That’ll be half then …
After breakfast we decided we would begin our research on whether we could get new lenses in our glasses as we had both had eye tests in the last week and had both been told our prescriptions had changed. We went downstairs to ask the concierge if they could help. Normally this would not warrant comment, however, on this occasion there was an added challenge. Whilst we are in India for me to speak at a conference about data centres, there was another conference happening on Tuesday. I had been asked to take part in that conference but had no real desire to do so and, as a result, when we went to speak to the concierge, we had to dodge people and ensure that I wasn’t seen! If one has ever seen an Inspector Clouseau film where he is dodging behind pillars trying not to be seen, you will have a good idea of what this was like!
We made a discrete exit and decided that, since we were here anyway, we may as well have a look around the mall. As we did so, we found that there were a number of other opticians in the mall. Out of interest we popped into Dayal Opticals and asked the question. “Certainly!”, came the response, “Of course. Come on in”. So we did. Our new best friend Abdul welcomed us and explained that yes, of course, they could do replacement lenses. We handed over the glasses prescription and he said he would just like the resident optician to check it – at no charge – to make sure they would agree. After the second eye test in less than a week it was confirmed that, yes, our prescriptions were correct! Abdul then took us through the various options for lenses which were, indeed, considerably cheaper than in the UK. After some deliberation on the quality of lens and various other factors (like price!) we came to a conclusion that I would procure a new set of lenses for my ‘occupational’ glasses and a complete new frame and lenses for my day to day varifocals. Negotiations complete, an order was placed and collection arranged for Saturday.
Chapati pan procured, we decided on a visit to Dilli Haat. Dilli Haat is basically a government supported outdoor market with several hundred stalls selling regional crafts and with a large food court also selling regional foods. Whilst it was interesting to see, the vast majority of stalls were selling pashminas or other scarfs which, whilst that might be good for some, we were really not interested in. Other crafts included leather goods, mother or pearl products and jewellery. Not really our thing to be honest! We did, however, decide to stop for a quick snack. We entered one of the many restaurants and, although we couldn’t quite work out what the ‘region’ was, we decided that the menu offered something for both of us. Captain Clarke ordered the ‘Butter Chicken’ with two Rotis and I ordered the ‘Chicken Methi Malai’ with two Naans. We didn’t want too much to eat so we ordered the ‘half’ portion.
Having ordered our food, it wasn’t long before it arrived. Steaming hot and very, very tasty! That said, I tried Captain Clarke’s Roti and could detect no difference whatsoever between that and my Naan bread. They were both delicious, just no difference in taste or texture. Because we were planning on eating a little in the Executive Lounge when we got back to the hotel, we decided that the half portion was appropriate. What we didn’t realise was that it wasn’t a half portion, it was actually half a chicken … each!!! When we got back to the hotel it was difficult to force down a portion of paneer tikka and chicken tandoor! We did, however, manage to wash it all down with a couple of Black Dogs and a glass of wine! Today, I am doing that work thing whilst Captain Clarke is doing some less challenging activities.
Please pass on my sympathies to Sue, so sad to think Malcolm won’t be there the next time I come down.
Sorry to hear about Malcolm but glad you were able to visit him just before you left for India. Think your holiday is proceeding in the normal way – food, alcohol, more food, food and alcohol. Would never have thought about buying new spectacles in India – have heard very good reports of Specsavers in Oxted – Indian staff of course. Look forward to your new missive – I had three postings of this one.Take care of yourselves, just off to bed, nearly midnight. Mother