Shimla

September 12, 2007

Well we are continuing to experience such wonderful adventures. We arrived in Shimla 2 days ago, it certainly is nice to put down ones feet for a few days. We continue to be delighted with out quality of hotel. Service is wonderful, they can't do enough for you.
We had a guide, Vichel for a day to tour Shimla and environs. Visited the summer holiday site of the British army before India's independence in 1947. A grand British building, we remarked that it looked like a castle.
Lots of history and lifestyle of India, our guide had an arranged marriage, very interesting listening to him and his way of life, also how tourism has affected his lifestyle.

A highlight was the visit to the Monkey Temple. Monkeys were everywhere, lots of photos, sorry too long to download as server is Slowwwwwww for photos. We had to take off all hats, glasses, make sure there was nothing in our pockets as they steal. Lots of mothers with babies quite sweet but dangerous. You carry a stick and they get the picture to stay away.

Shimla is a very interesting city, it is the capital of the province of Himachael Pradesh. There is a a street called the Mall which does not allow vehicles. Very civilized, the shops have the look of old England. Very quaint except for the horns. HONK HONK all day long.

We are so happy that we are sleeping well as we had some challenges at first with the Altitude Sickness.

We are taking a free day to enjoy the city of Shimla. Tomorrow we will go for 5 hours to our next stop, of Rewalsar.

Our travel agent in Delhi has called us 3 times to make sure we are happy. The planning so far has been more than we could imagine, so smooth.

We sit and enjoy breakfast looking out on the Mall. As people walk by in their various attire, children in uniforms and women in beautiful garments, it feels like we are sitting in the middle of a fashion show.

Bye for now. Alan and Susan