I also notice how many homeless people are in NY – I think I see more here than in India. This might be because I am walking the streets rather than being driven around by my Driver (How bad does that sound!)

I always thought India had a massive difference between rich and poor but think it could be just as big here.

Today I read America has 46 million people living under the poverty line ($11,000 for an individual, $15,000 for a family).

That’s jaw dropping.

Must try harder.

So soon to come, Singapore, Kanyakumari and more bits I cant remember right now…

Confused I asked Sasi what the man was doing.

Turns out he was training it for illegal cock fighting.

Man playing with cock

Best be on your guard !

As I approached the temple I heard a “Helloooo” which I ignored. A quick glance to my left revealed an Indian man now walking in stride with me. Then came the second “Heelloooo”.

Now decision time.

Do I continue to ignore him or do I embark on my usual my name is Nick, I live in India, I’ve lived here for 3 years etc routine?

My good nature won through and below is the abbreviated conversation:

Me: “Hello”

Stranger: “Hello, my name is Senthil, what is your name?”

Me: “Hello Senthil, my name is Nick”

Senthil: “ohhh, where are your from?”

Me: “I’m from UK but I live in Chennai”

Senthil: “Ohhh, and do you like it?”

Me: “Yes, Senthil, I like it”

Senthil: “Do you want to sit down?”

Me” No, I just want to go inside the Golden Temple thanks”

Senthil: “ohhh”

(Pause)

Senthil: “I’m gaaaaaaaaaay”

Me: “OK, well I’m not”

Senthil: “ohhhhh, ok byeeee”

Me: “Bye”

I have vivid memories of being 12 years old, being taught about the Massacre in History class at school – I can even remember which classroom and which desk I was sitting at. It never crossed my mind that I would ever visit the scene of the atrocity.

For those who don’t know, the massacre occurred when British troops opened fire on unarmed civilians trapped in a garden area – such was the panic to escape the rain of bullets over 100 jumped into a well – know known as “Martyrs Well”. British Officials put the death rate at under 400, Indian Officials at over 1000.

It was quite humbling and slightly embarrassing to walk around the Gardens knowing what my ancestors had done, the feeling was compounded by the fact I was one of the only Westerners there – let alone British.

Armitsar

Amritsar

This was my second Golden temple in a matter of weeks and my second dip in Holy water in weeks – but if anything was gonna cure my hangover it was Holy water.

The first thing that struck me in the Golden Temple was the Sikhs. Aside from the swords and bayonet type weapons many were carrying – they were huge. I have been told that Sikhs have a history of being warriors as they have faced foreign aggressors from India’s Norther borders, including China -  hence their formidable size.

Lucky it wasn’t Tamils defending, otherwise I may be running an Apple products factory rather than an IT company.

The Golden Temple is the most Holy place in the Sikh religion – thousands flock there daily and are all fed and housed for free (I have read 30,000 people are fed each day). As I was there so early I was able to witness the procession of the Sikh Holy book out of the Inner Sanctum of the Golden Temple by Sikh Holy Men.

Golden Temple

Golden Temple

Or as those in Varanasi told me – Destiny and the Ganges called me.

Varanasi is situated in the North of India, on the banks of the Holy river Ganges and is one of the oldest cities in the world. It is how I imagined Chennai would be before I arrived.

The Ganges is considered a pilgrimage destination for all Hindus once in their life. It is even possible to rent rooms to die in the city, such is its importance.

A short blog post wont really do it justice but 4 events are worth telling.

1. Traveling up the Ganges by boat, seeing family’s bathe in the holy water. At either end of the “Ghats” (steps that face the river bank) are funeral pyres which for 2000rps you can be cremated on. Alternatively there is a industrial cremation service for much less.
2. Watching the nightly “Aarthi” performance to the river Ganges. Aarthi is similar to what is known as a “Pooja” in the south – a religious ceremony with incense. The syncronised performance with incense, candles and chanting whilst facing the river is quite moving.
3. With the help of a Hindu priest, being snuck into the Hindu Golden Temple – which is out of bounds for non-Hindus (no photos from this obviously)
4. Unwittingly spending a large sum of money on silk shawls and duvet covers. Female friends and family – your Birthday and Christmas gifts for the year are sorted.

Alley

PC

Western Ghat

Aarthi

Like what you've done there...

Interesting use of that phrase..

"So, I've got a name for a shop..."

Father Ted would be proud

Less Calories? Reduced Fat?

These are also the only two places I have seen gun shops.

We celebrated every four and six with a shot of vodka. Lucky it wasn’t 20/20.

After a shaky start, India came through and won the game. I persuaded our group to take to the streets – proclaiming “Its like 1966″ which was met with blank expressions.

We made our way towards the centre of town – but before long were stuck in traffic and the celebrations spilled onto the streets and onto cars. We got out and partied with everyone – dragged into numerous testosterone filled circles of dancing men.

Men Singhing

Bellydancer

Long distance Clara

…and that’s not an April fool

Unfortunately one of the games had to be abandoned as a fight nearly broke out and a team was disqualified, so the final was between HCL Pre-Media and FMG Pre-Media. As HCL were missing their star player (and FMG employee Vivek) we went into the game quietly confident.

But things didn’t go to plan, we lost a wicket within a few balls, scoring a not very respectable 125 at the end of the overs and HCL won the game, by 5 balls and at least 6 wickets.

Cups

HCL

FMG - Maybe next year...

We will be raising money for Deaf Child Worldwide (DCW), who work in some of the world’s poorest developing countries, in particular India through projects in Karnataka and West Bengal, to help deaf children to overcome poverty and isolation – please sponsor us here

At the Copa...

All the hearses here are just short of the mark.

If they donated 10% of their wealth it would nearly equal the Indian National Budget of $28 billion

890 Million Indians live on 30p/44c a day.

From shopping in my local Indian supermarket where I can only sometimes get decent cheese if a Frenchman has smuggled some in his underpants – I was presented with an overwhelming choice of items in the American grocery stores.

When buying a toothbrush – I was faced with a wall of toothbrushes, when getting a cereal – a whole isle of cereal packets. It really was overwhelming and left me dazed and confused.

The experience reminded me of a TED talk I saw on the paradox of choice. More choice doesn’t make us happier but more dissatisfied.

Anyway, eventually I got into the club – and made the centre pages of the newspapers.

Andrew?

1. Having a mosquito net and having to take a bottle of water to bed.
2. Power cuts
3. Electric shocks
4. Ants in the kitchen
5. The internet not working more than it works
6. Anything purchased 6 months ago will have rusted
7. Lots of people will stare at me.
8. What floor our office is on.

Last night I saw a pundit on Fox news saying that the release of the cables wasn’t whistle blowing as it wasn’t revealing illegal activity. Seriously?

And then today I have read that a presedential hopeful has called for capital punishment for the person who leaked the files and Sarah Palin spouting that Julian Assagne should be hunted down like al-Qaeda.

Surely this contradicts their hallowed first ammendmnet?

We are lucky to live in a world where the internet cannot be surpressed and the truth can be told.

Barry – feel free to return to my blog and abuse Dave whenever you want.

NSFW