Oh Bugger!

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Having avoided the infamous Delhi Belly, I have picked up a nasty virus doing the rounds, I am also a bit worried by the news that Dengue Haemorrhagic fever has hit Delhi, which concerns me as it is transmitted by mosquito rather than contact. Out of 56 cases 4 people have died within the first day. Had a quick look at the symptoms, cold like fever and nose bleed are two that match nicely so having a day in bed to try to recover- have changed my travel plans again. Will be off to Shimla in the Himalayas next which was meant to be last on my list, and have scratched Varanasi due to the Dysentery there. So in the absence of a travelogue, did you know?...Hiduism is "the religion of 300 million deities" although an exageration it is intended to refer to the divine presence in us all! I have become familiar with the "main" Gods, Brahma- the creator, Vishnu-the preserver and Shiva-the destroyer who appear in various incarnations, and everywhere from street shrines, in hotels and restaurants and as good luck charms in cars. Krishna (Hare) is the eighth incarnation of Vishnu...and that incarnations are known as Avatars!

There are more Manchester United fans in India than in England

The minimum basic wage has been doubled to 3000 rupees- £40, per month, that's a ten hour day with one half hour break, six days a week, however if you are at the other end of the scale with a PHD in geophysics the Government of India would like to hire you for their space programme at a max salary off 45000 rupees per month-£600!

In the News...a girl of 18 is murdered by her mother, sister and sister in law for dating a man - a teacher - outside her caste, it came to light when the dead girl's sister was being treated in hospital for attempted suicide after witnessing her sister's murder.

A chemical plant has re-opened after 14 months closure by the police when 164 trucks full of explosives "disappeared", all the staff had been suspended without pay. There was no news on the whereabouts of the trucks!

No lonely hearts ads in the papers, only ads seeking brides or grooms - according to age, religion, profession or caste. Matchmaking firms are very popular here, but I don't see any young couples dating of course, what I do notice is the high percentage of boys and young men holding hands everywhere.
As an aside to this there is much debate in the newspapers on the morality of sexing an unborn child. Boys are favoured because of the punshing dowry system, and I have seen notices outside doctors offices stating that it is illegal to request a "sexing" test and to even ask about it may result in imprisonment.

"Dikshit questions......" read one headline in the Times of India,not actually referring to the quality of inquiry but actual questions posed by member of parliament Sheila Dikshit, you can't make it up.

and Finally, sorry to those who wanted something on the Grand Prix, imagine being here and not going to watch, but I just find it such a bore.

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