Arriving in Delhi
Disembarking passengers at Jaipur around 0500 woke me up but I was able to doze and lie-in till around 0930. The 1110 arrival time passed and the Jaisalmer – Delhi Express was in the urban area but not at Delhi station. Then came a painful 45 min wait at the penultimate station. I guess we were running late and had to wait for the correct marshalling and track requirements. I was pleased when we finally arrived at 1310, 1h10 minutes later than scheduled.
I took a rickshaw to the hotel. I was pleased to have a shower and had ordered lunch promptly too. It was a long wait for the meal but it was well worth it. The chilli chicken cooked dry-style with capsicum was divine.
I fly out tonight at 2300 but had booked a room back at the Star Paradise at its normal rate as a dayroom. It was cheap enough.
With time to kill, I wandered out and found myself a colander. I had this on my list after having seen one in Auckland, made in India, for NZD75. F**cking crazy! Here it was INR350 (about NZD10.50). Top quality with labels suggesting that it was destined for an English supermarket.
I spent some time at the internet café before resting and doing my final packing. I had a light dinner of momos and tea.
Thoughts on leaving India
Even though this was my third visit to India, it was my first time travelling solo. And going to Rajasthan and the Pushkar Camel Fair is a big adventure which I very much enjoyed. India, being a large country with some challenges is best enjoyed in small doses with plenty of repeats.
Flying to Kuala Lumpur
The hotel had organised my transport to the airport, a painless 50 min ride. There was a large queue for workers at check-in and I was directed to the business class counter. My hopes were dashed because I didn’t get an upgrade. In the back of my mind, it was a possibility as Kim and both his parents were upgraded on this sector over a week ago.
Even though India is largely Hindu, the country’s population is so large than the number of minority Muslims are numerous enough to warrant a Haj terminal at Delhi airport. I think the number of Muslims in India isn’t too far different from the population of Pakistan!
While I was flying Malaysia Airlines to Kuala Lumpur and connecting to Singapore, the Singapore Airlines flight was at the next gate. Many of Singapore’s passengers were suited, white and well-dressed Indians. My fellow-passengers had a significant number of Nepali labourers who had connected from Kathmandu. The premium airline attracts passengers that are willing to pay more, making it the profitable airline.
Boarding the Airbus A330, I noticed it had a non-standard configuration. The meal, served swiftly after take-off, was a delicious chicken curry with dhall and rice. There was also a choice of lamb, Hindu vegetarian, or pasta vegetarian. Four choices in economy class, wow! That makes up for one of the flight attendants who was kinda unhappy on the verge of being tearful but at the same time with a hint of grumpiness. She was obviously having emotional problems tonight.