In answer to a question about staying at the Lake Palace Hotel in Udaipur.

Greetings,

I did indeed book with an agent. As I understand it the Taj chain is so big that they just run via agents and Taj Card holders. I was very impressed by the Lake Palace. It has fantastic courtyards, peaceful reading rooms, a stylish 24-hour cafe, great food, Indian wines and beers, and friendly staff.

Contact: Nazeer Ahmed

Sales Executive

Kashmir Himalayan Expeditions (PVT.) LTD. New Delhi

3322063, 3323829, 3718154 (New Delhi Phone No.)

Nazeer is a good friend, even if I only knew him personally for 4 days. He can book flights, trains, hotels, and everything else you may need. I even got an English speaking driver and car through him for a tour of Delhi (Old and New).

The company started in Kashmir, hence the name, but have expanded into all area of Indian tourism. They even have an agent in Bombay (Mumbai).

Let me know if you need any more help, and I'll be only to glad to help.

And remember, if you need a taxi, then please seek out my friend Khan. He is very friendly and helpful and he has a family to support.

I'll sent you a copy of my current report, it just keeps on growing...

Regards Phil,

June ’96.

Greetings,

I am planning my next Indian trip for August '97.

Best advice for an Indian trip is to get some local Indian friends and then meet their families in India. This is a two-way street. You have a safety net in a strange land and your friends will get photos and first-hand news from back home.

My interest in Indian culture and history has introduced me to a new circle of great friends. They are kind and have shared their lives with me. Kind regards and special thanks to Nirmal Singh ji, Sardar K. Ram, Luis Fernandes, G. Singh, Chandra, V.P. Singh, Jagtar Singh, Prasad, and good friend Prem.

Other things to consider is that a relaxed approach will save your sanity and is more at pace with the culture. Time is very flexible for Indians. When you visit any Indian home they will offer you food and a chance to talk.

Avoid taxi drivers who have hotels that you 'must' stay at, also try and avoid the 'shops' that are owned by taxi driver's friends and offer 'cheap' goods. Both are certain ripoffs.

Be careful when asking directions. Indians are polite to the point of being somewhat difficult. Asking "Is this the way to New Delhi Road" will get a ‘yes’ even if its not. The answerer is too polite to say ‘no’. Try and use questions like "Where is the way to New Delhi Road" and you will get the right advice.

Just remember to enjoy yourself, see all you can, speak with people, and don’t avoid chance encounters if they seem genuine. Just get some ‘street smarts’ and do your best. After all, life is an adventure to be lived, not a question to be answered.

I hope this helps.

Kind Regards Phil,

March ’97.