Better to arrive than travel hopefully

A relaxing morning was followed by some unexpected sightseeing – unexpected in that we booked to coach to take us to the station at 12.30pm in the mistaken belief the train left at 1.15pm … it was in fact 4.15pm. So we did the India Gate where the blazers (we now all have then thanks to the visiting tailor, and shorts and waistcoats in the same colours are now also appearing) attracted hawkers and beggars in equal measure. A short stop for the local delicacy of Dominoes Pizza preceded arrival at the station. That was a remarkable place, teeming with people, animals and goods, and the way between platforms was across the tracks. We lost nobody, although were rather alarmed when our porters left all the luggage in the middle of the tracks while they disappeared for ten minutes.

After such a leisurely journey to the station, we ended up making the train with one minute to spare. The four-hour jaunt to Chandigarh was interesting at first, but the appeal had waned by the time we finally arrived. There was speculation that we should try to persuade the Kalashnikov-wielding solider guarding our carriage to don an OC blazer for a photo, but even the hardiest tourists decided he didn’t appear to be a man to mess with.

We had a short wait for the bus, and when it arrived it was clearly not big enough for us and the kit. The driver’s assistant was sent up to the roof and ordered to sit on most of the luggage – Copey had to haul it up as the bags were to heavy for anyone else to get up there!

Fines followed checking-in, and then those who had not opted to watch the Oscars (seriously) went for a quite stunning Chinese meal.

Dick of the Day Johnny Gates. Harsh, possibly, but despite being warned he steadfastly refuses to stop public displays of affection.