'A Lonely New Year', 'Reflecting on 2006' & 'Claire's Arrival'

31/1/06, Hogmanay in Delhi...

I woke up on yet another bitterly cold morning in Delhi. Its been a while since I spent a winter in Scotland so I'm unable to truely compare, but this felt as cold as I could ever remember it being there. Cold and hungry, I skipped the morning shower and headed straight out for food. As I sat in the restaurant with my masala tea awaiting my morning dosa, I began to contemplate New Year alone (violins at the ready...). As it happens, I wasn't bothered - if anything I was just sad that I wouldn't be in Pai with everyone. Here it would be just another day. I did, however, begin to think back on all that I had done in 2006, and how I could sum up how I felt about it? This Post, unavoidably, looks like its going to be more of a personal note than for the readers, so I understand completely if you skip past it. In fact, I'd probably advise you do.

[2006]; Well for me I can honestly say that 2006 was the best year of my life in terms of what I've seen, and who and where I've been ;-) No, really though, apart from being away from family for so long, it was amazing. When I think back now, so many things pop into my head; people I've met, places I've been, things I've done. Most of it isn't even worth mentioning to the reader, but are stories and experiences I'll keep with me. Experiences, big or small, good, and, some bad, I lived a year of my life that I feel has definitely shaped me in some way - I hope for the better. I've met new friends - some who I'll continue to keep in touch with, and some, probably not, but all of whom I shared some interesting times with and had some great laughs. And from all walks of life.

So I feel very lucky to have been able to do this, and it makes me feel even more excited about 2007.
....I told you not to read on.

I spent most of the afternoon on 31st, in my hotel room playing my acoustic guitar. At night I wrapped up warm and chose to eat in a nearby rooftop bar/restaurant, where I could enjoy a beer or two before retiring for the night. So it was to be my first beer in India - and it tasted like heaven! A large bottle of Fosters lager. In fact, three large bottles, and a Chicken Tikka Masala.

It was hardly the weather for sitting on an open rooftop bar drinking ice cold beer, but I didnt care.

[Jan 1st'07]; Happy New Year! I woke up and read some of the text messages on my phone, wishing me a Happy New Year. I called Ken, my Thai friend and close neighbour from Pai. He sounded pretty happy and I pictured him sitting in the usual spot at the house where we sat every morning drinking coffee. He took great pleasure in telling me how great New Year's Eve had been in Bebop (a live music venue and pub. My local in Pai). Open 'til 5am and jam-packed with beautiful women, and how every musician in Pai who was there got on stage to play or sing. In fact, as he spoke I could hear Thai girls in the background. Four or five Thai girls were there with him, and some other friends - at the house, laughing and giggling - whilst I was in Delhi, alone, freezing my a*! off!

Claire finally arrived on Jan 2nd around midnight. I met her at the airport and we got a taxi back to my hotel and got her checked into a room. On the 3rd we took a taxi to Gourgon, and the BA office to pay and collect my flight tickets back to Scotland. We also booked our train tickets to Rishikesh from New Delhi train station that afternoon, due to leave the following morning. That night we drank at the Metropolis rooftop bar again, had a chat & a few laughs, then back to the hotel to pack for our trip to Rishikesh in the morning...