Note: I prefer two spaces between sentences. But I’m not consistent. (The subject is in the news.)
Sat, 5/5. No photos. Flight was okay. New Delhi is hot and dirty. My escort treated me as even more mentally deficient than I’ve become accustomed to. “Your pickup will be Monday morning at 3 AM. Perhaps you can think of that as Sunday night. That’s tomorrow night. The day after tomorrow you will be picked up at 3 in the morning. Okay? Do you understand? Shall I repeat it?” He was disappointed when I wouldn’t say it’s the hottest I’ve ever been. (Bahrain and the bottom of the Grand Canyon). I guess I touched upon some point of pride that New Delhi is most uncomfortable place in the world.
Appeared that my hotel reservation for an extra non-tour night was misplaced, either by the tour group or the hotel. Spent about an hour in the lobby while the escort and multiple clerks sorted it out. Finally got a room, to which I was escorted by a bellhop and clerk. Mentally incapable of getting there alone I guess. Bed is so soft I may sleep on the floor tonight. (Note: Jacky in China apologized several times for beds being “Hard”. We altered his wording to “Firm” and also corrected his perception that all Americans prefer “Soft”. I don’t know where this perception came from, but I hope it doesn’t spread.) Wifi is great, but internet connectivity is horrible. Bar is fine. Cricket on TV. I understand the sport, but the on-screen stats are bewildering. Finished reading “Your Uncle Lew”, written by a great grandfather in 1901. Thought boredom on the flights and hotels would finally push me to read it. It worked, but wow, it’s a bad book.
Security is better than most naval bases. Customs has two checkpoints. Unsmiling airport guards with signs “Stand Back” and “No Questions”. At hotel, engine hood and trunk are opened. X-ray for bags. Pat down. Large men in suits wandering lobby. Sad, but necessary way to live.
I don’t think I’ll leave the hotel tomorrow. Heat, smog, security, etc. Hotel has an outdoor pool and Blue Moon Beer. I mentioned the idea of going to Agra (Taj Mahal) to my escort. His facial expression clearly indicated that the very thought lowered my IQ even more in his eyes.
