November 21, 2007

• Not a good start to the day…

  Any day which begins with a sulky stomach and a nosebleed does not begin well.  And I couldn’t find anyone at the breakfast room at the hotel, so retreated to have a flapjack in my room – much shame, as I was looking forward to my cheese omelette: by the time I’d eaten my flapjack, the breakfast room was heaving.  I, however, had to be at the bus stop for 8.30.  I was there by 8.15, and the bus left at 8.45.  Not too bad, really.  Still, I was well rested, well fed, well watered, and cannot complain.

  I went on the Tourist Bus Tour round Pune. To be honest, it wasn’t that interesting, despite starting with a literal BANG <exclamation mark – the keyboard won’t do them>, as we nearly took out an autorickshaw, just below my window: I had a wonderful view of it all.  Much irate arm waving and yelling went on, then they rolled the rickshaw back a big, since they don’t have reverse, and we were on our way.  It was nice to see the palace, and the ‘Lal Mahal’, which is where one of the kings grew up, and there were some very lovely temples, but they drove us miles out of the city for lunch, so we didn’t have half enough time at the Aga Khan’s palace, which is where Gandhi was imprisoned.  I can now, however, say that I’ve seen Gandhi’s sandals, which is rather comforting.  A lot of social reformers appear to have been connected with Pune: chap called Ambedkar, and another called Tilak, as well as Gandhi.  Gandhi’s Great Grandson has entered into politics now.  The name is very strong<exclamation mark>. I’ve taken plenty of photos, and made friends with Soneel 8, Chiatra 15 and Amandam 7 ish, and like a monkey.  They taught me how to say ‘what is your name in hindi’, which is ‘Am Param Chia Ram’  I think.  Showed them some English money, and tried to explain about Brownies.  Ended up showing pictures of my Brownies still on my camera.  They were lovely, smilely, and shy, and I felt shy too, so we did much smiling at each other.  Rather wish I’d worn flip flops, as I spent much time removing and replacing my terribly stout sandals.

   

  I intend to spend tomorrow being very lazy at the Poona Club – I have run out of sights, and I’ve bought all I want to buy: some presents, and a second shalwar kameez to make laundry over the next few days easier. I’ve no huge desire to meander down Laxmi Road: it’s vibrant, and gorgeous, and full of colour, and I think it would make for great photos.  Well.  Maybe I’ll detour there…but it’s not the nicest area, and I’m not sure I want to walk down it alone.  Caution is my watchword.   I’ll leave both the shalwar kameez I’ve bought with Jo, as they are ‘free’ size, so she can make use of them during the rest of her time here.  I am well aware that spending the day in a privileged enclave is a complete cop out, but, this is also my holiday.  I do not need to hare around the place.  Besides.  It’ll give me a chance to work out how to solve the poverty question, bearing in mind just how dire the infrastructure is here.

   

  I am very much looking forward to some supper. I’ll walk down to the hospital, and meet Jo, and we’ll find somewhere, and plot what to do next about the trains for the Taj Mahal.  I think we are on the waiting list at the moment, but I’m sure we’ll get a seat by hook or by crook.  I am getting there somehow, even if it means taking a taxi.  The Anthropologist has given me the number of a Good Person in Delhi, so I have Much Faith.  I discovered how to beat the queues at the train station.  Head for the window labelled ‘Credit Card’.  Once again, I feel disgusted with myself for being able to take this option.  However, were I to live in India, I’d be working in an IT job, somewhere in the IT enclave outside Pune city, and would be doing much the same.  Hmmm.  That doesn’t help.

   

  Must find the Save the Children Website.  And work out how to set up stand pipes in all slum areas, and how to wash all the grubby little children.  Was very pleased to see that there is an animal orphanage here, particularly after the wee small kitten and wee small puppy I saw yesterday.  I’d like to think they’ll make it there if they need to.

   

  xxx

  • 7:40 am
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