"Really guys, 100 rupees (about 1 pound 20) is fine, honestly I just want to go home to bed!" We once again began the charade of arm flaiing, mock offence and disbelievement as we turned away from yet another auto driver.
"No no Katie, you can not! This is a 40 rupee journey, you must not teach them bad habits. If you pay too much we all have to pay too much, they can not get away with it. Now cmm'on man, you give me good price, this is not rich girl, she is poor student." I tried look falorn and not feel too guilty, the man driving the auto looked like he needed the extra 60p more than me. Finally one driver agreed to the journey for 50 rupees and I was allowed to go home.
That was last night. It is different of course for those attempting to live off Delhi wages like my companions, it is exhausting, this constant haggling and arguing, I fear I am a timid push over so far, I'll be a monster by the time I arrive back in the UK. Ellie, I will no longer tease you for trying to haggle with a London cabby!
So what have I been up to? Well I spent Saturday morning moochin and was picked up in the afternoon by Kartik who took me to Connaught Place, Kahn Market (were I had my 1st taste of street food - a little kebab shack covered in 'where to eat in Delhi reviews' YUM!) and then for a beer in Defence Colony, yes that is its name... an area of shops and restaurants. Nice to get away from the tourist hub. It is funny how smart, western shops, cafes and bars rise out of the comparitave flith and chaos of the rest of Delhi, there is claerly a market for them. I firmly drew the line at TGI Fridays and McDonalds.
Kartik then dropped me off at Kate's party as he had to go and visit a friend, so I settled in there for the night. There was a huge group of Europeans there, all working in Delhi or Agra and I was curious to know how they found India. The overall impression I got was that most feel towards Delhi as they might for an annoying sibling. It drives you crazy, you swear you hate it but deep down, when quizzed further you admit that deep down you love it dearly, for all its faults.
There was one Indian guy there who badgered me for a dance incessently. Finally I concided.
"You are most beautiful girl" blah blah blah, "where you coming from?"
"England, London"
"Ah! You are English! I have much respect for you, much respect!" He bent down and placed his forehead on my hands to illustrate the fact. "The English are a great country, you are great people, ruled over India for many years."
"Yes but we were not always that nice to you..."
"England great country, India would be better to be ruled by England again. Much respect for you, may God bless you and may you live a long life." He bowed.
The same guy was thrown out of the party later for poking the girls who had fallen asleep in the corner. Hmmm. But it is interesting none the less that an attitude like that still exists. In fact, whenever I tell anyone I'm from England they light up.
"England? Ah! Very good very good."
The party progressed like many do and got very silly, like many do. I'll upload some picks of weird o'clock when my memory card is full.
The next morning we all awoke bleerily and I remembered that I'd badgered a Dutch guy Walter into taking me to Humayun's tomb. Firsty I had to buy a mattress, I shall be moving in the flat as of today and needed something to sleep on. Thanks to some haggling on Walter's part I came back with one for about a fiver. I then set off to Humayun's tomb with 3 guys, affectionately known as my bitches.
The day was grey which means that my photos do not do it justice. It is very simialr to the Taj only much smaller and red sandstone instead of marble but impressive none the less. We wandered around through the crowds (I must go there in the morning!) Marveling 1st hand at what I'd seen in your pictures Mum, that lace-like stonework. Beautiful! There are some photos to follow.
We then ambled in search of coffee, only to remember that some had promised to go to a Spanish culture performance that evening. We autoed it over there pronto and sat through a rather painful speach by the Ambassador of Colombia followed by some rather wonderful Spanish dancing. I think I should say that Indians dancing the Salsa, although unexpected was a fantastic sight and they are very good at it!
Dinner out en mass afterwards and then the auto charade with which I began this account.
And that takes me to today, Monday. I will move in to the shared digs later and make much use of my ear plugs I'd imagine.
But for now I will find a cafe and sit with my lnely planet and decide what I shall do this week.
I hope you are all well. xxx