Henry Blofeld

What was the most memorable part of the experience?

The most memorable aspect of the Real Marigold Hotel journey to India was for me the interaction of eight fascinating but different characters thrown together for the first time. Each one had led a most distinguished career in their own fields and they now brought together all their different experiences in a most interesting and entertaining mix. I was one who knew India well and it was fascinating to see the varied reactions to India and its culture.

I was delighted to have all my impressions of the charm, gentleness and friendliness of the Indian people confirmed. They are a real delight, nothing is too much trouble and, language barrier permitting, they fell over backwards to be obliging and helpful.

Another wonderful memory of this trip was quality and the wide variation of the food. I am lucky and love spicy food and I was never disappointed. I found the most remarkable part of our visit was the week we spent at Rishikesh in the foothills of the Himalayas. I've never been as far north before and the mountains and the scenery were amazing - even for one who has no head for heights.

During the entire three weeks I was not bored for a single moment by India, the Indians, our own party, the food or anything else. It was truly an adventure of a lifetime rivalled only by my drive in 1976 from London to Bombay in a 1922 Rolls Royce.

What surprised you the most?

My biggest surprise was the delight, the comfort and the hospitality we encountered in the wonderful accommodation which had been found for us both in Puducherry and Rishikesh.

What was your role within the group?

My role in the group - if I had one - was I suppose that of the jolly chap who had visited India many times and loved pretty well everything we saw or did. Doing yoga in Puducherry with Paul made me feel my old bones were already down among the also rans! Then he and I joined a Laughing Yoga class at a hugely upmarket old people’s home in the Himalayan foothills. That was truly a matter for laughing! I am a Canaries (Norwich City) supporter and Paul shouts for Rotherham who had just been beaten in the Championship by Norwich. Much lively banter ensued. Paul and I also played pétanque with some French speaking locals by the cathedral in Puducherry. I think the Canaries won that one too! In Puducherry I went in search of the best coffee shop in town with Britt Ekland and she talked interestingly but reluctantly about her marriage to Peter Sellers. I am not sure small talk was Britt’s thing. But at the aforementioned old people’s home in the Himalayas we both had a pedicure together and in front of the cameras prattled away happily and interestingly for the best part of an hour.

In Puducherry I watched a game of cricket with Barbara Dickson and, probably against her better judgement being a Scot, she was intrigued by it. We had for company a bevy of old men who had grown up listening to me on the radio and we all had a wonderful afternoon. I also visited a barber’s in Puducherry with Duncan Bannatyne who was shaved with great skill with cut-throat razor by a bonhomous barber while I had my hair washed and scented by a most talkative washer. What fun these adventures were and there were so many more.

Did the experience allow you time to reflect?

While I was in India I found I was so excited to be vigorously living the present that I did not have the time or the inclination to reflect on the past, the present or the future. I was enjoying the present so much and was busy squeezing every drop of it juice out of it that I could. My only problem was that I found the whole adventure hard work and by the end of it I was extremely tired and once or twice, I fear, bucked like a horse when yet another adventure was planned late in the day. Maybe I learned that my stamina was no longer quite what it was!

Did you learn anything about yourself?

Amazingly, I think I discovered that I had become a little more patient in my old age although I don’t for a moment think Valeria would agree. It is always to respect the views of others although my life on tours with cricketers, broadcasters and journalists had probably hammered this lesson home at an earlier stage of my life. Never say no and give everything a go.

Would you return to India?

Yes, like a shot - or even quicker if possible.