18/12/2013

Got off the bus to a very busy street under an underpass which was getting built. I kept on walking until I stumbled across a tiny door and a sign which read 'Tony Guesthouse'… that was me! I followed the narrow steps up which could only accommodate for one person, to a locked glass door at the top. I rang the bell and was answered by an old man with only one leg, he had a crutch which had a small ledge protruding out which was bounded which several layers of masking tap. I went upstairs again to find a nice courtyard garden area, lots of plants and there was even a tiny pug puppy in a little cage. Met Tony, accommodation was 150rs a night for a dorm. Went back downstairs to check it out but before doing so was greeted by a 'heyyyyyy!'… it was only my main man Kiko!!!! Couldn't believe it as he being posting endless pics of him in Rishikesh in the north, and pics of locals holding a piece of paper with a message in Portuguese. Turns out he's been doing his own charity work, where he gets people from back home to send him money and he gives out blankets. He reckons he's donated over 2000!

The dorm had two beds, and a giant mattress on the floor which could accommodate three bodies. I was in the corner, next to the plugs, nice. Met Jeppe, 20, a Danish guy who had hitch hiked and couch surfed across Europe and Iran before coming to India. He was also a twin. Next thing Tony came into the room and announced today everything was free, accommodation and food!!! Haha I'd only arrived on their 3rd birthday aint! Felt like saying I'd upgrade to a deluxe room then!!! Also found out Sunderland reached the Semi final of the league cup. #goodday.

Later went to the train station to check out the trains to Agra, got talking to German guy, Johan, 24, in asking him where the tourist counter was, but he never knew. We set off to find it. The guy was so laid back and very camp, and had the girliest voice and haircut, and was even carrying a handbag. He basically hadn't done any research into India and where's good to go. Thought to myself bloody hell, you don't look like an India backpacker type!!! Paid 100rs for a general ticket as the sleep was full, which would arrive in Agra at 11:30. hmm not ideal but I went for it. Johan wanted to know where I was stopping so I gave him the heads up. Got some free bait on the night but it was mingin! Like honestly would a human being eat this stuff. Indians don't know how to make Indian food! Cant even be bothered to explain it as it'll bring back memories.

19/12/2013

Went to the Hawa Mahal, this random pink wall thing with loads of windows, and an Janta Manta, an Observatory astrology place, with Jeppe, and this filled the day. En route back I went to the bus station and checked the busses, there was one to Agra for about 200rs, leaving every 15mins or so. Decided to stuff the train and go for it. Later on Johan rocked up and checked in, this time with a bloody sparkly scarf around his neck. Later on got some food at the guesthouse, they don't have a menu, just make a big meal which you can buy, everyone goes for it and tucks in upstairs in the garden. Met Robert, a doctor from Germany who was cycling the silk trail, so he'd started in Germany, went across Europe and through Turkey, Iran, and Pakistan, and was now in India!! Such a good story. He was saying he came across young Pakistan children who would scream and celebrate etc when he said he was German, and they would shout Hitler was a guy guy as he killed so many Jews. f***ing ridiculous!!!! Johan also revealed he was an engineer, in renewables. This is just getting odder! Haha it was funny when Robert asked me how to say a certain word in English, and he would repeat it back with my mackem pronouciation. Taught well I thought! Later on Jeppe showed me how to use couch surfing, and gave me a reference to get me started.