As we waited at the train station in Bharatpur a few strange things happened. First of all it was the first time we came accross begging children that kept following us. Very young, maybe 3 or 4 years old. They would repeatily touch their head then my knee - eventually this turned into one of them head butting my knee while laughing his head off. They were quite persistant but we didnt budge (they werent asking Indians, so we didnt want to give just because we were tiourists making it worse for future tourists). Then the wind oicked up and there were huge dust storms brewing up in the surrounding fields and in through the trian platforms. 10 minutes later extreme raindrops were dropping ferirocusily soaking everything. Refreshing in the heat!
When the train came we had no idea what carriage we should go to. No one told us otherwise - but in the end we had to pay extra to the inspector because we WERE in the wrong carraige - no big deal.
Was expecting the worst in Delhi with hawkers and theifs (the impression the guidebook was giving) as we got off the train. It was grand! No major hassle even as we walked up to the hotel through the main backpacker route through all the places selling everything fopr travellers. Maybe we were oblivious to it all now. Saw alot more 'hippy' type travellers here ("I was expecting them all over India - but we saw none). I guess they are just down from the mountains (where the main chill out/smokin herb/cooler areas are..and if you want Im sure there is opium which grows naturally up there.). Hotel was a bit pricey for what it was (650Rs) but sure we were nearly out of India.
Didnt do much in Delhi at all - not in the mood in the heat. As it happens Delhi got hold of both of our bellies and we spent alot of the day around the bathroom - fun - if you are sadistic.
Delhi wasnt as hot as the desert but it was worse coz it was the city. However we went down for a walk to Connaght Place (one of the main areas) and at least there was good roads, actual footpoaths and drivers that actually obeyed traffic lights. By far the most civilized place in India. Went to a KFC (Paula was dying for fast food) - forgive us for our sins. Tht was probably the most exciting thing we did (yawn I hear you say). the backpacker area is a great place to buy supplies (all western products here) and clothes. One thing of note was the cook in the hotel was from Nepal. All the Nepalis we met have been really friendly - makes me want to go there (and the trekking of course)
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