Ok, this is a backdated blog because we were too lazy to get it started when we were in India but we arrived in Delhi first and we're going to do backdated entries so everyone can catch up on what has been happening!!

ARRIVAL

We arrived in Delhi international airport- got mobbed by rickshaw drivers and got a prepaid taxi to Lakshmi's house (our homestay). On the way the driver wanted to pick up his overwieght 'brother' from the side of the road. We said no and he got stroppy but listened. Later on Matt asked how old his brother was and he didn't know but still tried to convince us he was related to him! This was our introduction to India!

At Lakshmi's we were made to feel v.welcome, she was kind and helped us organise our days in Delhi. Lakshmi had 2maids/servants- not too sure what they are called in India but its wierd! She had a freaky servant called Bungle. He had huge hands and a little moustache and popped up every now and again unexpectedly! We felt really awkward because we ate dinner at the table with Lakshmi and they ate on the floor in the kitchen. :-(

DAY 1

On our first trip into Delhi we visited the Red Fort, the Presidential and Government suites and the India Gate. We had a taxi for the day and our driver was v.funny! He had never visited the sights before so he came with us and took photos for us! He loved dogs which will explain the random dog photos too he also was obsessed with Lays (our walkers crisps!)! We also visited one of the many dirty markets and were throughly overwhelmed by the whole place.

The main thing we noted about our first day in India were the black bogeys!!!

DAY 2

On our second day Lakshmi took us to the shopping mall to attempt to get a sim card. This wasnt possible becasue of terrorist threats but was a funny experience as the man in the vodaphone shop was not too good at his job!

Then we got picked up by Balvimder (our taxi man from yesterday) and he took us to a Rajistani festival about 2hours away from Delhi. It was amazing, we saw dancing, singing and arts and crafts and a man dressed as a woman!

We ate a gross doughnut thing that was dipped in cold water with cold potato! Matt had to eat mine too becasue he felt rude leaving it!! ha!

We spent a long time at the festival- Balvimder got bored and went to see his 'cousin' and we lost him! We approached an Indian couple and asked them if we could borrow their phone to call him! They bent down in front of an oncoming car to use the headlights to see the number! They made the car wait at least 5mins before they moved out of its way!!! The phone didnt work so we went to The Claridges 5* Hotel equipped with backpack and travelling clothes to ask if we could use the phone! The man at reception was fab! He called and had a go at our driver for leaving us and looked after us until Bal arrived! Balvimder had to stop for a cigarette once he had found us becasue he was so stressed that he had lost us!

Our day was v.funny and Matt bought an Indian Man-Dress to top it off!!!

Day 3

We travelled to Kerela. A 5 hour flight with two mels and unlimited drink= success!!