To be added
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Delhi City Tour
It was intended that we only would have a short sleep. The first time in Delhi, we want to see as much as possible of this town. The journey must have been much more exhausting and the room too comfortable because when I woke up it was already two o’clock in the afternoon.
Shortly after we ordered a taxi expecting a nice white limousine as the concierge promissed. But when we stepped down the marble staircase a yellow and green painted TATA was waiting in the entrance in front of the hotel. The driver with his big white turban on his head looked some kind suspicious and his blue overall (a very depreciatory description I know) didn’t make him look more confidentially. Uta and I glanced at each other asking if Yes or No. Even though we had both a rather No in mind we entered this Indian Limousine and new that from now on we would be totally dependant on this man’s will. The concierge had already fixed the amount of the fare with our taxi driver for about 4 to 5 hours.
‘No problem Mam, just releax’ the driver welcomed us. I told him what we would like to see in town, Safdarjang’s Tomb, India Gate, Kahn Market, Connought Place with Tibetian Market. Another ‘No problem’ was addressed to me and we disappeared in the traffic jungle of Delhi.
The tomb wasn’t that exciting even it is said that it had been the architectural prototype of Taj Mahal in Agra.
India Gate is the place which you have to see only because the 42m arch in height which reminds to the thousands of Indian solders who lost their lives for England during the Afghanistan war in 1919.
Two hours later we managed to find back to the United Coffee House through the heavy traffic, the clouds of exhaust fumes from the three wheeled Motor Rickshas , the crowed of people of different countries and cultures, the many beggars who cross your way every few steps asking for some Rupies. For us coming from Europe it was hard to pass by without giving them any attention at most when young women carrying their babies in dusty and worn out Pashmina’s would hardly let you pass. This is India, luxury and poverty always follows you like a shadow.
Shortly after we ordered a taxi expecting a nice white limousine as the concierge promissed. But when we stepped down the marble staircase a yellow and green painted TATA was waiting in the entrance in front of the hotel. The driver with his big white turban on his head looked some kind suspicious and his blue overall (a very depreciatory description I know) didn’t make him look more confidentially. Uta and I glanced at each other asking if Yes or No. Even though we had both a rather No in mind we entered this Indian Limousine and new that from now on we would be totally dependant on this man’s will. The concierge had already fixed the amount of the fare with our taxi driver for about 4 to 5 hours.
‘No problem Mam, just releax’ the driver welcomed us. I told him what we would like to see in town, Safdarjang’s Tomb, India Gate, Kahn Market, Connought Place with Tibetian Market. Another ‘No problem’ was addressed to me and we disappeared in the traffic jungle of Delhi.
The tomb wasn’t that exciting even it is said that it had been the architectural prototype of Taj Mahal in Agra.
India Gate is the place which you have to see only because the 42m arch in height which reminds to the thousands of Indian solders who lost their lives for England during the Afghanistan war in 1919.
Kahn Market on the other hand is a typical Indian market with many shops of all kinds where even women from Europe can find something to buy. In our case the böouse in Indian style was not available in the right size and had to be ordered and picked up the next day at six o’clock, no sooner no later. I was very skeptic if this trade would work out to our satisfaction. When we left the market our taxi driver spotted us immediately and was apparently relieved that we didn’t get lost.
It turned out that our driver was a very good guide. He was eager to show us his beautiful city. Therefore he gave us an extra turn around Connought place before he dropped us off at the United Coffee House. He was right because we felt a little bit hungry and the Tibetian Market was just located at the next Radial Road in the Janpath Road.
It turned out that our driver was a very good guide. He was eager to show us his beautiful city. Therefore he gave us an extra turn around Connought place before he dropped us off at the United Coffee House. He was right because we felt a little bit hungry and the Tibetian Market was just located at the next Radial Road in the Janpath Road. Two hours later we managed to find back to the United Coffee House through the heavy traffic, the clouds of exhaust fumes from the three wheeled Motor Rickshas , the crowed of people of different countries and cultures, the many beggars who cross your way every few steps asking for some Rupies. For us coming from Europe it was hard to pass by without giving them any attention at most when young women carrying their babies in dusty and worn out Pashmina’s would hardly let you pass. This is India, luxury and poverty always follows you like a shadow.
Dehli
‘Fasten your seat pelt…ready for landing’. That was the only thing I remembered of the last two hours of our flight to Delhi. The arrival was quite different as in Doha in the respect of the environment of the Airports. We did not get an extra bus as business passengers nor did we get a heartly welcome to India (I didn’t expect that as amndatory at all but it’s just what I noticed). The equipment of transportation was rather shabby and when the driver tried to shift gears the motor roared and only at a second try the bus gained speed and bucked off.
Another thing I noticed was that the arrival hall for the immigrants to India was so low that you could almost touch the ceiling. A big crowed was waiting in front of the desks for passport control but the officials didn’t speed up but checked every document very carefully. This must have been the consequences to the last terror attacks in Mumbai that the inspections had been enforced. It was also the reason why we changed the schedule of our journey. The hotel we were supposed to stay in Mumbai, the Taj Mahal, had been the target of the criminal offense. We wouldn’t have felt comfortable to stay in such an environment and so we decided to spend our last days in Chennay.
Finally it was our turn to be checked and to present our red passport with the white cross. This must have influenced the official because he did not have any questions nor did he inspect our visas with accurate care.
It was about five o’clock in the morning when we left the airport after having met our travel agent. Our baggage was well stowed in a white TATA Landcruiser but our driver despite of the cold and tight foggy weather so you could hardly see your hand in front of your eyes squeezed his car into the heavy traffic sometimes only half a meter close to the huge truck in front and numerous small yellow and green painted motor Rickshas on the left and right side. Tutut, tutut - all over and our driver responded by pushing his horn. Should we fear of our lives or was it just the beginning of getting used to another interpretation of traffic rules. We fiered that he would be our driver for the next days during our journey through Rajasthan.
Our travel agent helped us during the check-in procedure at the Hyatt hotel and because Uta insisted to get a room not only in four hours but immediately we had to pay an extra fee of eight thousand Rupies, approximately 180 CHF (1 CHF = 43.5Rupie). As it turned out later she was absolutely right in doing so.
Another thing I noticed was that the arrival hall for the immigrants to India was so low that you could almost touch the ceiling. A big crowed was waiting in front of the desks for passport control but the officials didn’t speed up but checked every document very carefully. This must have been the consequences to the last terror attacks in Mumbai that the inspections had been enforced. It was also the reason why we changed the schedule of our journey. The hotel we were supposed to stay in Mumbai, the Taj Mahal, had been the target of the criminal offense. We wouldn’t have felt comfortable to stay in such an environment and so we decided to spend our last days in Chennay.
Finally it was our turn to be checked and to present our red passport with the white cross. This must have influenced the official because he did not have any questions nor did he inspect our visas with accurate care.
It was about five o’clock in the morning when we left the airport after having met our travel agent. Our baggage was well stowed in a white TATA Landcruiser but our driver despite of the cold and tight foggy weather so you could hardly see your hand in front of your eyes squeezed his car into the heavy traffic sometimes only half a meter close to the huge truck in front and numerous small yellow and green painted motor Rickshas on the left and right side. Tutut, tutut - all over and our driver responded by pushing his horn. Should we fear of our lives or was it just the beginning of getting used to another interpretation of traffic rules. We fiered that he would be our driver for the next days during our journey through Rajasthan.
Our travel agent helped us during the check-in procedure at the Hyatt hotel and because Uta insisted to get a room not only in four hours but immediately we had to pay an extra fee of eight thousand Rupies, approximately 180 CHF (1 CHF = 43.5Rupie). As it turned out later she was absolutely right in doing so.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Happy landing in Doha
We had a very calm and comfortable flight and arrived in Doha exactly at 4:45 in the morning. At the Ramada Plaza Hotel, we only allowed us a short nap, had breakfast afterwards and then hired a taxi which brought us downtown Doha. Along the Corniche Road you have a beautiful view to the sea and on the opposite side new skyscrapers partly under construction emerge.
Our driver a gentil and well tressed Arabic man not with a turban on his head but with a neatly nodded tie gave us a ride to the Souk area. There he dropped us off and promised to pick us up again in approximately two hours. 
Visiting foreign countries, most of all Arabic countries, is always striking for me and I have to get accustomed for some time to the quite different culture. But I love to dive into the Bazars, the narrow streets, looking at people, smelling the intoxicating odors and scents from piles of spices in any colors and freshly cooked meals on the side walk.
There was a lot to see clothes and tissues, leather goods and shoes, not our style but nice to watch, weapons and knives artfully decorated and ornated. Even a cithar maker had his handicraft shop there.
It was a pleasure just to sit in a sidewalk coffee and just to look at people passing by. The weather was so pleasantly sunny but the temperature at about 20 degrees rather chilly.
As agreed our driver arrived at the meeting point just when the Imam called the believers to the prayer to the Mosque and with our first overwhelming impressions of a foreign world he drove us back home to the hotel. He charged us 60 Riyals which is quite reasonable for this long time he had to wait (1 Riyal = 0.27 USD or about 15 CHF in total)
We had already packed our luggage and when we left taking the shuttle bus to the airport it was just seven o’clock in the evening. Another four hours flight to Delhi was ahead of us.
Our driver a gentil and well tressed Arabic man not with a turban on his head but with a neatly nodded tie gave us a ride to the Souk area. There he dropped us off and promised to pick us up again in approximately two hours. Visiting foreign countries, most of all Arabic countries, is always striking for me and I have to get accustomed for some time to the quite different culture. But I love to dive into the Bazars, the narrow streets, looking at people, smelling the intoxicating odors and scents from piles of spices in any colors and freshly cooked meals on the side walk.There was a lot to see clothes and tissues, leather goods and shoes, not our style but nice to watch, weapons and knives artfully decorated and ornated. Even a cithar maker had his handicraft shop there.
It was a pleasure just to sit in a sidewalk coffee and just to look at people passing by. The weather was so pleasantly sunny but the temperature at about 20 degrees rather chilly. As agreed our driver arrived at the meeting point just when the Imam called the believers to the prayer to the Mosque and with our first overwhelming impressions of a foreign world he drove us back home to the hotel. He charged us 60 Riyals which is quite reasonable for this long time he had to wait (1 Riyal = 0.27 USD or about 15 CHF in total)We had already packed our luggage and when we left taking the shuttle bus to the airport it was just seven o’clock in the evening. Another four hours flight to Delhi was ahead of us.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Check-in again
Martina gave us a ride to the Airport and shortly after having parked the car we showed up at the same row of check-in desks as yesterday but at desk number one. What did I feel under my feet? – The Red Carpet - but not as soft and nice as I expected. But any way it was red and laid out for guests flying in business class.
I presented our passports and tickets to the lady behind the check-in desk heaved the luggage on the transportation band and while I was checking the weight which was affiched at a small display, almost 45 kg, the lady said as if she was talking with the boarding system: “They have already checked in” and to make it absolutely sure she asked me for confirmation. I explained her, what happened yesterday and that we have now carried our luggage a second time to this place. She looked quite puzzled but assuring that it wouldn’t be a problem to check the baggage through right to Delhi, India even we will have a stop over in Doha, Qatar. Happy about theses news we embraced our daughter Martina, said good by and strolled to the passport control.
There was plenty of time left to do some tax free shopping before our flight was ready for boarding.
At about 10:30 the aircraft was ready for take-off and Uta and I were ready for our adventurous journey to start.
I presented our passports and tickets to the lady behind the check-in desk heaved the luggage on the transportation band and while I was checking the weight which was affiched at a small display, almost 45 kg, the lady said as if she was talking with the boarding system: “They have already checked in” and to make it absolutely sure she asked me for confirmation. I explained her, what happened yesterday and that we have now carried our luggage a second time to this place. She looked quite puzzled but assuring that it wouldn’t be a problem to check the baggage through right to Delhi, India even we will have a stop over in Doha, Qatar. Happy about theses news we embraced our daughter Martina, said good by and strolled to the passport control.
There was plenty of time left to do some tax free shopping before our flight was ready for boarding.
At about 10:30 the aircraft was ready for take-off and Uta and I were ready for our adventurous journey to start.
Bye, bye
Sunday morning wasn’t very exciting. Some more packing of our handbag and being careful only to choose flacons with some beauty fluids and crèmes of less than 100 ml. Yesterday I didn’t bring back the heavy baggage into the house I only locked the car even in the garage. As time passed, much more slowly today as usual, I got more and more excited and nervous, couldn’t hardly wait until we could say good bye to our grandson and his parents Tobias and Marianne. Uta was quit sad knowing that she won’t see her grandson for almost four weeks.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
The Red Carpet
After having packed all our lugage and cleaned our home for several hours we were ready to heave the now heavy luggage into the car and head off for the evening check-in at the Airport of Zurich. It took us only twenty minutes or so to go there. There was not too much traffic as I expected during the rush hour.
At the Check-in 3 desk we were welcomed by a staff member which carried a huge pile of papers - must have been all the schedules for tonights flights. It was not the first time that we went through the process of checking in the day before but this evening something was different because we were immediately guided to another check-in desk, the check-in desk 2. First Uta and I were a little bit irritated but any way because of the lady´s friendly smile we didn´t doubt that she was right.
Check-in 2, Checkin-2. We followed the signs and arrived at row eight desk seven. How amazing Qatar Airways´ desk was in front of us. Only another Swiss couple was checking in and we were lucky that we were supposed to be next. Wasn´t that a good idea to stress Uta a little bit while packing and to convince her that evening check-in is much more comfortable than queuing in a big crowd just a few hours before boarding? At the desk I was asked to present the passports and tickets. The young lady checked both carefully, did some keystrokes on the keyboard which allowed her to review our records in the booking system. "To Doha and then to Delhi" she murmered and then a sudden question addressed to me: "Did you have to wait for a long time to get your visas"? What a question! Does it have any imortance. Fortunatly we got our visas in less than 15 days because when it comes to any administrative applications I am always late to get passport photos or other necessary documents well in advance. Later it got clear to me that she only wanted to feel her clients confident and not to let the ipmression to come up that something must be wrong with the booking system. After a while she got very nervous and said: "I have you on status E. Staus E means that I can´t do the check-in. I have to call the Qatar Help Desk".
Status E! We are on status E! I checked if Uta standing next to me had her typical expression on her face which she always gets when the normal flow of an action is interrupted. But she realized the situation much faster than I did and wanted to know what it ment to be on Status E. The answer she got did not help at all. In the meantime the lady who was supposed to be behind the desk pasted around was talking to her colleages on other desks made some phones calls but finally came back telling us that the Qatary crew had already gone and that she does not see a chance to do the check-in this evening even though the big display above the desk showed in big letters "Qatar Airways, Evening check-in".
Status E caused the problems. No check-in this evening. What else could we do as to carry our heavy lugage back to our car and give Qatar Airways another chance tomorrow. To make sure that we were not totaly wrong on choosing this desk I asked the lady if the check-in would take place here tomorrow at the same desk. "No, no" she answered "That´s only the Evening Check-in desk. Tomorrow you have to go to desk number one where you will find a red carpet on the floor".
While driving back home we blamed the dammed booking system not the lady behind the desk which did not let us check in. But be keep in mind that tomorrow we will check in with a soft nice red carpet under our feets.
At the Check-in 3 desk we were welcomed by a staff member which carried a huge pile of papers - must have been all the schedules for tonights flights. It was not the first time that we went through the process of checking in the day before but this evening something was different because we were immediately guided to another check-in desk, the check-in desk 2. First Uta and I were a little bit irritated but any way because of the lady´s friendly smile we didn´t doubt that she was right.
Check-in 2, Checkin-2. We followed the signs and arrived at row eight desk seven. How amazing Qatar Airways´ desk was in front of us. Only another Swiss couple was checking in and we were lucky that we were supposed to be next. Wasn´t that a good idea to stress Uta a little bit while packing and to convince her that evening check-in is much more comfortable than queuing in a big crowd just a few hours before boarding? At the desk I was asked to present the passports and tickets. The young lady checked both carefully, did some keystrokes on the keyboard which allowed her to review our records in the booking system. "To Doha and then to Delhi" she murmered and then a sudden question addressed to me: "Did you have to wait for a long time to get your visas"? What a question! Does it have any imortance. Fortunatly we got our visas in less than 15 days because when it comes to any administrative applications I am always late to get passport photos or other necessary documents well in advance. Later it got clear to me that she only wanted to feel her clients confident and not to let the ipmression to come up that something must be wrong with the booking system. After a while she got very nervous and said: "I have you on status E. Staus E means that I can´t do the check-in. I have to call the Qatar Help Desk".
Status E! We are on status E! I checked if Uta standing next to me had her typical expression on her face which she always gets when the normal flow of an action is interrupted. But she realized the situation much faster than I did and wanted to know what it ment to be on Status E. The answer she got did not help at all. In the meantime the lady who was supposed to be behind the desk pasted around was talking to her colleages on other desks made some phones calls but finally came back telling us that the Qatary crew had already gone and that she does not see a chance to do the check-in this evening even though the big display above the desk showed in big letters "Qatar Airways, Evening check-in".
Status E caused the problems. No check-in this evening. What else could we do as to carry our heavy lugage back to our car and give Qatar Airways another chance tomorrow. To make sure that we were not totaly wrong on choosing this desk I asked the lady if the check-in would take place here tomorrow at the same desk. "No, no" she answered "That´s only the Evening Check-in desk. Tomorrow you have to go to desk number one where you will find a red carpet on the floor".
While driving back home we blamed the dammed booking system not the lady behind the desk which did not let us check in. But be keep in mind that tomorrow we will check in with a soft nice red carpet under our feets.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Hello everybody
Welcome to my new blog. I would like to tell you as much as possible what we, Marcel and Uta Geiser, experienced during our journey through India. It is a great country and we already know a small part of the West Coast of India, GOA.
Two years ago we stayed there for approximatly two weeks. And it was at that time when our love to this beautiful corner of the world came into our hearts.
Two years ago we stayed there for approximatly two weeks. And it was at that time when our love to this beautiful corner of the world came into our hearts.
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