THE JOURNEY WEST Maybe some of you out there were starting to wonder when and indeed, if I would return to the UK - well, I have been pretty bewitched by India and let's face it, what with the gloomy economical and political situation in the UK there'd be plenty of reasons to stay away. But unfortunately there is the inconvenient fact that I miss all you folk rather a lot and well, I think it's time I get my self back to the UK and take my share of the murk ...

The Indian Elections I wanted to call this blog 'The Indian Election for Dummies' - a reflection of my level of understanding, as opposed to that of any readers. However, I don't think I even know enough to qualify me to write something of that title! I am ashamed to admit that my understanding of British politics is a little sketchy, never mind that of India's. Yet I didn't think I could really just overlook the fact that, during my time here, the largest d...

The Folks Come to India NB: Have been a bit remiss with the blogs; this entry is well overdue as Mum and Dad left India over a month ago! Lots has happened since, including my decision to stay in Delhi for the remainder of my time. But more of that in the next blog. So... I was really looking forward to Mum and Dad's visit, but I have to admit to some mild apprehension too. India can be 'in-your-face'; it had certainly taken me a while to adjust to the no...

GOA BY NUMBERS (Otherwise known as the 'lazyman's blog'....but in 42 degree heat, I believe that laziness is actually a necessary survival strategy.) TWO hours flight from Delhi to Goa SEVEN cocktails drunk. I decided to pass on the 'Osama Bin Laden' and 'Sad Old b******' varieties - quite risqué for an Indian menu though I thought! THREE, we discovered, is the perfect number of people to fit in an auto-rickshaw (although most Indians will manage 5 or...

Drama in a Rickshaw Picture this. You are in an auto-rickshaw which is stuck in an interminable traffic jam. It is over forty degrees and sweat is glistening on every inch of your skin; you can feel your clothes wet with perspiration against the plastic covered seat of the rickshaw. The vehicle is laden with bags of stuff that you are moving to your friend's house. At the side of rickshaw a succession of children's faces appear; they are selling magazines, whic...