Hello All, or should we say Namaste.

We've been in India for a week now so thought it was time to update you on our adventures so far.

Our arrival into Delhi last week seemed fairly tame and not at all as manic as we'd both envisioned. That was until we stepped out of the airport and into the hands of Siva (our driver, though apparently also a Hindu god). He drove us to our hotel, which was in a hectic market area. The harsh realities of India hit at this point and we were both overwhelmed by the smells, noise, pollution and heat. After a day spent being given false information and directed here, there and everywhere we felt a little deflated, and contemplated heading to bed with out even sampling the curry! Fortunately, afer a nap and a regroup we headed back out into the hectic bazar where we were staying and feasted on Chana Masala and Chapatis. A good end to a hard day.

The following day we wandered round Connaught Place and India Gate (leftovers from British Raj) and had an amazing Masala Dhosai. The walk between the two was much calmer and more scenic than much of what we had experienced so far; it left us reassured that Delhi wasn't a mistake. By the evening time, the Bazar was even beginning to grow on us too, as it had developed a more vibrant atmosphere - or maybe we had begun to relax!

The next few days we spent wondering around Delhi trying to take in the sites. Old Delhi in general is a bit of a struggle, but whilst there we visited the Red Fort, which is beautiful and imposing, and also the Jama Masjid, the biggest mosque in India. By far and away the most impressive monument we saw was Humuyan's Tomb, which is so grand, yet so peaceful. On our final night in Delhi we went to the Commonwealth Games to watch some athletics! It was great to see the Brits doing well dispite the big names not being there!

You will all be happy to know that Kate is now a TV star over here after her startling debut at Delhi station: a candid interview about her views on the appearence of India and it's running of the Commonwealth Games from the point of view of a white chick with blond hair - shame about the sweaty face!

We enjoyed our time in Delhi - It really is a city in transformation (Hotels spring up over night), but the hustle and bustle is hard work and I think we're both hoping for a calmer setting in Jaipur.

We'll write again as soon as we have more to say. Photos to come at some point too.

Al and Kate x