15.2.19

The alarm went off at 3. 15am and thankfully we had both slept well.

Nervously waited for our Ola taxi confirmation but all was well.

While waiting outside, Nexstays’ night manager apologised about all the issues. They have had problems with their laundry and have many new untrained staff at the hotel. Was good to leave on a happy note.

Our driver turned up on time much to our relief. The hotel could have arranged a transfer but it was 300 rupees more. Doesn’t sound a lot but 300 goes a long way here.

Ola was 827 rupees.

Google maps said the journey would take 50 minutes. They’ve obviously never met Kripalal. We didn’t feel unsafe though, his very frequent over taking was done with breathtaking accuracy!

Check in hadn’t opened but we were approached by a friendly ground crew lady who tried 2 different machines to check us in. Neither worked but she got a good selfie with us and explained that they are encouraged to interact with passengers!

Had a lovely fresh filter coffee. The food photos looked lovely. Paneer Masala and a chapati was cheaper than in most restaurants. (Dalaman airport take note) But 5am was a bit early.

Poor John is suffering with a bad tummy, maybe the ice cream or the fried bananas. Luckily we are 20 minutes delayed despite what the board says.

We missed our call for rows 1 to 7 and I was panicking but he emerged from the loo looking slightly better. He is coughing and sneezing too.

It was a tiny little plane with propellers.

It’s only just over an hour to Bangalore then about an hour and a half wait before our flight to Delhi.

The waiting time flew by, a couple of chicken puffs and a delicious Lavazza coffee helped.

It’s very noticable here that the women are dressed casually in jeans and tops with their hair down. In Kerala almost every woman was wearing traditional long dresses over trousers, or saris with their hair tied back or in a bun.

Time to board 🙂

A normal sized plane and no propellers this time but a weird ramp.

The flight to Delhi was a simple and pleasant 2 and a half hours. For a budget airline Indigo is fab, plenty of leg room, clean and comfy.

From March 2019 they are going to be offering direct flights from Istanbul.

We landed on time and by 2pm we were outside waiting for an Uber. The taxi company inside the airport quoted 8000 rupees, the Government one outside 4,400 rupees plus tolls which he said are about 1000 rupees.

Ubers quote 2400 plus tolls. Hope this is correct….

The traffic was horrendous, 5 or 6 lanes being made out of 2 or 3, of course the incessant beeping. Most cars have loads of dents and scratches including our Uber.

It was super scary!

After 45 minutes we joined a faster road. I checked google maps and it said 5 hours 1 minute to go. Felt tempted to ask the driver to turn back and get a flight home ! My nerves aren’t up to that.

Redid google maps and unticked the avoid tolls option and it changed to 2 hours 40 minutes. Thank goodness for that!

The roads became large and clear for miles and miles. Once we reached the outskirts of Agra it was pandemonium again.

I’m not sure why I thought the area would be affluent around the Taj. It’s incredibly scruffy and run down and so noisy.

Our hostel instructions said that Tangaj gate is the closest and no cars allowed. Paid our driver, 3100 with tolls and airport pick up fee. Remarkable, no way I would drive anywhere near here for double that.

Google took us down a narrow alley, little children playing down there were shouting no, no!

The locals are obviously used to it and told us the right way to get to Joeys hostel. 2 backpackers were having the same problem!

A warm welcome at Joeys. It’s definitely not the prettiest place, it’s very busy but everyone seems happy to be here.

Our room is nice enough although right by the stairs on the ground floor so we will have everyone in the communal area just outside our door.

We made it!! By 6.15pm we were on the roof terrace for THAT view. The whole reason for booking Joeys.

John still isn’t feeling good, his tummy is better but the cold is getting worse. We were a bit scared to go out in the dark here until we know how safe it is and know our way around.

We ordered from the hostel menu. We thought chicken soup might help the poorly soldier. What came was garlic soup with a hint of chicken. If nothing else it will keep the vampires away.

We were so down with the kids in the communal area, one of the staff joined us to play rummicub.

Fell asleep pretty early considering the noise, 15 hours travelling certainly took its toll.

So excited to see Agra properly tomorrow. Just hope John is up to enjoying it.