Hanoi to New Delhi

We left our hotel at 0815 and arrived in plenty of time to check in for our Malindo Airlines flight to New Delhi.  We were concerned about long lines at security due to the Tet (New Year) holiday; however, it appeared as though there were few people leaving the country as the international terminal did not seem super busy.  The television stations were showing long lines at the domestic terminal just as we experience in the States just before Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Our departure was delayed by more than an hour as the plane we were flying on had not arrived on time.  We were a bit concerned we would miss our connecting flight in Kuala Lumpur due to our late departure.  Upon arriving at Kuala, we were told to hurry to Terminal H so we'd make our connection to New Delhi.  We speed walked to the train station to board the shuttle from Terminal C where we landed to Terminal.H.  The shuttle first took us to Terminal A then reversed course before eventually arriving at Terminal H.  Once again, we speed walked to get to our gate.  There, we discovered our flight was again delayed.  We sat for about a half hour before boarding.  The plane took off over two hours after it was scheduled.  We landed in New Delhi almost 3 hours later than planned.  It was about midnight local time.

Malindo Airlines

We hit an ATM and withdrew 7,000 rupees (an Indian rupee equals less than 1 3/5 cents).  Brian arranged for the cab to our hotel.  It was 500 rupees (less than $8 US).  The ride was one not to be forgotten as the driver raced to get us to our destination weaving his way through cars, trucks, tuk tuks, motor cycles, bicycles and an occasional pedestrian.  Brian was in the front seat with the driver and got a good view of the traffic (sometimes only inches separated us from the car ahead).  The lane markers on the road were totally ignored.  Janet felt like we were in a video game and dodging obstacles that came at us faster and faster.  Carla was concerned that the speedometer read 80 but didn't realize until later that was 80 kilometers per hour not 80 miles per hour.  Although, it did seem at times we were traveling 80 mph as we passed other traffic.  We arrived safely at our hotel about 45 minutes later. 

Carla was initially shocked when we turned down the narrow street that took us to our hotel.  There was barely enough room for the car to drive down the middle of what in the States would have been a narrow alley.  However, it was well light with garish lights of various colors and people walking about among the traffic.  The cab rolled to a stop.  Our bags were soon whisked away by the hotel staff hauling them into the lobby.  We gave the cab driver a 100 rupee tip and he was very happy with that.

There was a bit of confusion as we checked in to the hotel.  The desk clerk wanted to put us in 4 single bed rooms rather than two rooms with a queen sized beds.  Of course, the cost of 4 rooms would have been more and we didn't each want to sleep alone.  After a little negotiation, we were escorted to our room which looked fine and made Carla feel much better.  It was spacious but not luxurious (we didn't expect it to be other than clean and safe).  We tipped the porter 100 rupees which was the smallest denomination bill we had.  That was a mistake, as soon, we were visited by several members of the staff attempting to make our stay a pleasant one.  Did we need food?  Did we need laundry?  Did we need a tour guide?  Did we need water?  Eventually, they got the word, WE NEEDED SLEEP.  It was a little after 1 a.m.

Turning out the lights was a challenge as there were about a dozen light switches for the sleeping area.  There were more lighting options in this room than seemed possible.  Ceiling lights (four different options), wall lights (two options), desk lamps (more options)  Finally, we got all the lights out and we soon fell asleep.  At least, we can sleep in as long as we want.