India - day one

It has been a real assault on the senses. Of course, this is India.

The flight was overnight, squashed up but charming. Amazingly good airplane food. I actually had managed to sleep when I was woken with a jump at around 3.00. An elderly man had collapsed and was lying in the aisle just near my seat. A lot of bustle. He was shaken. And sorted. He was fine later.

We landed around 9.30 and negotiated passports and baggage reclaim. Lots of shouting and gesticulation (not by us) Eventually the twelve of us had met Sanjesh our guide ( he tells us his name means patience!). Check in to the hotel and a quick shower and we were off into the Delhi traffic.

If you know India you will know that life is one chaotic traffic jam. But it has its benefits for blippers, taking pics of real life through the windows of a stuck minibus. A mosque. The Ghandi Mausoleum. The Red Fort. (We did get out at most of these) We were flagging so we went to a brilliant local restaurant. Marvellous food (about £11 a head) and a sign that said "No fire arms allowed". Ok :-) This is going to be an experience. Early start again tomorrow to explore more of Delhi. And they're a great group. .........