Life in shanti niketan

Here I am in the second most affluent area in Delhi, but would you believe there is rubble and trouble all over the street.

The troops were waiting at the gate to be paid as it is the end of the month. Waiting since 10 I suppose. Counting of the cash working out who is who.

The recycling brigades lined the streets nearby. All rubbish is money. Having read about it made it interesting.

The weather is cold. Apparently all the papers spoke of Delhi freezing at 2 degrees. Coldest day for 20 years. Luckily I did bring some jumpers. 1945 Boxing Day was the coldest day ever in Delhi 1 degree.

A Brook House

1 Ah, your first day with the family in Delhi. I can imagine the greeting; on reflection, perhaps my imagination does not encompass the extent of the delight and warmth which, I have no doubt, marked your return to the onetime Family Withyham. The young man will have been beside himself with delight. Perhaps he was reluctant to to go to bed; perhaps he had to be assured that you would be there in the morning when, at the appointed time, he opened your bedroom door. Send news. 2 I marked your departure by giving myself an extra hour in bed. It was indeed 0730 before I left the house. Overcast, though not raining. A quiet swim, the Daily Telegraph (with a mug of tea), home to this and that, then to the library. I am closer to the writing stage. (The title of the influential book, remember, is by Charles Taylor.) 3 To Brook House. A convivial, even jaunty, conversation with Ebenezer. n Good news. Following my visit last week, he telephoned his ex-partner and his eight-year-young daughter. He gave me the news with evident pleasure. We talked easily. A return to Ghana? No, he doesn't want to, as he wishes to remain close to his daughter. I know little of his case; indeed, he may not have a case, though he did talk of a solicitor last week. At the time, and since, I have wondered why this man has not been removed to his country of origin. As far as I can recall he didn't claim asylum when he arrived, ten years ago. No, of course he didn't: he entered on a Visitor's visa and overstayed. So what view should I, should we, take? Awaiting for news. Stayathome.

I think we've got it.  I'll post a message to greet you either on the way or at arrival.

Off to Dehli in me wellies

1.  The font is large so I do not have to write much and for the older fella to read.

The very first post of 2013

Dear travelling lady Things have changed on the blog since last I looked and used. I may have reached the point where, on this new-looking blog I can send a message. I am about to try. Stayathome