Training Again - 35 new faces

We arrived at the training venue and went straight on. 35 new people who were waiting for us to do our bit! Today I barely noticed the heat which just goes to show how quickly one can get used to it. As we had lunch one of the ladies pointed into the garden 'Do you like monkeys?' she asked. 'Yes, I've got two' I answered, then I looked into the fountain and there, playing around in the water were three baboons. Wild Baboons. I suddenly remembered my nurse's dire warnings. 'Don't go near monkeys - if they bite you the rabies jabs are agony!' They seemed perfectly happy in this open garden full of people enjoying cigarettes and coffee. The talk always gravitates towards food. I think the Indian Nation believes that it creates the best food on earth. Which is probably true when you consider how many of us now enjoy a weekly curry. My new friend Anand, asked me if UK curries are really hot so I told him about Vindaloo, which they have in India and Phall which they had never heard of. I was recommended an Indian dessert called Rabri which is a kind of shortbread pancake cooked in treacle. I had one tonight - amazing. I have also developed a head cold which makes me sound like a growly voice-over artiste. The brilliant Baiju went out and got me some nasal sprays which cleared my head and allowed me to perform to, hopefully, my usual standard - as I said before they are really looking after us. After Day 1 of this group's training we got a round of applause! Yes! I thought. I'll take that! We then had a meeting and as we left the venue a wedding party went by - a loud bright and thrilling parade of the groom on horseback, and his relatives dancing down a brightly lit street. I'll post a photo tomorrow. Our trip to India is on the homeward run, 2 full days to go and home! How I miss my wife and boys, but what memories I return with. Will we be returning to India? If the reaction of the trainees is anything to go by then definitely. I certainly hope so. We turned in relatively early, but the jet lag blues don't shift easily. I will read some more about Lakshmibai, the Rani of Jahnsi and drift into the arms of the Angel of Sleep, don't drop me dear.