The Pre-Trip Curry Party

I think Liz is as excited about this trip as I am. Could it be the prospect of a month without me snoring, or having to wash and iron my clothes, or maybe she just wants a little quiet time seeing we've been together for almost 40 years with hardly a break of any significance.

Anyway, she decided we had to have a pre-trip Curry Party the week before we left so Ian and Linda and a tribe of other close friends braved a chilly night outside to indulge in some warming curries on the insides.

See my Tabblo>

I know there are still people who shake their heads and say "Why the hell do you want to go to India of all places!" I think Mallory said it best... "Because it's there."

Do you need a reason at 55 to leave a perfectly comfortable life with a perfectly good wife and two good kids to take off to what is arguabbly one of the most confronting countries in the world? Most people would need an iron-clad reason but for most who have been to India, no sensible reason is needed and indeed, no explanation is necessary. So it is with Ian and I. Maybe we'll feel differently in a months time but watch this space for developments.

My very talented ex sister-in-law Annie came along with this wonderful bit of prose which says it all ...

Off to India

So here we are on your curry night
Anticipating the big day
To roast as well as toast you
And farewell you on your way

I nearly died when I heard you were going
Because of the hurdles you'll be facin
And was relieved you weren't traveling alone
But with your best mate Ian Finlaysen

I do think you are ready for India
But is India is ready for you?
With all the phases you've gone through lately
Does this mean you'll come back a Hindu?

So I've supplied a little bag of goodies
To help you on your way
A survival kit to take along
And get you through your day

You've heard the advice and read the books
That will help you though this mission
But here's a gift that you'll be need in
'Cos it's the one thing you'll be missing

I hear the locals don't use paper
They just give a little rinse
So in case they're on water restrictions
I'd stay away from the mince

So if water is scarce, and the need for it arises
Here is something for your hands
It not only cleans
It completely sanitizes

To squat or not to squat Will be a problem
I'll give you the tip
Any idea how this will happen
Considering the condition of your hip?

What a sight that would be
The thought is something to behold
Visions of you in thongs and kaftan
Hovering over a hole

To aim and fire accurately
A task only few can handle
But pointing a hundred kilos backwards on a dickey knee
Is only asking for a smelly sandal

So here is something for that smelly sandal
From Kleenex a brand you can trust
Flushable wipes that are biodegradable
Pity you'll have nothing to flush

So if all else fails and your tummy erupts
And you cannot run any faster
Here's something that'll keep you safe
And away from impending disaster

To some India is a place of beauty
But to many it's on the nose
And others would say if the world needed an enema
That's where they'd insert the hose

So watch what you're eating and pack a repellant
In case you're bitten and get ill
'Cos if the salmonella and giardia don't get you
The Malaria surely will

Come home safe, full of adventures
As we'll all be waiting to hear
Those drawn out stories you paint so well
That grow longer year after year

With all jokes aside I'm as jealous as hell
I wish you everything you're seeking to find
To follow your heart and fulfill your dream
Doesn't come often in one's lifetime

Thanks Annie... you are a gem and I luv ya.