MrsMarge

I have still not been able to take off my rose-tinted glasses since I came back and I am waiting until that happens before I post our trip report. Don't get me wrong - it wasn't all great. However, much to the seemingly disappointed faces of friends/family who said "why go to India", we were not sick (well the kids weren't, hubby and I had 3 days Delhi Belly which didn't prevent us from doing anything apart from eating) no-one was bitten by snake or rabid dog, nothing was stolen even on sleeper class .

Best parts: Andaman Islands, Agra and Kolkata and travelling in sleeper class by train,

Worst part: None for me, however, hubby says up until day 4 he could have returned home.

Dogster said something about having the girls with us would win hearts over. Well, because of our beautiful, considerate and well behaved girls our time in India was so enhanced. We met so many wonderful people just because of the girls.

Agra is so filthy. Staying at Hotel Sheela was like being imprisoned (clean though). However, we met some fantastic local people. Oh, we were maybe overcharged INR 100 in all the time we were there. Not like Varanasi - full report to follow!!

Ranthambhore - overrated, or is that sour grapes as we missed a tiger by just 15 minutes. Also, we were not taken in by Usha Rahthore - if all is to believed she is a clever fake. Safaris were good though.

We would not have changed the itinerary much at all. It was not too crammed at all. We can't recommend the Andamans enough - I expected the islands to be spoiled after 15 years but, I was very pleasantly surprised.

Random offerings after 3 large glasses of rioja. Reports to follow, however, I love Christmas and am a keen cook and entertainer so that comes first.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a Goodnight!

Marija

Welcome back, Mrs. Marge! Did you have enough gin?

rhkkmk

awaiting with relish

LAleslie

Can't wait in particular for the Andaman Islands bits.

Gpanda

Tick, tick, tick. We're awaiting the report. Sounds like you had a really interesting time.

dogster

Awww, Mrs Marge! Fantastic! I'm just really, REALLY pleased that it worked out for you all.

What a wonderful miracle - I mean the 'still married, unharmed children' bit... lol lol lol. Like all of us, I'm waiting for the report - but first priority, the Marge Family Christmas.

It looks like Rashmi has gone sour. There have been a few recent reports suggesting the same. We'll all learn from your report.

[I'm just back from India, too - Dogster's progress was a great deal less wonderful. We'll swap reports in the fullness of time.]

What a credit to you both that your daughters coped so well. Wow. I'm just very happy at this news.

indianapearl

mrsmarge: Ram showed us photos of your beautiful daughters. They are gorgeous! It's wonderful that all went as planned. I'm looking forward to your trip report.