So...We have finally left the UK after what seems a really long timme planning and organising this trip. Despite all the planning we seem to be finding obstacles along the way so its not exactly been trouble free, but what fun would that be.

The very first issue, was in Heathrow airport when I got stopped by security as a padlock and security chain (for the bags) was in my hand luggage and couldnt be allowed on. So a quick trip back dow n to check-in and my lock was packed in a little cardboard box and sellotaped together. Considering the airlines lose big bags of luggage, I didnt hold out much hope of seeing it again.

After a tiresome 8 hr flight, with no decent movies and worse food; we arrived at Delhi airport. They are currently rebuilding it, so it was very dusty but at least when the conveyor belt came round, all our bags and my lock were still there. On leaving the airport, we entered into an odd 24 hrs.

Firstly, Delhi is a sh*thole. Really, thats it, there is no nice way to say it. The romans believed that you could judge a civilization by how far they remove their waste from themselves. If thats the case, then Delhi would have upset many an ancient roman. Its an odd thing to walk past so many people who just stop, drop trews, and just let rip whenever they feel like it. We had only planned to stay 1 night in Delhi and that was a well thought out plan. Our hotel was actually quite nice, but it was in a rundown bit of old delhi, near the Red Fort. (there is a pic of the road its on if you dont belive us how bad it is). We spent this day just having a look at the Red Fort, dodging rickshaw drivers and trying to acclimatise to the time zone. By the time 7pm came round, we were done for and went to bed.

The other impression of Delhi I got, and this is true for Agra as well, but to a lesser degree, is that EVERYBODY is on the make. They are all after your cash. The worst is those like our first cab driver from the airport, who first try and tell you they are on your side by warning you about scam artists or overpriced water etc; and then spending the next 30 minutes badgering you to hire them for an over priced tour around town. Persistent isnt the word. Everything has a price; the touts near the red fort wanted money, just for pointing the entrance out to us....! Although, the Red Fort itself was nice inside, we felt a bit like an exhibition as everyone kept staring at us, and some schoolkids even took our picture. Surely a 6ft skinhead in a galway jersey isnt THAT odd a sight? Also, everythign is so old and rundown. Its like when the english left, everyone stopped building and looking after stuff. Connaught Place in the centre of Delhi is one of the most expensive office areas in Delhi and its falling down. If nothing else, a lick of paint wouldnt go amiss.

We left our hotel the next morning, intending to get a train from Delhi to Agra, this is one of the hardest parts of our trip. New Delhi station is simply one of the most full on places I have ever been to. It reminded me of an ant colony. Its huge with thousands of people around and no signs for anything. To cut a long story short, we gave up on the train and eventually found ourselves at the tourist office looking for the quickest way out of town.

This turned out to be a taxi, which we hired for 3 days, and he would drive us to Agra, stay with us for the 2 nights we were there, show us round and bring us back to Delhi for our onward flight. All for 90 Quid. The deal was done and we headed off for the next stage of our trip. Agra - City of Love.