Friday, 29 August 2008

It has begun

Right. Well, I'm here, is the main thing about today. A lot of sinking in happened on the plane- going to India, leaving home etc etc, but really in the grand scheme of things all that matters about today is that things have gotten underway and are no longer a fantasy.

Delhi is every bit as mad as people say it is. Most of the bazaars are underground. They're a bit like bomb shelters- really not the best design for a shopping mall. Anyway, you can't so much as look at something without the shop owners harrassing you, so you can't buy anything, all you can do is take in how odd a place it is.
Also twice now I have been led to a "government emporium" by a man who charms me into thinking he is showing me some sights, while "practising his English" It was funny both times though. They're really good at luring you there:

Man: Hello , where you from? I no try to sell you things, I practise my English.
Tom:Wer're from Britain.
Man: Ah, Britain. where going today?
Tom: anywhere, just see some sights
Man: i will show you. how about the sikh temple... the sikh temple's good
Tom: ok
Man: I take it you have a head scarf to cover your head
Tom: No
Man: oh never mind theres a "government emporium" we can go to on the way. Follow me...

then he takes us to this little shop which sells indian stuff...but not the sikh temple.
Its all really good fun though, we've had to retreat back to our hostel at intervals to have a rest from the heat and the intensity of the place.

every now and then you see completely disturbing poverty

everyone stares at you as well. a man even took me for his husband.
all the other guys are really nice and were having great fun. I really can't wait to get up there and start doing my "job"
Its a really huge place, India. It feels like theres far too little time to fit everything in.

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