St Joan of Arc - Udayan

Our trusty leader Admiral C. Weldon had bravely survived her ordeal of biting into a vegetable pakora yesterday which was in fact a whole green chilli. No harm done. We were all ready for the off to Amritsar at 5.45 am after an early breakfast – Joe won the omelette eating competition managing 41! New Delhi station at daybreak was a revelation with many early morning travellers: baggage bearing porters; weighing machines with flashing lights; people sleeping soundly; cartons, canisters and other cargo waiting to be loaded onto the blue Shatabdi Express which was to take us to Amritsar, a journey of some 6 hours duration.

During the journey we went through the Indian countryside, going past many rural dwellings. Lots of people were flying kites which, we think, represented the welcoming of the new spring season. We then arrived in Amritsar and we were greeted by our guide, Aman, who took us to our hotel where we had some lunch.

We then went to the Wagha border to see the Closing the Border Ceremony at the gates between India and Pakistan. At the ceremony people had the chance to hold the Indian flag, school children danced to the music and celebrated in preparation for the Ceremony. The Ceremony concluded with the border flags being lowered at the same rate. Afterwards we walked back to our coach. As we were walking back many young people became very interested in us and took pictures of us and asked us where we were from. They were all very friendly.

We returned to our hotel, had an hour to relax before having supper together. Now off to bed, getting ready for our second day of the adventure in Amritsar where we shall be visiting the Golden Temple.