Tuesday October 11, 2011

I have caught the dreaded bug. Don't know how I did it, but I've got it. Took the tablets my travel doctor gave me and wouldn't you know it, had an allergic reaction to them. But they did make me feel better. Lived on water and Bananas the whole day and now I am well again.

Deogarh was just an overnights stay on the way to Udaipur and I missed out the visit to the Kumbalgarh Fort, but I was too sick to care. I have to say something about the beds in my room. Only in Ushuaia in Argentina in the Boutique Lennox Hotel were the beds smaller than here. Idid not fall out of bed, but very nearly a couple of times!

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

What I did not miss out on was the visit in Ranakpur to the Jain Temple. This temple was built in the 15th century and truly a sight to behold. It is made entirely from white marble. Not the translucent marble the Taj Mahal is made of, but ordinary white marble. I say ordinary - it was anything but.

There are 1444 pillars in this temple each carved in a different design. I have never in my life seen anything like it. Magnificent.

Lunch was on the way in the Maharani Bagh Resort Hotel. I shared my lunch with some chipmunks who thought it only right to come and steal my food. I was very happy to share with these cute little critters.

The road to Udaipur was dreadful, and I did not feel too good. My stomach was on strike, but when I saw the Sheraton Hotel I was more than happy. I had a delux lakeview room and it was 5 star luxury indeed. One of the features in this very comfortable room - only glass between the bathroom and the bedroom. The bed was heaven, Queen size again.

Thursday October 13, 2011

After a good breakfast I am ready for anything. There are two artificial lakes in Udaipur. I was staying "on the other one" no boat cruises. The palace, which is converted into a hotel was not on my lake. The owner, the current Maharadja still lives in part of the palace. There was a little museum which we visited and I must tell about this - to me - very funny incident. Udaipur is one of the very favourite places to visit for Indian people. There were groups and groups of them, enjoying the Museum. There is a small romm - and I mean a small room, not bigger than 3m by 3m where the actual body armour of the founding Maharadja (16th century) is diplayed. I had to wait for me and my guide to enter as the room seemed to be full. And then they came out. And they came out and they came out and more and more and still more. Must have been more than 40. How they all fitted in I never understand, but my guide told me - 25 in a Jeep - that's normal.

Had a boatride on the lake, which was very nice and coolish. Had a 20 minute stay on the Island, then back to the Hotel for a shower and then a glass of wine. Heaven!!

Friday October 14, 2011

Wakeup was at 4.30 for my flight to Delhi. I said Good Bye to my driver Mr Singh who looked after me so well. It was only a short flight and soon I was in the Park Hotel in Delhi. I was picked up by my guide for a sightseeing trip around the city, interesting but not to ne compared to other places. Had a beer at the poolside and then a most delicious fish dish in the Hotel.

Saturday October 15, 2011

Singapore. The last time I was here was in 1974. It has changes somewhat!!!! Singapore was unbearably hot and humid. And expensive. I stayed in the very nice Orchard Hotel and a beer at the bar in the foyer cost me $15 That was not a bottle, a draft beer. I walked arpound a bit but then was too tired and hot and had an early night.

Sunday October 16, 2011

I spent the day at the harbourfront. Took the Metro everywhere. Went up to the new Hotel that houses the Casino. It has 3 towers and across the top what looks like a boat. The pool is on the top. I then took the Metro again and went to Chinatown. There was a festival around the Hindu temple with literally hundreds of people. As they have to take the shoes off when entering the temple area, there were shoes everywhere. I had a large beer in one of the places advertising cheap beer! and then went home. Had a lovely seafood meal in one of the very nice and clean restaurants near the hotel. It was a lovely day, but I must say - I cannot honestly say that I love Singapore. It is a beautiful city, it is clean - but it feels sterile. No personality.

Monday October 17, 2011

My plane was leaving at 8pm so I decided to go and visit the Botanic Garden. I left early and walked there, only about 1km. The gardens are magnificent. After walking around for about an hour I was in trouble. The heat and humidity really got to me. I wanted to see the Orchid garden, but when I looked into it, the whole garden was in the sun. I would have died in there. I had late check out at the hotel, I still needed to pack, so I went back to my comfortable room and relaxed. Did the packing and left the hotel by 2pm. Spent the afternoon in the KrisFlyer lounge and then borded my plane, which was the 380. The seats do become real beds and it was a luxury indeed. Went through customs in 10 minutes as I had nothing to declare. I said the immigration officer: "This is the first time I've come back from a holiday and have nothing to declare" "How long did it take you?" she asked. "Only 35 years!" There comes a time in every travellers life when you don't need anything any more.

I arrived safe and sound and must honestly say - I loved India. A couple of things I would do differently - like leave the Taj Mahal for last. That really should be the crowning glory.

This has been a fantastic trip