"PUBLIC CONVENIENCE NOT CONVENIENT IN CAPITAL CITY"
"For a place like Shimla, which is thronged by both domestic as well as international tourists every year, the sanitation scenario is not too satisfying, rather it presents a picture of utter neglect...."
a situation which we became acutely aware of later in the day .....
Shimla was the Summer HQ of British India for many years - and witnessed many important events.
Our first call was at the Vice Regal's Lodge from where the whole of India was governed at one time - and several important documents (eg Partition in 1947) were signed. It is now a research institute for post-doctoral students of Social Science.
All was going well until half way through the guided tour of its faded grandeur when I sensed that all was not well, and a hasty visit to a local convenience confirmed the worst fears. Thanks to all who offered to send loo roll as a matter of urgency, but in this case, a couple of pages of the Hindustani Times saved the day.
Spent the rest of the day keeping a close eye on the loo facilities. After an interesting taxi ride, we visited a Hindu temple which offered good views of the city and its hills. I caused a stir at Clarke's Hotel - where we were booked for buffet lunch - by refusing all offers of food (the chef even offered to cook me something to order, but I stuck to the mineral water).
We strolled up the Mall after lunch, and abandoned the group at Scandal Point and walked back down the road to the hotel.
After a couple of hours of sleep, we joined 2 Keiths, Carol and Heidi for dinner (2 slices of toast for me!). Heidi was also on a restricted diet - for much the same reasons. We enjoyed a pleasant evening discussing railways, books, Switzerland and the M25.
Feeling much better later on!
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