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My last full day in Delhi was a kind of non starter, I'd already decided I didn't want to eat into my already dwindling budget and would relax, read a little, contact a few back home and go for a meal on the evening.
After a good 6-7 months I finally faltered in my quest for a beard, it is gone! I look like a completely different person. It was fun while it lasted.
Before I knew it, it was 4:15pm and I hadn't eaten a thing, nor had I drank anything. Not very wise. I had myself a quick shower, which was an experience in itself and the first in 3 days! I doubt I know anybody who would feel comfortable in the conditions I currently reside amongst, but for some reason I seem able to adapt to anything. Nothing phases me anymore. I even have a pet gecko called Derek who runs around the walls of my room, he's a considerate chap and frequents only the walls. Iv told him to relax and join me on my delux mattress but he doesn't seem keen. True story! I still hate mozzies though.
After leaving my pile of filthy washing with the guesthouse owner I made a dash for it before she realised what she had got herself into. Half asleep I strolled the narrow, filthy streets in search of a respectable eatery. I was very tempted to visit Subway again but next door was a big neon sign advertising beer at 75 rupees. It wasn't a tough choice. Completely blacked out windows and with no idea of what to expect I wandered in. As the doors swung open a hideous, overpowering, grotesque sound filled my eardrums to the point of breaking point. Pitbull!
The place was heaving, drunk gangs of locals everywhere, bopping around to the western musical drivel I endure every time I accidentally stumble upon radio 1. There was one free table, specifically cleared for me I think, outside there was a line of locals all awaiting their turn but I was waved through. One of the perks of being a 'rich white boy' - if only they knew!
I stocked up on beer, accompanied by 8 pieces of chicken tikka, which was amazing and flavoursome. Due to the density of the crowed I was soon asked if the waiters could seat some people with me, "of course" I replied "go ahead". Three young local guys joined me, one slightly older than the others. I struck up conversation asking their knowledge of speaking English. It was very good. They were all trainee chartered accountants out for a good night. By this time the music had levelled slightly with some example, which I could tolerate. We laughed and joked about all sorts and I found out one of the guys was from Nepal. They were the most outgoing, generous and genuine people I have met so far. England v's India cricket match was on the TV, an English batsmen was bowled out and a huge cheer went up, slightly tipsy by this point I stood up, did a cut throat action with my hand and booed rather loudly. It went down well as the groups laughed, thank god! We stumbled out and I was met with "we would be honoured if you would join us back at our place". Half cut I thought why the f*** not!
We got the very cosmopolitan metro system, I still had my pass from yesterday and we boarded, annoying the locals with our drunken ramblings. They joked about me going in the women's section again. I informed them earlier of my recent travel problems much to their amusement!
When back at theirs, other than not knowing where the hell I was it was pretty cool. We chatted about our differing cultures, I slated England and our blind consumerism ways and they told me about their ambitions. I met two other guys there who were equally as accommodating.
It turned into one of the most surreal and fantastic nights I have ever had. After turning down their offer of a bed for the night I grabbed a taxi. It was 1:30am at this point and I started to reflect on what a random night it had been. One of the best.
Before I left I told them about my iPhone 4s I had brought with me to sell. Instantly they offered 14,500 rupees. £140 - deal! They accompanied me back to my shed and we did the deal. What a result! I insisted on paying for their return taxi out of thanks for their fantastic hospitality. It was a night I will never forget and people I would love to meet again if my travels bring me this way. We had lots of photos together and traded details. I wondered if it was as likely to bump in to a group of English folk in Birmingham as accommodating. Some how I doubt it.
Humbled and still slightly tipsy I hit the sack, more of a plank in all honesty but it will do. Derek's outside at the minute, maybe Iv upset him. We will talk it through tomorrow.
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