Day 18

I arrive at Naini Tal with my guide who I met on the train. It is nice to be up in the mountains after spending so much time on the flat. It is decidedly cooler up here and I will have to wrap up warm tonight. I have booked a bus to Delhi on Sunday night which gives me more time here than I had thought. I tried to confirm my return flight but to no avail - this included ringing Heather at work to check the number as India does not have directory enquiries or the equivalent, or if it does I haven't the skills to access it. I got the cable car up to the hill top but it was too misty to see the mountains. I will try again tomorrow. I met lots of Indians up there who seem particularly intrigued by my presence. Also went in my first genuine Indian home today which was good to see and yet another place where I am always welcome - I didn't think I would meet quite so many, but it is nice.

The sky was incredibly blue when I came down the mountainside. I did have a bit of a camera binge.

I've just seen a cigarette advert on the TV which is a bit of a change. This is also the first hotel I've been to with a TV and also I think the cheapest.

My book reading was interrupted by the invasion of the Sikh students from the Punjab and then I went for food. Stuffed my face completely and the waiter loves me as I have tipped him a couple of times. It's strange the difference a few rupees can make.