Err....Better late than never?

Okay this is for all you 'completer finishers' out there who are highly irritated at the unsatisfactory way my blog has just kind of tailed off and fizzled out like a damp squib! And I guess it would have been a sad way to end something in which I did actually invest a lot of time and energy (thanks to Vick for giving me the final nudge!). So here is a quick update and a promise to you all that I will write a concluding entry before the year is out.

So I am afraid this is not going to be a terribly eloquent, or well written, or even properly thought out entry. The pressures of full-time work (and possibly the most demanding job I have ever done at that) has really put the kaibosh on those long reflective pieces where I used to agonise over every apostrophe and exclamation mark (Mum!).

I also think most of you know how the story goes. I was all set to come back to the UK, and then two things happened simultaneously; one, I was offered a job with Tara (formely Chaya) and two, I met Raj. They proved good enough reasons to stay here a bit longer, amongst some lovely new friends I had made, in a country that fascinates and compels me. Although I miss folk in the UK dearly, I haven't regretted the decision.

The job - managing aspects of Tara's development, in particular the education programme is brilliant. I look forward to going to work everyday, where the kids (and volunteers) keep me entertained, on my toes, and inspired! Highlights today for example, included inspecting some plasticine ice-cream; setting up yoga and drama workshops for the kids, introducing the children to Brit pop during an English class, planning tomorrow's sports day with Kate our Australian social work student, oh and as always our cook, Vishnu's fantastic chai, without doubt it's the best in Delhi!.

The man - well, his name is Raj. He is from Hyderabad in South India, and he's wonderful! I spent Diwali with his family (see uploaded pics) and apart from a near-miss with a fire-work - which is almost a mandatory part of the Diwali experience - it was great. His Mum and I can't speak the same language (which some might argue could actually come in quite handy!)...but plenty was communicated with smiles, laughter and most important of all, the accepting of second and third helpings of her home-cooked food. I was dressed in a sari, fed until I thought I would burst, and given dance lessons from Varshi, his niece. All great fun. So now it's his turn to meet the family when we come back to the UK for Christmas!

So that's it in a nutshell! That final entry is on its way to you before we bid farewell to 2009 (you can hold me to that Vicky!).