After breakfast, I treated myself to an Ayurvedic massage at 1000. I had a four-hand oil massage by a man and woman. She was the stronger one but despite that, now that I’ve had a few attempts with Ayurvedic massage, I should give up. I like hard massages and to be mangled Thai-style. Kim opted for a turmeric facial.
We did some shopping of toys and gifts before Kim moved out of the hotel; I would keep the room for the night as I leave early tomorrow. We took an auto-rickshaw to the YMCA to join Kim’s parents Pat and Fiona. By now, Kim had his luggage plus a refugee bag and I had my backpack.
Mushtaq took us to John (Pat’s new-found half-brother) and Olga’s home for a farewell lunch. Olga had made a beautiful meal of kebab/meatball curry, vegetable curry, pulao and more.
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- Around Paharganj.
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- Around Paharganj.
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- Lunch at John and Olga’s.
We settled our bill with Mushtaq for the week’s driving comprising of some short and some long days. Kim and I contributed INR4000 (about NZD120) for our share (2/5ths). We had over-contributed a little as we did our own thing separately at times.
Kim and his parents fly to Kuala Lumpur and Kuching tonight. We reached Delhi airport around 1900 due to good traffic conditions and I said goodbye to Kim and his parents. After the comfort and security of having a driver, and the company of family, I’m now all on my own for the first time in India. And I have a huge adventure ahead.
Mushtaq helped me get an auto-rickshaw to my Paharganj hotel. I bought some snacks in preparation for tomorrow’s train journey before going to the internet café and then bed.