Got some excellent rest, though I was surprised at how long I was able to stay awake. I think it was the yoga and meditation in the evening post TM that got me feeling relaxed.

Woke up at around 7:00AM and got the morning Y&M in. Went downstairs, but before heading to the buffet, I went to the front desk to see what arrangements they could make for me to do a little touring around Delhi as I was heading to Budapest this evening.

Athai had recommended a couple of places to check out, so I asked the gentlemen at the desk see if we could do those tourings in around 3 hours. He spoke to his contacts and it was going to take around 5 hours, which for me, was too long given all of the time spent in the car the day before.

So, we said we would finalize after he spoke a little bit more to his people. Meanwhile, I hit the breakfast buffet and saw all of the choices, and was elated. I selected some vadai and idli/sambar to start. One of the severs walked by and said “oh, South Indian?” to which I replied “Yes, I love this stuff!”. I had an omelet next, then went back and had some of the last vadai and sambar. Also threw in some pancakes for good measure.

Went back to the room and my driver would be by at around 10:30AM to get the day started. I got changed and ready to head out! Badal Singh was my driver, very nice man, and we started on our rounds!

We first began at the Gateway to India, this really cool monument. Walked up, took a couple of snaps, and was then on my way again.

Our next stop was a very famous tomb of one of the Mughal emperors, Humayun. This tomb was very ornate, and made of red sandstone and marble. Indian and Persian skilled laborers worked on the monument for 8 years until completion, and it sat on a surprisingly large complex given that it was in the middle of a city! Really nice architectural work and, also, it was really hot outside.

We left the monument and couldn’t go to the Red Fort because it was closed. The Sun Dial clock was going to be too far away to be able to see, so we decided to nix that. I told Badal that I wanted some more of the oil type perfumes that Mohamed in Bangaluru had gifted me, so he took me to this store called Delhi Haat.

This emporium was crazy. I told them what I wanted but first was taken through textiles, then traditional Indian clothes, then carpets, then jewelry, then marble work, then paintings, perfume, etc. It was crazy!

They had some really nice fabrics, so I had a shirt made and picked up some a couple of marble coasters and had them mail them back because my backpack is already to the gills!

We got wrapped up at around 1:45PM and Badal took me back to the hotel. He knew that I would be flying out that evening and asked if he could take me to the airport. I said OK, and we agreed that he would meet me at 12:30AM for my 4:15AM flight.

I got back to the room, changed, and then got in my afternoon Y&M. I trimmed my beard, had a clean shave, and then went down for an early dinner. I didn’t want to eat late and then be all types of sluggish as I was getting to the airport.

So, after dinner, I began getting organized! I needed to re-pack and make sure that I had everything in order before heading out to Europe. And then…I did another Y&M. I figured that I had the time and I wouldn’t be able to do it when the following morning, so I considered it a Y&M in advance. First time ever doing three in a day, felt great!

I got ready and made my way downstairs to meet Badal, who was waiting outside. A light drizzle fell as I went to the passenger side door. Dude was knocked out asleep! So he woke up and we began going, and I was definitely worried. He was barely opening his eyes, at first I thought he may have been drinking but I didn’t smell anything on him. We finally got to the airport and I counted my blessings, and got on my way!

I love Emirates, but these flights weren’t like I had experienced going from Malaysia to Amsterdam. But these planes are pretty.

On the way to Dubai, I had this dude literally all over me. It was not pleasant. I was knocked out, but even so, I was waking up because he was moving around or literally putting his shoulder on my arm. I’m like my guy, you have your own seat! If I can somehow be in mine, you can too.

Also these Indians on the plane. Constantly trying to walk through you or around you in these little tiny corridors of walk ways. Y’all know how tiny they are. I’m like, where do you want me to go? Can you wait a minute? TO which they act all nice and as if they aren’t in a rush or being rude. Whatever, we were good.

Got to DBX, had a smoothie, and made my way on my second flight to Budapest. Knocked out once again, a little more comfortably this time around, and got geared up for the European leg of the adventure!