BACK WITH THE BABS

So here I am, back with the Babs at the Children's Project finding them, if anything, more beautiful, more rich, more full of love than before. But first, a quick rewind.

My stay in Delhi ended pleasantly. My last day was spent quietly in the YMCA chilling out, resting and watching telly. In the evening, I met up with a friend of my cousin Eleanor's, Kartikey, a young Indian guy from Delhi. We had a great time in Connaught Place popping into bars, chatting and eating. I had a chance to see Delhi's nightlife and its fun, although a little surreal at times, taking place as it is among the strangely British buildings of CP while also stepping over dramatically disfigured professional beggars in the street. Kartikey was very sanguine about a street boy, not disimilar to those at the School, for instance, but then in India this is what they are used to. We ended up sharing a beer in a bizarre Cowboy themed bar called RODEO in which Indian waiters wandered around in cowboy hats and boots and then went on to enjoy a chicken and egg wrap in a nearby cafe. Delicious. We discussed all sorts of things - politics, the Taliban, racism, the UK, Obama - with Kartikey giving me refreshing insights from his perspective. It was a good evening.

Returning to Bangalore via the plane from Delhi had its own adventures too. I was driven to the spanking new terminal by the Sikh guy who had driven me from the station when I arrived. To my dismay, although I shouldn't have been surprised, it was an enormous construction, just like any new terminal in Europe. In other words, once again, I could have been home, with the same Costa Coffees and Starbucks everywhere. Never mind. The experience of being at home continued all the way to Bangalore on the flight, which felt like any domestic flight I have ever taken. But I didn't let it upset me. I just let it happen and enjoyed the sense of security and familiarity.

As ever, destiny engineered and interesting encounter on the flight. A distinguished Indian woman sitting next to me, interested in the book I was reading, struck up a conversation. It turned out she was a Sitar player and disciple of Ravi Shankar. We had a wonderful conversation and exchanged contact details, vowing to communicate. India offered me one more fascinating connection!

In Bangalore I found myself in another interestingly homely but also dingy hotel with another comedy bathroom (where WAS all that water coming from really?). But it was nice to be back in Bangalore, even though the ostentatious wealth was still a bit of freak out! The next day I hooked up with Will, one of the guys from the School who was there for a few days. We had a great time in a strange NASA-themed restaurant (waiters dressed as Space Pilots!) and caught a Keanu Reeves movie which was just very violent. Then we parted, vowing also to stay in touch, which I know we will...

And so back to Madikeri and the School. Its been like the last chapter of a book where the main character returns to where he started. The six hour drive through Karnataka was amazing. After all my journeys, nothing compares the mystical landscape of this region. God put on a great show, with a dazzling sunset of flowing light and majestic flowing colours and trees everywhere. When I left Karnataka before, it was still dry and arid but beautful. Now with the rains it is lush, green and fertile. Magnificent. My heart burst watching it...

THen MAdikeri late at night. Like coming home. Then a crazy drive with a confused rickshaw driver getting lost in the dark. As the rickshaw paused to make a call, I looked out into the foliage and saw it alive with fireflys. I had never seen anything more magical in my life. Amazing.

Alas, returning here brought with it another attack of the wobbly bots. Not much fun. A sleepness night of sitting on the loo and vomiting. Ah India! I love you!

But the School - the School! What a welcome these kids gave me! What love, what smiles, what joy! And what confidence the school now has. THe kids look healthy and joyous. The leaves are full and there is green everywhere.

This is a special place. I know more than ever something wonderful is happening here... But I cannot say more as I must rush.

My time in India is almost over. Next Friday I fly to Istanbul my final adventures in Turkey, Greece and France before returning home, perhaps a new man. Who knows? Before I go, tell me - should my Blog end with India or would you like me to continue with the final flights?

Answers on a postcard! Speak soon!