In Hospital

Why is it always the same ones who are seem to get the wrong end of the stick. Poor Ben ended up in hospital with gastroenteritis. He was sick all the night previous, vomiting and diarreah. He must have only got about an hours sleep.

Kathy whisked him to hospital on the Saturday morning and he was immediately admitted and put on a drip. He was also tested for dengue fever which is doing the rounds here at the moment. Negative thank God. The rest of the day he spent sleeping. Aaron, Tilak (our cook) took turns to stay with him whilst Kathy sorted out Jessica.

Of course I had to be away. On a Saturday the quickest way from Islamabad to Delhi - only about 400 miles - is 24 hour journey via Bangkok. It is very worrying when he is ill, as he is prone to seizures when his immune system is low - thankfully none occurred. I arrived back late on the Sunday night to find him asleep having finished his second and final bottle of drip. Kathy, relieved from duty at last, was able to go home and get a decent sleep.

Breakfast was toast and tea - which he demolished - apart from the crusts.

After the sumptuous breakfast, which they actually forgot to bring, the nurse came…

But only to take out his needle and remove the plaster - which was the bit that hurt. As it always does.

A little later Kathy came and we waited for the doctor to see Ben be discharged. Kathy may not like having her photo taken but it’s good to see Ben better and laughing again.

Happy Diwali

The lights glowing on Diwali inspire us to shine in our true spirit. May this glittering festival make you and your family shine all the way.

Wishing you a great Diwali,

Aaron, Ben & Jessica, Kathy & Phil.

What is it with Fathers?

It doesn’t seem to matter how old you get you still get told off!

“Dear Philip,

Just read your Blog on your brush with the law on using your mobile phone – I think you were very lucky. I’m sorry but I believe that you should not use your phone when driving – no, it isn’t the same as listening to the radio or talking with a passenger. If it had happened over here you would have not have got off. That said, it is reported that the number of UK drivers using their mobile phones on the move is increasing, but the catch rate is not. It amazes me how many one sees are mothers with children in their cars, lorry drivers and 4x4 drivers. “

Oh well - I guess the only thing to learn from this is…

Kids - when you’re 60, I’m still going to tell you off for not sitting up straight at the table, apart from not driving while on the phone that is!!

I must also apolgise for missing Daddy’s Birthday last week. Happy Birthday.

When In Rome

There is a fair amount of discussion about veils in the UK at the moment. Interesting as when we travel around the region most of the time women do wear wear headscarfs, veils or burkhas.

Here is a link to an article Alex has written about how she was percieved this week in the earthquake region - which isn’t that conservative. The Veil Controversy

Very much a when in Rome syndrome - but you can still not keep everyone happy.

Riding Lessons

Every Wednesday Jessica goes for riding lessons with her friend Hae-Myn (not sure if I have spelt that right). Finally I get a chance to go and watch at the stables which are very close to where we used to live.

Whilst the girls don’t get to do any of the fun things like mucking out and grooming they do get to feed the horses. Not sure if India horses like polos though. I will have to see next time I go.

First lesson of the day is to learn how to ride with out hands or feet…

Then after that they moved on to a bit of trotting.

All the time being watched by Beeja the riding instructor.

Jessica does look very comfortable in the saddle.

Round and round in circles - it must be great to get out into the open.

Going the other way round now - not sure if its to unwind the horses or not, the stable boys decide to handover or just play argy bargy.

After only half an hour the lesson is over and its time to head home.

Damn Phones

It had to happen and it did. After driving for two and a bit years round Delhi I was finally stopped recently for talking on the phone.
Confronted with a policeman (not a great English speaker) who wanted Rs1000 (£12) as an instant fine. I thought this stank as fines are only Rs500. He asked to see my driving licence, so showed him my EU one - my Indian one having expired. I did make sure he did not walk off with it however - he asked for it back so he could impound it. Fat chance.

Not happy with that and still demanding his Rs1000 I asked him to send me the challan - fine in the post.

He looked at the number plate of my car - as its not a Delhi plate that won’t work - its got to be cash - I wouldn’t get the fine. Damn. What to do? Neville to the rescue - after hading the phone to the policeman I get it back and told - just give him Rs100.
Luckily enough I actually have some money - most of the time I don’t - saves spending it I find. Back at the office I tell Arun… oh the fine IS Rs1000.

Oh well there is always a first time for bribing a policeman!

The Soccer Match

This happened such along time ago - or it seems that way that I have forgotten most of what was happening. In any case its Aaron playing soccer.

The defender successfully gets the ball and the chase ensues..

Aaron strikes at goal - he scores.

Not so lucky this time - even though photographic evidence proves otherwise - this goal was ruled offside . Ref how? there’s a defender crawling along the goal line!!

Finally celebrating the 6-2 win with Pavel