Ed in India - Days 1&2
Day 1
Day 1 was the day that we flew to Delhi from London Heathrow. This flight was with Virgin Atlantic who as ever, provided a great service.
My day started with the usual check in process. Once I had made it through security, I was glad to be meeting up with a new customer of ours, Richard Kettell. We had a chat over breakfast about all things cricket and travel related whilst killing time before our flight. It wasn’t long before our gate was announced and we were on our way. The flight was on time and went very smoothly, landing into Delhi at 23:55.
The immigration process was also seamless. It was not long before we had collected our bags and were on our way to the exit, where we were greeted by 3 local Trailblazers reps holding International Cricket Tours signs.
This was when I got to meet everyone travelling with us that was on the same flight as me. We had a real mix of people which was great to see, including couples, brothers travelling together and also people travelling solo. My first impressions were that this was going to be a great tour.
Once everyone had arrived, we were taken to our group transfer. We were given marigold garlands and a bottle of cold water on arrival, before being taken to our respective hotels.
Day 2
Day 2 was a rest day for everyone that had arrived on the Virgin flight with me. Those that were staying at The Claridges with me decided to spend this around the pool area, making the most of the sun and Kingfisher that was on offer!
At around 3pm, we were joined by Gary and those that had started the tour with him. They joined us having flown to Delhi from Dharamsala, where they had recently seen England triumph over Bangladesh.
It was great to meet the remainder of our touring group that I would be spending the next 10 nights with. Whilst waiting for room keys to arrive, we all shared a complimentary welcome drink from the hotel and I listened to some of their stories from the early part of the tour.
In the evening it was time for Gary and I to head out for my first dinner in India. We walked to India Gate to take some photos, before I experienced my first Tuk Tuk ride to a local restaurant. Of course, curry was on the menu! The food was great and this made me more excited for what was to come on the remainder of my trip.
Tomorrow was where the real touring started, as we were going into Old Delhi for a walking tour.
