4/1/12
Independence Day.

Which we discovered as we went out was the reason for the empty streets, and the places we intended to visit being closed (including the Post Office – sorry everyone, no postcards got sent, or written, to be honest).

But we had realised our planned itinerary was a little optimistic when all the necessary 7+ hour and/or overnight buses were taken into consideration. So we went to talk to a travel agent about our options. Once we finally found the place, we were treated to half an hour of the nicest free travel advice we have ever received.

Plans slightly improved we wandered back to our new favourite curry place for lunch. Although this time we accidentally ordered a sweet butter and sugar naan. Which didn’t really go with the plate of vegetable curries we also had, but we muddled through.

Hunger sated we walked the empty streets towards the museum, hoping that museums would be open on a public holiday. Sadly they were not.

But on the way we walked through some street side stalls and a large group of children playing some variation of blindman’s bluff. When the supervising adults saw us watching they told us to come closer and take photos, and then decided we really should be playing as well. So we did, which was hilarious and lots of fun – it’s amazing how much just laughing at each other can bridge the cultural/language divide.

After we found the museum closed we gave up and taxied back to our hotel, deciding that a restful (air-conditioned) afternoon and an early night was the best way to prepare for our early morning bus ride.