Hurry Up and Wait

Its been a strange first two weeks in Delhi. Though haven’t done a huge amount its been its kind of usual chaotic self.

On the first night there was talk of going to Thailand as trouble seemed to be brewing there. If we did go I was not looking forward to it as by 9pm the jet lag was really starting to kick in and I felt terrible.

On the second night there was talk of going to Nairobi as it looked as if the British hostages held by Somalian pirates may be released. This would have been to meet up with Ashish as Pete the cameraman was off for the weekend.

During the day time’s spent in the office, installing, updating new kit for the bureau which I had brought out. Similar but different – it was almost like coming home – I know I’ve said that already but its because its all very familiar. In the office I sit at ‘my’ desk opposite Neville and we chat about stuff as if no time has passed at all. Arun is there to arrange stuff – including fixing two phones I brought out to be repaired. Akilesh the ‘office boy’ still there bring water and making cups of teas as well as running errands. Alex in and out like a whirlwind. Shiv pops in quickly and say hi – and get to talk to him more later on. But no work as such.

Knowing I have to try to keep the weight down – due to living in a hotel and having to eat nothing but rich food my daily exercise routine is swimming 30 lengths in the morning before it gets too hot – over 40 degrees C. Then in the evening an hour or so in the gym on the exercise bike to keep my legs going.

One saving grace in the hotel is the Vietnamese restaurant ‘The Blue Ginger’ where the menu is distinctly lighter than anywhere else. In the couple of weeks I have eaten there all but 4 nights or so. I have my own table at the back by the kitchen, and the waiters know I’ll have a glass of Pinot Grigio and some green tea when I come in. Though they still insist on bringing me a knife and fork. Chopsticks rule! One of the many fantastic dishes is marinated grilled chicken pieces. Served with slices of lime and a rock salt chilli mix. First squeeze on the lime, then sprinkle with salt and chilli – absolutely stunning and very very simple.

The waiters do seem to be concerned that I’m always dining by myself and I have managed to have one dinner out with old friends. Risham & Asjit, Gagan & Arbind. Obviously we talked about what has happened to the school – and despite all our good intentions at the time – nothing has changed. Quite sad. All in all it really was a fabulous evening just relaxing and chewing the fat over the last few years.

And then we have the bar – the Blue Bar…

That’s my seat at the end where I have a ‘my usual’ Bombay Sapphire and tonic. In fact the barman – who makes a wicked ‘Gunner’ with fresh ginger, makes sure that even when he is not there that I have my own bottle of Bombay – kept under the bar so no one gets at it.

Eventually work does show up. One day some lives on the roof and at 40’C+ not fun at all. Then a trip to Goa, and just as we are about to leave we are stopped by the volcanic ash. The person we are supposed to be meeting isn’t coming. Will I ever get to Goa? No instead I take Arun on another expedition to find a couple more of the lone caches lying in Delhi. And to make it worse on the hottest day of the year so far – 44’C.

Can’t see why but Alex and Neville especially, think I’m mad!