Well, here we are in India. We had a good flight with Virgin, thanks largely to the fact that it was barely a third full, which meant a row each and the chance to sort of lie down (though not that brilliant when I am 6 foot and the three seats come to about 4 feet, but better than nothing). Good food – I do love airline grub!

We landed at Delhi Airport and were advised by the cabin crew that it was a bit ‘misty’. This is a euphemism for polluted!  It was so ‘misty’ that we could not see the other end of the runway and even the airport terminal was a bit murky. Still it was pleasantly warm, though rather dusty to the taste.

We dutifully queued for immigration and were then told we were in the wrong queue, so started again in a new one. After photographs and electronic fingerprinting we collected our luggage and were met by our driver, Monu, who seems very nice. We then set off for the car, which proved to be a bit of a walk due to security matters to do with impending Independence Day celebrations, I think.

It was then off into the traffic. It is amazing how many cars you can fit into 4 lanes! Lots of honking and jostling and darting motorbikes and nippy tuktuks, but we were assured by Monu  that things have actually improved due to an odd and even number plate days for private cars on alternate days. I can only imagine that we would still be trying to get to the hotel if this trial had not been put into place.

The hotel is the Oberoi Maidens, built in 1903 and very colonial in style. I feel I should have regrown my moustache! Nice room and really lovely staff. Now for some shuteye before a day of sightseeing of Delhi tomorrow.