Monday 2nd March - The End is Nigh

We have a lie in until 0715 this morning. It's another bright, sunny day in Delhi. After breakfast we commence packing, slightly reassured by our generous Business Class luggage allowance. It takes less time than anticipated so we can enjoy another stroll around Lodhi Gardens. It's a weekday and much less busy so there is the chance to stroll without impeding the more athletic. There is a rose garden which has attracted a group of Red Naped Ibis this morning, birds which somehow appear rather scholarly.

We cannot loiter indefinitely as we have a lunch date today. Lutyens Bungalow post check out policy is very generous, allowing us the freedom of the terrace and the teamaker. BB is going to collect us and take us down the road to Hauz Khas Village. At the appointed time we meet him at the gate and soon get deep in conversation catching up. It is three years since we last met but it seems like a lot less. We go to a Keralan restaurant called Coast, which specialises in seafood from the west coast of southern India. There is a lot of coconut in the cooking which is delicious. We are so wound up in conversation and then the food that D forgot to take photos so you will have to make do with pictures of the desserts which we took back to BB's flat to eat. 

His place is a real writer's bolt hole, full of books and some beautiful pictures. We spend the afternoon talking about politics, travel, families and other subjects. The time flies and before we realise it is time to go back to the Bungalow. BB drops us off at the Metro and we have a one change ride to Racecourse. 

As we emerge we can hear that the big party is still going and the illegal parkers are back in force. At least this time Delhi's Finest are in attendance. We hope that they have enough tickets. As walk by the grand mansion we hear and see a hullabaloo down a side street. This is an alternative route back to base so we go for a nosey and see wedding celebrations in full flow. It looks like this could be the groom's arrival in a cart pulled by white horses, accompanied by a crescendo of drumming and a lot of chaps in red uniforms holding umbrella/light fittings.

We enjoy one last supper on the terrace sharing with a young American couple on their first trip to India and a couple from Dorset who, like us, are just ending a long stay in the country. The veg food is good as usual, and the pudding cake is exceptional. We wonder when we will next get the chance to eat outdoors.