Relaxing in New Delhi

20 April 2009

We drove very far and quickly to New Delhi to get the Iranian visa process started.

After spending most of our time in Nepal sick, we figured we would take it easy in New Delhi. It doesn’t really feel like we’re in India here! It is very clean, new and not full of life like the other cities! Well, it’s a good place to take a breather.

At the Iranian embassy, we were told to go through an online service to get the proper documents to apply for the visa! Oof! We did, and were told that things are really backed up due to Iranian new years... Well, this means we can’t get the documents and apply for the visa until mid May, which means we’re sort of stuck until we can. Well, there are worst places to be stuck in the world! Also, we are pretty motivated to get this done because it is the last visa we will need for the trip!

We are currently staying at Nehru park. It right in the city, and parking only costs 50 Rs a day! Bathroom and showers are right nearby. There is a slew of friendly French overlanders staying there as well (most are also waiting on the Iranian visa). We were welcomed with open arms, and we feel like we’re part of the little family. Many of them know each other because they were stuck in Turkey waiting on the Iranian visa there! Most of them are heading back to Europe, through Pakistan and Iran, so chances are we’ll see lots of them. It is wonderful to see people travelling with children and even pets! We have two vigilant guard dogs at the camp site, and we feel very safe.

So we are spending our days lazing around in the hammock, having water fights with the kids and grown ups, drinking some cold beers and eating good food, all in great company! There are a few things we need to deal with in the Wombat, but there’s no rush.

We plan to go to Agra soon, to see the famous Taj Mahal. The only thing, though, is that it is going to be hot. Really hot! The forecast for New Delhi this week is: 41C, 41C, 39C, 38C, 39C and 41C. All sunny. Agra is meant to be hotter than New Delhi, so I can’t even imagine... It looks like we’re going to have a lot of water fights this week, even if it angers some of the park attendants.

Marie-Claude

ps. Jonny got a haircut! I was trying to do it, but it turns out that one of our fellow overlanders is a professional hair dresser! Sweet deal!