across the forehead for 15 mins - supposed to enhance one's brain - only time will tell.  Showered after an hour wait.

Later in the evening, drove around the small town of Thekkady.  Dinner at the hotel.


Spent the night at Rangerwood Nature Castle.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Kerala - Cochin and Munnar Hills

November 28 (Monday):

Up at 8:00am.  Had breakfast.  Unfortunately there was a strike so we couldn't do our scheduled itinerary - going to the highest point and to Munnar City.   Instead, went for a drive through the tea plantations, and walked up and down the hills observing the lovely views of the valleys, plantations, scattered houses, women cutting the tea leaves etc.  Back to the hotel for some rest.

At 4:30pm (when the strike was over for the day) drove along the narrow roads to Munnar City.  Visited a tea outlet and walked around the town.  Back to the hotel - rested and had dinner - butter masala chicken and roti.

Tomorrow morning, we are scheduled to leave the hotel at 3:30am, so we can get out, and reach our destination before the strike begins at 6:00am .............. going to be an early night tonight.

Spent the night at Bracknell Forest Resort.



November 27 (Sunday):

Up at 7:30am.  Had a good Kerala breakfast.  Met a Malayan actress who was staying at the hotel for a movie shooting (unfortunately they didn't need any extras).  Drove to the palace and toured inside.
Drove towards Munnar, en route stopped to view elephant rides; waterfalls - had fresh coconut; pineapple and mangoes.  The roads were small, narrow and steep as we were going up the mountains.  It was a beautiful, scenic drive with a good view of the valleys and tea plantations.  Arrived and checked in at our hotel at 3:30pm.  Freshened up and had an excellent lunch,

Left at 4:30 to watch a local Kathakali folklore and then a local martial arts show.  Went back to the hotel and had dinner.
Spent the night at Bracknell Forest Resort - the view was beautiful as we were looking down into the valleys.


November 26 (Saturday):

Got up at 5:50am, got ready and had breakfast delivered to our room.  Took taxi at 6:30 to the airport.  Traffic jam due to a major accident.  Arrived at the airport at 7:30am and checked in.  Departed New Delhi at 9:15am.  Arrived Hydrabad at 11:30am, and departed at 12:15pm.  Arrived Cochin at 1:40pm.

Were greeted and met by our Tour Guide and Driver - Gijo. Were taken to the tourist office, where we were given a debrief and settled our account   Did a tour of Cochin - Took a local ferry to Fort Cochin; Museum; Jewish Synagogue; Chinese Fishing Nets etc.  Had dinner at a sea front restaurant - we were shown all the day's catch and were asked to take our pick and they would cook it to our liking.  Went for the tiger prawns.
Spent the night at Wyte Fort.


Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Delhi and TAJ MAHAL



November 25 (Friday):

Wake up call at 8:00am.  Had breakfast and then took the Metro to Chadni Chowk.  Crazy crowded.  Walked around, went to the Red Fort, and took a bicycle rickshaw to Juma Masjid; various shops and back to Chadni Chowk.


Took a motorized rickshaw to Phargang,  Walked around and then went to a roof top restaurant for early dinner.  Met and talked to some more tourists.  Took a richshaw back to the hotel - packed and settled account with the hotel.  Went back to Phargang for a drink at a roof top hotel.  Back to the hotel.

Spent the night at Bright Hotel.



November 24 (Thursday):

Got a wake up call at 6:00am.  Got ready - Sunderpal came to pick us up at 6:45am.  Drove to the parking lot and took a tram to the Taj Mahal.  Unfortunately it was very foggy and so we couldn't get a good view of the Taj.  As we started walking towardes the gate at 8:30am, the fog strated to clear up - very, very lucky as we would have missed this if we had left 5 mins earlier.  Spent another hour looking at the magnificient Taj.

Back to the hotel for breakfast.  Had breakfast at the top floor (reserved for guests in the Executive rooms).  Had a distant view of the Taj Mahal.

Checked out and left Agra at 11:00am.  Another long, tedious drive.  Stopped by enroute at Sikander Fort.  Arrived in New Delhi at 5:00pm.  Did a tour of Qutub Minar, President;s Palace; Parliament Buildings; Government Buildings.

Drove to Bright Hotel, said goodbye to Sunderpal, gave him a good tip and checked in to the hotel.
Spent the night at Bright Hotel.


November 23 (Wednesday):

Boarded the flight from Muscat just after midnight at 12:40am.  Arrived Mumbai at 4:35am.  Long journey from Mumbai Internationl departures to domestic departures.  Departed Mumbai at 7:00am.  Arrived Delhi at 9:00am.

Initially couldn't see our taxi driver and guide, so started getting worried.  Finally Sunderpal arrived some time later.  We headed out of Delhi at around 10:00am.  Although Agra wasn't that far, it was a long journey - crazy traffic; cows; tractors etc etc.  stopped enroute for lunch.

Arrived in Agra at around 3:30pm.  Went to see Agra Fort, then checked in to Radisson Hotel.  It was a grand hotel, just built 5 months ago - and to top it up, they upgraded us to an Executive room.  Showered and freshened up - Sunderpal came to pick us up at 7:00pm, and took us to Mahal restaurant for dinner.  This was a grand restaurant frequented by tourists.  A gentleman from England (Greg) came and started talking to us and joined us for dinner.  Back to the hotel for an early night, as very tired.

Spent the night at Hotel Radisson.