This is Post #9 in the new Series “Going to Afghanistan”.

Air tissue Hotel writing paper:

Hotel Imperial - New Delhi, India - An Oberoi Hotel
Cables & Telegrams “COMFORT” New Delhi - Telephone 47111 to 47119

27 Sept. ‘58

Dearest Lloydine, Ken and Don,

It is 5:15 A.M. and I am waiting for Breakfast.  At this time of the morning it is served in ones room only.

Last night “Mother India” almost had me down.  India is the acid test!  India is the France of the Orient!

Breakfast

The service was good.  A tea table wheeled into the room.  The coffee pot covered with a ‘tea cozy”.  The ants from the kitchen came along too so I had a bit of company.

The world is bright and cheerful this morning even though my reservation for Kabul has not been confirmed.

Last night while I was checking on the ticket problem the airport bus left with my suit case, my brief case, and coat but without me!  At the hotel only my suit case was unloaded.  I had to take a taxi to the hotel and then another to get my things.  Everyone was excited and helpful but anything but direct and forceful.  I was patient and now there is organization for the moment.

Off for Kabul.

Lots of love, Fred.

Fred takes the hotel bus to the New Delhi airport and boards an Indian Airlines DC-3 for his flight to Kabul via Amritsar, India.

[First posted:  2010.03.01 / Monday - France of the Orient]