December 2006
(25th December 2006)
Though this trip has been planned, sort of, I never really expected I would actually spend Christmas on a beach. This was inconceivable because all my life, my family members were all gathered, and were all expected to be gathered, at home at Christmas. Then my mother said this year, "We're going to Australia for Christmas, will you be alright?" and the world changed. ...
(23rd December 2006)
After my splendid day yesterday, I arrived at the hotel and sat in a chair on the terrace/driveway, where a German man called Peter was already sitting. I know he is called Peter because he told me. I said, by way of opening a conversation (as I have not been to finishing school), "Slum feet," and pointed at my filthy toes.
"Oh. Yes," he said, ...
(23rd December 2006)
I was just now sitting in the delightful rooftop Harbour View cafe, which has a view of the harbour so should be at peace with the Advertising Standards Authority, when on the ocean-front road below, a truckload of Santas drove past. A truckload. I know I was drinking my first beer (or any alcohol) for a week, but it was definitely at least ...
(22nd December 2006)
Today began pleasantly, turned frustrating, became more frustrating, took a detour into embarrassing and shameful and had ended up with knackered. The parrots were pleasant. I am staying in Hotel Moti, just behind the Gateway of India (on land not sea). The hotel, run by the "friendly and hospitable Raj" as Time Out Mumbai describes him (and he is), is on the ground floor ...
→ Dumbest
(21st December 2006)
I have seen some sights, but this was the oddest and saddest. A beautiful woman sitting opposite me in the Ladies Carriage, doing her make-up. Fair enough. But then she got out talcum powder and rubbed loads into her face. She had dark skin and she wanted it to look lighter. It is daft. I used to argue with someone about the obsession with light ...
→ Biggests
(21st December 2006)
I have been tired and uninspired and filled with toilet thoughts. I have also been in Pune, where Osho ashram is based. Osho being the Beatles one with the guy with the beard who had lots of Rolls Royces and lots of sex. They still require an HIV test, which I think means that HIV positive aren't allowed, so I didn't go to the ashram ...
(17th December 2006)
Bombay is a wonderful city. It is wonderful because of its crumbling glorious buildings , its sea and breeze, its elegance amongst chaos. I like to wake up from a nap and walk two blocks to the Gateway of India and buy chai from the chaiwallah and watch the saris at sunset. I like Bombay. I like India. But I am sick of Indian ...