We are beginning to figure out how this country operates. The nature of the tourism industry is to maximize the amount of money from any given client while providing a service of equal value. The manner in which it is done here is quite appalling. The mentality here is to lie, cheat, and steal as much as possible while providing low quality service, if any at all.
For example, the hotel we booked in New Delhi advertises free airport shuttle, but after booking, they messaged us that we actually have to pay 700 rupees, equivalent to 10 USD. Passively arguing back and forth on WhatsApp resulted in frustration and wasted time, but Nadine was victorious in her demand, as the hotelier reluctantly consented as he knew he was in the wrong. Funny enough, we received an email from the hotel several hours later, warning us of potential scams to whilst in India. The cherry on top of the “free” ride is that the standard Uber rate for the same distance was 400 tops, while this hotel was trying to charge 700!
Day three in India, we woke up ready to get the hell out of Mumbai as quick as possible. Two nights in a row of sleeping in this filth they call a hotel is enough. We have provided enough food during the night for the bugs; it’s time for us to put some oil in our own machines and hit the road. Again, breakfast was delivered by the wonderful hotel staff in the form of a potato quesadilla with no cheese, and a side of ketchup. One bite in, a hair not belonging to either one of us had been spotted, and the idea of breakfast was tossed out the window.
Off to the airport and the sanctuary that is the business lounge.
Hotel breakfast on left, airport lounge food on right:
From Mumbai to New Delhi we flew on an airline we had not previously heard of, Vistara. Even though it was domestic flight, we flew out of the international terminal. Because of this, our taxi driver may or may not have intentionally taken us to the wrong terminal, which was five kilometers away from the correct terminal, forcing us to pay for a second taxi. Ironically, during the cab ride from the hotel to the airport, we were discussing awareness while traveling and how not to get duped by the local predators. Indians specifically are always devising new ways to milk money from tourists.
We arrived at the beautiful New Delhi airport a little after dark to find our shuttle driver waiting for us with a sign "Nadine Bialostozky"
The hotel in Delhi was a significant upgrade from the place in Mumbai in some respects. It was three times the size, had a larger, more comfortable bed, and no bed bugs. The hotelier Raj was welcoming and accepting when we arrived, even though we had our previous tiff over text message. Not all was as promised, of course. In India it is expected that not everything will be in order. For starters, the “rainfall shower” hilariously looked like this:
The alleged 32” tv was 18 inches tops. We didn’t care so much though because we haven’t flipped on a TV at single time during our travels.
Most importantly was the fact that was not one, but two doors into our room. The main door had a lock that only locked from the outside. When inside the room, anyone can walk in. This is less of a concern because at least we were present if someone were to walk in. Our main concern was the second door, which had no lock from the inside or outside, defeating the purpose of having the main door to begin with!
We promptly ordered room service and ate our meal of veg-tali while Salo kept us company over FaceTime. All India problems aside, every single meal we have had is delicious.
Midway through the meal our fears had rung true. The main door, which was unable to lock from the inside, was unexpectedly opened. Who could it be?!...
our next door neighbor who somehow entered the wrong room.
That night we arranged for a private guide who would shuttle us around the new and old city of Delhi for 1,000 rupees, or $12, for the entire day.
INDIAN HEALTH TRACKER:
Diarrhea-free: 3 Days
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