A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about what it was like to go car shopping here in India (you can read it here). Well, we decided to go with the Mahindra Xylo. It meets our needs and the way back row is just a lot easier to get to and will be more comfortable for our visitors (Mama, Papa, Sue Ann, Mandy, Jason, Renee, Alexander, and Sarah!).
Getting the vehicle has been quite different from the states. We told them what we wanted and they made sure they had it in stock ... somewhere where all the vehicles are kept. The car was dropped off yesterday at 5pm. The salesman came with the vehicle so that Stewart could sign all the papers. They even decorated it with a ridiculous amount bows. Of course, we had to take our picture with our new car. The best part was that they brought us a bouquet of flowers and a fancy box of chocolates! Apparently, it's a big deal to buy a vehicle here!
We've been interviewing drivers which has been an interesting experience. Not only do you ask them the regular questions but you have them take you on a "test drive" so that you can make sure that you are comfortable with how they drive. By yesterday, we had interviewed four drivers. Each of them stalled at least once and the first guy kept laying on the horn ... even when there wasn't anyone around! What I did find amusing was that the third guy said that he knew the history of the area and could also serve as a tour guide. Stewart asked him how old India Gate is and the guy replied that he didn't know and he would let Stewart read a book about the history of Delhi!
Stewart even got to drive last night. It was late and we were just dropping the Rays back off at their flat five minutes away. It was so weird sitting in the passenger seat ... on the left side of the car! We were going to switch when we got to our colony so that I could drive but our guard immediately recognized us and opened the gate quickly. Oh well.... one day!
Getting the vehicle has been quite different from the states. We told them what we wanted and they made sure they had it in stock ... somewhere where all the vehicles are kept. The car was dropped off yesterday at 5pm. The salesman came with the vehicle so that Stewart could sign all the papers. They even decorated it with a ridiculous amount bows. Of course, we had to take our picture with our new car. The best part was that they brought us a bouquet of flowers and a fancy box of chocolates! Apparently, it's a big deal to buy a vehicle here!We've been interviewing drivers which has been an interesting experience. Not only do you ask them the regular questions but you have them take you on a "test drive" so that you can make sure that you are comfortable with how they drive. By yesterday, we had interviewed four drivers. Each of them stalled at least once and the first guy kept laying on the horn ... even when there wasn't anyone around! What I did find amusing was that the third guy said that he knew the history of the area and could also serve as a tour guide. Stewart asked him how old India Gate is and the guy replied that he didn't know and he would let Stewart read a book about the history of Delhi!
Stewart even got to drive last night. It was late and we were just dropping the Rays back off at their flat five minutes away. It was so weird sitting in the passenger seat ... on the left side of the car! We were going to switch when we got to our colony so that I could drive but our guard immediately recognized us and opened the gate quickly. Oh well.... one day!
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