“Here! Yogi Guesthouse. Traditional courtyard… blue… panoramic view of Mehranharg Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Clock Tower and Old City… 150 authentic Indian flavours…roof-top restaurant… umm… tariff 400 upwards…”
It sounded great. We decided to call and confirm, having stayed under a highly suspicious roof the previous night, due to overconfident carelessness.
“Hello? Haan… Yogi Guesthouse?”
“I want to know… do you have rooms available?”
I smiled at my friend. In return I got a glitter-in-the-eye type grin.
“Umm… the cheapest one…”
“800? Why? In the guide book it is Rs. 300… you have that one?
Ok, Hold on”
I needed advice. A nudge sufficed, accompanied by an inspiring pat on the shoulder.
“See actually, we read about this and called. It is good… but…”
“Yes yes, Indian…”
“650? Umm… can you give better deal… actually we are backpacking…”
Silence on the other end. And another nudge.
“See, we are on a budget trip… Anything is possible? Please… try no…
We are students!”
“Fine Thank you, sir”
The moment I hung up, I could feel those enquiring eyes upon me…
And I replied…
“400!”
Two hours later, we finally ended up tasting 2 of the 150 authentic flavours at the roof-top restaurant. And drinking cheap beer; in celebration of our greatest achievement so far, as ‘students’.
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