2007 – India and Malaysia

Lanes…. what are they for?

Posted on by helenhmk

In Delhi… so far I am absolutely enjoying it!

After a short flight (no entertainment contained in the headrest in the seat in front), watching a bollywood movie (don’t ask me what teh title was I had a hard enough time reading the subtitles from the big screen)… we arrived in Delhi at 9:50pm on Wednesday evening.

Prior to going on this holiday, we read a lot of books about what it would be like, there were a few things that need correcting:

  • the queue for immigration for the “foreign passport holders” was as long as the line for those from India. No longer than what we have experienced in the US
  • Yes there is smog… but really its not that bad (unless we are just lucky). The smog results from people cooking and heating with coal/wood. Just like going for a walk around where we live in winter – just more intense!
  • Personal space – according to a number of the books read/listened to (even on the place!) personal space is practically non existent.. but I have found that it is no different to New York.

The drive from the airport to the YWCA was long… but amazing. People honk their horn a lot… it is even printed on the back of trucks “please honk horn”. Even as I sit here now I can hear horns being honked by the cars and auto-rickshaws on the road.

There are some lanes marked on the road.. but they really appear to have no meaning that I can see. The same goes for Zebra crossings… just take your chance and go!

Leaving for Delhi….

Posted on by helenhmk

Currently sitting in a cafe in the KL airport – and surprisingly it has internet access at reasonable rates.

Thankfully the flight to Delhi is only 5+ hours…. On the way here I managed to watch the Mistress of Spices (missed the last 15 minutes due to sleep), Flushed away, and a 30 min Bollywood TV serial called Party (very odd – but very Indian!), and listened to 7 chapters of the book Holy Cow by Sarah MacDonald. Thankgoodness for in-flight entertainment!

Anyway have to go to the gate…. next post will be in Delhi :)

Transit in KL

Posted on by kymdt

This is a speed typing exercise. Chinese New Year meant that a lot of KL is closed, for another three days.

For fun, to while away the hours, we got a cab to Sunland Pyramid Shopping Centre. Of course, the only internet cafe there was closed because of CNY. Hence we are back at the hotel being executives in the executive business centre. Tres cher. We did do some big buying – two sets of goggles – we packed so light that we forget them! I can tell you we were very proud at the airport when our bags were well below the limit. I even spotaneously shared with the check in person my secrets…..

Our hotel is set amongst many beautiful hectares of garden, but it is not advisable to walk through them. You may get hit by a golf ball. The gesticulations of some of the golfers indicated that our presence WAS NOT WELCOME! Oh well, pity that because the lake did look rather nice.

Catching our free transfer in an hour. Can’t afford to type any more.

Packed and ready to go…

Posted on by helenhmk

It is the evening before our holiday, and for a change we are packed and ready. There are no plans to stay up until 3am getting those last few things together. Believe it or not!

Out holiday booklet is printed and all addresses for postcards are written. I spent the better part of the day getting together the small things that one really needs on holiday, counting all loose change in the house (it’s amazing how many small coins you can find), and the final bits of washing.

The first stop is an overnight stay in Kuala Lumpur, as there is not a connecting flight to Delhi. Another bonus is that the flight is short… only 7 hours!

We are looking forward to India…. I’m sure everything will be fine once we get to Delhi!

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Posted on by kymdt

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My last post from the Northern Hemisphere

Posted on by kymdt

Oh well, I will be back in Adelaide soon. I look forward with anticipation and hesitation…. You can work out why.

Anyway, on our last day in London we had the pleasure of taking the stairs to the top og Big Ben, a big thank you to Mr JMcG. Unfortunately, there was a policy of strictly no photos. Given the heightened level of security I wasn’t willing to try and sneak a photo. The police and security are understandably focused.

It doesn’t matter because even if I had photos I could not upload them at this free internet terminal service operated by the BBC in Hull. I am happy to be taking advantage of the TV licence fees paid by the English. It is also quite fun to remind them, that yet again we are going to win the Ashes. I don’t even need to know anything about cricket to have fun with this one.

Hull is no longer to the number 1 crap town in Englad. The revised book – crap towns II have droppped it back to number 17. I agree in the last 5 years there has certainly been a lot of goof change. You can even drink a mocha outside now. Although today is a bit like an Adelaide winters day.

Ooh dear, the BBC is palying scary 80s music on the radio! “we’re the kids in America woah!!!” ……..

See you all soon, except of course you don’t live Adelaide then a prochain!