Driving to the back - Not

Was having dinner and Richard’s house the other week and left about 11.30 pm after beer or three it must be said - there were no taxis around so the only way to get back to the hotel is by a three wheeler or tuc tuc to most people. the driver tells me what the fare will be (Rp 60) and I realise that last time I was fleeced (Rp130) quite content we trundle back to the hotel at a breakneck speed of must have been 25 mph tops - not a patch on the old thai models - must be super charged or what.

Get back to the hotel and start to drive up to the entrance to be dropped off - suddenly security guards seem to be popping out of the bushes trying to get us to stop - not wanting to walk obviously I urge the driver to go on - on but also just before the main entrance we are blockaded and corralled into a car park. The poor driver is being berated by the guards so I give him big tip (Rp100)- he seems happy and I clamber out. Walking the 20 yards to the entrance is terrible not sure how I managed it but being of the disposition I enquire at reception why I can’t drive up to the main entrance - not allowed I’m told - all Delhi hotels are the same…. hmmm so if I was on my bike I couldn’t come to the main entrance - no sorry sir you must go to the back entrance - even though I’m a guest - yes - I think it s wrong but if its the rule its the rule - knowing I won’t win this of to bed I go.

With the black out curtains yet again I don’t walk up as early as I would like - I have now solved this by keeping them open a bit - back from breakfast I get a call from the head of security - yes - ahh Sir you tried bring a three wheeler into the main entrance - sorry but its not allowed - Ok I understand - if I get another one I’ll go to the back entrance.

Thinking I was suitable chastised - no - I need to get a letter from the front desk confirming I’m a resident so I can get my residents permit extended - sit down at the duty mangers desk and his first word are - last night you tried to bring a three wheel….. yes I now if I get another one i’ll be good… who doesn’t know!! At least I’m not a faceless guest and am greeted with smiles all round.

Explained this later that night to one of the bar men in the Dublin (no Guiness) who suggests I hire a horse from the Red Fort. It’s got 4 corners after all!!