Now I am the Master

Well the new lads have been here for quite a few days now. They still have that look about them that I can keenly remember when I first arrived

Really nice blokes, but one of them has been stitched up.

Remember when I got caught out with the 'don't eat with your right hand', 'Salute the doorman' etc etc...Well I have devised a new one for Alex. I mentioned casually over breakfast 'Have you noticed the 'blinking thing' yet??

When he hadn't I advised him that he'll notice when in conversation with someone that they won't blink. It's seen as a lack of interest from the person listening.

So now the poor guy is constantly staring at people when they're having a chat..

Even better was when he said "I'm getting the hang of this staring thing now.Cheers"

Excellent

An elephant never forgets.Nor will I

Saturday started off quite plesantly. We spent some time near the pool, but were given the unfortunate news that Phil wished us to go shopping at Four. Not too pleased about this disruption, on such a relaxing day I eventually relented and decided to tag along.
Curiously we had to wait for our vehicle to pick us up at the back of the hotel. Still I suspected nothing. However Phil had a sly grin on his face, and kept on saying the words 'Wait for the People carrier'....

Suddenly this massive,grey,magnificent,slumbering beast was walking up the road. Now I've always had a child like awe about Elephants, and was lost for words to be so close to one. We all immdeiately began to pet, and stroke this amazing creature. I can't even begin to count the ammount of pictures we all took.

The handler then began decorating & painting it. Even at this stage I was still not aware of what was still to come. Suddenly Pooja announced to us that as there was Seven of us, we needed to split up into 2 groups before we went on our Elephant ride?????

Our group (Me,Phil & Sue) were 2nd.This then meant an excited hour wait before we took our amazing journey.

The hour soon passed and we all were left to stand next to the elephant wondering how on earth we were going to get on it. The Handler uses what can only be described as a poker, to give commands to the creature. I can certainly imagine that even this is hardly considered a scratch when compared to the leathery tough hide of the elephant. Ths skin feels very strange and again I just spent many minutes dumb struck. The handler gave out a few commands and the beast slowly got on it's knees and waited for us to hop aboard.
I boarded first.And with great trepidation stood on its neck and clambered aboard. There was quite a lot of room and I settled as Phil & sue managed to get on as well.
Once on there the elephant rose again. It does this 1 foot at a time (obviously) so the carriage goes round in a circular motion. We must have been a good 15ft off the ground.
The handler again gave a command, and we began our journey, if somewhat slowly. I was amazed of the attention we were receiving. Everyone seemed to have either stopped working and were just staring at us.
It was also my first real experience with people in Delhi. Everyone had time to stop & wave. Children were shouting and waving. Locals were asking where we were from. It certainly did create quite a storm.
I later found out from Pooja that an elephant is a not too common event anymore in the major cities. In the past they would have been found everywhere, but traffic restrictions meant that most of them are gone now.
We all really enjoyed seeing a new part to India and spent a majority of the journey, open mouthed in a state of wonder.
What topped it off was riding back to the hotel just as the sun was setting.
Soon enough our journey was over but one that will never be forgotten.

The Hair,The heat and the Monica

This is me on the Tuesday night after I got here.

My hair had reached an uncontrollable stage and had doubled in volume over one day

i had to make a drastic decision..The hair had to go..Step forward Mr Burkin and the Grade one all over......I was upset as it had taken ages to grow,but the heat man

Walking on water & the Flaming Sambuca

Picture 1
Here's me at the pool on Saturday. The water was freezing. I found it a lot easier to just walk on the surface

Picture 2
Round at Rob's on Sunday night. Me and Phil thought we'd impress everyone with the Flaming Sambuca trick....Excellent

Brian's new clobber

I went to the bosses house after work yesterday. Really nice place. Plus he's got some servants, a chef etc etc and is really hospitable. We had a gorgeous meal, and we had the nicect Dhal I've had since I've been here. I also got a taste of home and had some Apple crumble and Ice cream
I had a few beers and also got to try on my Costume for next weeks Opening Ceremony
The outfit is really ornate, hand made and looks really cool...I've asked Mark to download some piccies so you can see it for yourself

The main outfit is called a Sherwani.The stole is called a Chunni......

Gullibles Travels...

Oh yes...I have been well and truely stitched up by these guys.
I will draw your attention to one of my entries (ooh-er) regarding the taboo nature of eating food with your right hand.
I was told yesterday that this was a complete load of bollocks...
To do this is not insulting, nor will the chef run out of the kitchen brandishing a cleaver for insulting him.....
I guess it's an old wives tale.....
Oh dear how stupid am I....
However I got my revenge on my work colleague Phil when I recalled the conversation we had a the Taj mahal last week. The guide was taking photo's of us all. However when it came to Phil he asked him (innocently mind) Can you move out of the way as you are blocking the Taj Mahal..
Quite an accomplishment to block from view one of the wonders of the world..Ha Ha

This wind up has been used on all of us and I was the latest batch of fresh meat
We've got some newies coming over next week and then I will have my revenge...Mwwahhhhhha ha ha ha

A dash of Reality

I have just taken my first break of the day. I was in the break out area and caught myself gazing out of the window.
There was a child of about 9-10 year old. Her job was simple. She had to carry bowl fulls of sand, on her head, to the construction workers. This meant the same repetitive exercise of going back and forth between the pile of sand, and the workers.
I could guess the sand weighed in access of 15 lbs. She would do this same job all day,12 hours a day, 6 days a week.
Her pay would be equivalent to about 40p per day......

Now I'm not on to preach, but I know myself that I will never moan about work again....

Lucky does not even come close

Family Values

Just had a good chat with the boss here called Rob..
He was explaining the strong family values intricate to the people of India
Family strength is paramount here. It is the family's responsibility to ensure that everyone is looked after.
A lot of the money here is classed as 'Old money'. Property and land has been passed down from generation to generation. A son will take over his father's dynasty with the sole responsibility of ensuring that, in time he will be able to pass it to his sons, and so on and so on.
I also found out that land is really expensive. A plot of land near work was sold yesterday for about 5 millions pounds.That's for a 5 acre plot....
A square foot of land here in Gugaon would cost about 4000 rupees (about fifty pounds)....

Accustomed already

Well it's been over a week here and I'm already getting used to the place.
Thought I'd tell you my typical day in work so far.
I get up at ten-ish..Head downstairs and stack up on the old caffiene in the hotel.
Our driver Vijay picks us up at 12:00. He's a cool guy, but doesn't say much. On the way out the doomen (maharaja's) open the door,salute and we're in the car.
Within a few yards we're in the thriving metropolis that is New Delhi. The roads are often busiest during this time. The first junction we come to is normally where there are a lot of beggars. They approach the car, and start tapping on the window.Still quite tough to deal with. Soon enough we're on the main highway to Gugaon (where are building is).
Most of the building is like a building site. Although in the week I've been here, there is a noticeable difference.These guys work long hours,dangerous work, and all for 50 rupees a day. Antony, I don't think Site supervisers are a premium here.
Get into work and lunch is served. For the first few days I was ok with it, but I don't think I've got a strong enough stomach for spicy food that early. However the Dhal is nice with a couple of small pitta breads.
Meet up wit the the guys and always shake everyone's hand. It's a custom out here that I really like. Plus, the guys always seem happy to see you.
Start work at 13:30, thats 08:00 your time guys. So far my job has involved monitoring the guys and sorting out any issues..I work through till 01:30 (20:00) and our old pal Vijay is often found asleep, waiting for us downstairs.
The drive back at that time is fairly quiet...20 mins or so.
Back to the hotel and I often have a couple of beers with Sue and Andi.
I still however am not too tired and end up staying up till about 04:30. The TV here is not too bad. There's either a decent film, or a bit of footie to watch. Maybe order room service and grab a sandwich
Soon enough I'm asleep and up again at 10 to do it all over again......
Our shifts are 2 days in, one day off..I'm off next on Saturday..woo hoo

Long hours but well worth it.......

The Indian Helicopter

The rickshaws, or 'Indian Helicoptors' as the locals like to call them are the best way to get around the crowded streets in delhi. They are also very cheap about 30 rupees..less than 50p.

I have been set a challenge by one of my work colleagues!!!!

On Saturday we are being taken to Saket market (just to look around). On our return journey however me and Phil are taking a auto-rickshaw back to the hotel. The winner is the first one to cross the line.
This ride will be scary,exciting, nerve jangling and also loads of fun.
I have even been attempting the local phrases for faster....Jaldi.....

Happy Valentines Day

Happy Valentines day to all you lovers out there

xx
http://http://www.itlnet.net/Image/Desktop/Valentines-Day.JPG

Just say no & the Agra Fort

After the Taj we went to the marble inlay shop. The craftsman use the same techniques of those done to create the Taj. Again to view such works being created by hand, to such detail is very impressive. After this we visited the Star of Indi. The actual Star is the national stone of India, and is 2nd strongest substance, after the diamond. Again the shop is amazing. The guys in there are very persistent. Once you look at something, they are virtually wrapping it up for you. Not the selling technique I would reccomend, but I still bought a prezzie for Marsha (you'll love it Angel)
After this we went to the fort. This place covers over 50 acres and is full of history. However we were again surrounded by peddlars. They never give up. They start from a price of 1500 rupees, but go all the way down to a 100. Shaking your head, saying no repeatedly has no effect on these guys...Luckily are guide was on hand to give them a bit of verbal....
The fort is massive and has hundreds of inter-connecting rooms that seem to go on forever. The attention to detail here is amazing. At one viewpoint you can go to different windows and from each one the Taj is framed perfectly. You can imagine the King centuries ago gazing upon this.
Between the fort and the Taj we stopped off at the Sheritan hotel. Real 70's feel to it and was not too impressed. Guess I'm used to better things now, living at the Marriott!!! There was also the bizarre guy wandering around in a Donald duck costume. I say Donald Duck but it was the crappiest one I've ever seen....
After the fort we headed back home. This journey took even longer (about 4 1/2 hours). The traffic here is really bad. Plus as mentioned before the highway code does not apply in India. The louder your horn seems to be the order of the day. Back home at last after being eaten by moquito's, I chilled out at the bar with a Kingfished then Phil decided to trat us for a slap up meal at Pan Asian
Cross between Chinese and Indian food. I had the biggest prawns I have ever seen. And that was meant to be a starter. Used the old chopsticks and to my credit used them quite proficiently.
Back to my room jsut in time to watch the derby. Not too sure of the score, but apparently Shrek got a goal...To be hoenst the city boys only raise their game against the big guns...Not those Salford reds...

Bitter moi...

What a fantastic weekend....just don't mention the football. I mentioned it once but got away with it. What do you mean we started it (thank you Mr Fawlty)

The Taj Mahal

Up at six this morning. Managed to get about an hours sleep. We were off to Agra. This is the home of the Wonder of the world, that is the Taj Mahal. Quite a long journey (about three hours). However the further we got from Delhi, the less Western influence we saw. It again felt like I was visiting this place for the first time. We saw Bears performing in the street and monkeys everywhere.
We got to the Taj at about nine. As soon as the car pulled up we were surrounded by locals. Peddlars were selling there wares, and guides were offering their expert advice. Luckily Andi had been before, and got the same guide. His name was Shammy. A young lad who was really helpful and full of interesting facts.
The security is really tight at the Taj. You are not allowed to bring in mobile phones, or any other electrical equipment. This is a security threat, but cameras are fine. When you first see the Taj it looks almost unreal. It has a shimmering quality to it, and is very overwhelming.
History Lesson
The King of Agra had three wives. Upon the death of his 3rd wife he wanted to build her a Palace. This was done as she had been the only wife to provide him with a son. The construction of the Taj took 22 years. Over 20,000 people worked on it's construction. His wife was buried in the centre and upon his death, 8 years later, the king was laid to rest next to her.
Before his death however the King wished to build a second Taj (or Crown Palace as it is known). He did however wish to build a black one across the river from the Taj. His son was concerned about the expenditure, as the Taj itself had cost billions. Due to this the son imprisoned his father in the Agra Fort, some miles from the Taj. The father was locked away, but the fort was positioned in such a way that he could always gaze at his beloved Taj....
The Taj itself is stunning. The craftsmanship is in such detail. The words of the Koran are around each entrance. The words are bigger at the top, to ensure the words look the same size. This skill coupled with the marble inlay, of jewels,onyx, plus many other precious jewels is fantastic. I sat on the 'Diana' bench and soaked up the magnificence of this true wonder of the world.

Saturday 12th

Saturday has been the coolest day so far.
Actually ventured outside from the hotel and wandered about the place. It's strange to have so many people staring at you, but you seen get used to it. Wandered around the shops and grabbed something to eat in a place called 'Ruby Tuesdays'. Sort of like Chiquito's back home, but really cheap...After a bit of shopping we decided to get a ride back to hotel. However we did it the only way you should do in delhi, by RICKSHAW..It's really cool, and you feel the bumps all the way. The best way I can describe it is like riding the Mad Mouse, in the middle of a busy street...scary, but cool.
Back to the Hotel and chilled out for a couple of hours. The original plan was to go to an Italian and then a nightclub. However the boss out here, Rob, had another plan......
We ended up at a Lebanese resteraunt with Belly dancers!!!! I was forced to watch them and it was a really chore as you can imagine. I also sampled the local Bongs..I'm not too sure of the Indian name, but they are really cool..I had Banana flavour...
After a few more drinks, and yet more belly dancers we hit the local nightclub. Had a few more Kingfishers and crashed out at about three in the morning...An early start beckoned (6am)

What I've seen so far

An Elephant..Loads of cows, A pig, Camels, Horses, Rickshaws, Wedding cars covered in fresh flowers, Guys eating weird wraps, a poor child with crutches knocking on my car door, A doorman who looks like he's come straight from a Indiana Jones film, catching myself eating with my right hand...very taboo, gorgeous food (traditional or otherwise), an opulent stunning hotel, people bowing, Shaking hands all the time, Shanty towns, children playing, people who work 12 hours a day 7 days a week for apprx 70p per days, Building sites errected in days,dust,heat,market stalls and so so many people

There is also the head shaking. Indian people will shake their head when they are agreeing with you. Just try and draw an s shape with your haed and that's it..

It can be very weird when they're saying they understand and shaking their head at the same time...

comments

Thanks to Mr Slattery's advice you can all comment on the blog

Go on Reach out and touch me....

my address is???

Marriott Welcome hotel
district centre
saket
new delhi
india
110017

please can you all post your addresses

Day 4 in India

Well the past three 1/2 days have been amazing.

The highlight has been the 'operations' party..Free beer all night and the locals just don't stop dancing.I also got offered the local cigar 'BD' Though it would be rude to say no and had a go.They're single leaves with herbs..no crappy toxins in these bad boys..They are quite harsh and I've not been back since.

Work is going really well. A lot of that is from the level these guys are at.They are so professional and hard workers. Think my views have already changed regarding the 'exploitation' issues surrounding western work in this country.

These people want to work so much and that dedication really shows in their personality. I know you could argue that we should not exploit a poor country, but to be honest we are providing work for these people. They love the job and are intelligent enough to appreciate this opprotunity. They are so family orientated and support their parents, grandparents with a majority of their wages..

I have realised that you cannot solve all the worlds problem, and you have to make the best out of your situation. That's what these people are doing..Seizing a fantastic opportunity...good karma my friends....

What time is it where you are

It's 12:55 here..that means that it's 6:30 back home

Weird huh?? It's like I've travelled to the future

who needs a flux capacitor

brian Doc brown jones

I'm in Delhi

Hello there everyone

Well this is my 2nd day in Delhi....

This place is amazing..I cannot even now sum up what an incredible place this is

So far I've seen an elephant,loads of cows,camels,people hanging out of cars...masses of traffic,rickshaws,markets...and so many people

the marriott hotel is simply stunning. They salute you when you comein,wash yours hands (if you let them),,,five star all the way

This is juxtaposed with the harsh reality of what is mostly an impoverished 3rd world country

there is a shanty town right next to our building. the builders simply camp up next to the building site and move on when it's finished

A woman approached the car yesterday carrying a baby, begging for money. It's a hard thing to see and be exposed to

The people here are really nice though. We're going to a full on party tonight..should be pretty cool.

I'm also going elephant trekking on saturday....

it's really hot, really strange and will be an adventure that I will remember forever..

Mark I've just realised that you're the only one with this address..Will you send to all the others

Guys please post notes and keep in touch

Next blog I will hopefully have learnt some Indian phrases to impress you with

For now you will have to do with this one

Jumanji...is that even Indian

seya later

Vijay Jones