Camels and translation!

Holy Cow!

Well I'm in Delhi and have completed my camel trek, I get goose bumps just thinking about what an amazing experience it has been so far. The group was great, most of the girls were around my age and we had one motherly figure, the 2 men were fantastic too and very down to earth! Between us and a few other cyclists we raised 50000 quid for Mind!!!!!We had such a brilliant time!!!! We have been so well looked after, even the camping was luxurious and we were fed 3 course meals 3 times a day plus tea in bed each morning! I have not had to make one decision as everything was organised for us, I haven't had time to think either as we have done so much in the past week. The camel riding was brilliant, I fell in love with my guide Mahdu (non-english speaking) and his camel Mohti! On the first day I cut and bruised my hand from holding on so tight but by the last day we had the camels going full speed and the guides taking a back seat! Going through the countryside was beautiful, we did both dessert and forest landscape, most of the locals saw us as quite a spectacle (our camels all had bells on them so we just couldn't go unmissed!) and they would all come out and wave whilst shouting Ta-ta! We experiencesfame for a few days! Each day we had local entertainment with Magicians called Om-Phat performing incredible tricks, dancing horses, temple songs being sung, ladies dancing with huge pots on their heads, indian massages, temples, tame cobras, marble tables being made, local potters, durry weaving, we even visited an opium den and tried a very small amount that wasn't enough to have an effect! It has been INCREDIBLE!
After some long, sad good-byes to the locals we had a gala night at a nice hotel, I was awarded a certificate for culture ... respecting the local dress and effort to learn Hindi! The next morning we bused it through to Jodphur (aka the blue city) where we visited the Meherengah Fort and a local market! I just stood on the streetside and watched for 30 min, its controlled chaos with tough salemen doing business, tuk-tuksdriving where they please, bikes and motorcycles everywhere, cows roams, dogs barking, people living whilst harmonised by a chorus of hooting! From Jodphur we caught the overnight train which was an experience, similiar to one in Zimbabwe except you can not lock yourself in the compartment, there are only curtains for privacy. Once in Agra we saw the Taj Mahal in all it's beauty! Got on a coach through to Delhi where we had a delicious meal of not curry for a change, even had trifle and ice-cream. I said goodbye to the group who flew back last night and I caught a taxi to my hostel in Delhi city centre. Being 11pm I went straight to my room and finally 'stopped' for a while. To keep mecompany I watched TV, Mickey Mouse in Hindi!
This morning I am going to plan the rest of my trip, probably head up to the Himilays in a couple of days then down to Mumbai and onto Goa. There is going to be a lot of train travel but I have already slowed down to 'Indian time'!
I am having the time of my life! I do have all of you in my thoughts and I'm missing you! To those of you in the UK, please make a snow man for me =)

Photos .... http://www.flickr.com/photos/32697644@N00/sets/1471198/

Namaste

London Still

Only 30hours to go!

Yesterday was full of Bon Voyages, a big breakfast, cards and even a brilliant letter! My train was slightly delayed in leaving but I passed the time by speaking Ndebele to my maid Alice (she's in Bulawayo and I was in Edinburgh waiting to leave for India via London .. I love technology!)
Arrived in the city just in time for rush hour, never pleasant but I soon met up with a friend and we did the long trip home!

Today 4 of us descended on Camden Town, absolutely brilliant!

Below are a few of my Zimbabwean friends - Elsa, Nikki, Mike and Alan

Off and away (just about)

My bedroom ... it's looking a bit like a bomb site at the moment!

The travelling is about to start but the 'challenge' is reaching it's final days, time flies when you are having fun!

I'm going down to London on Thursday to spend a few days catching up with friends, looking forward to seeing all of you big-city nutters ;o)
At 4am on Sunday I'll be at Heathrow, thinking of everyone in their warm, snug beds! After a stop-over in Amsterdam and arriving in the warm, exotic city of Delhi .. I'll be thinking of you in the cold, grey UK.
Following that is 10days with my camel, then wherever the wind (well, train) takes me!

Something I find comfort in is the fact that I'm already looking forward to arriving back in Edinburgh! My Scottish life and I are head over heels in love with each other. That doesn't mean I'm not excited about the trip ... every few hours I do a few random jumps on the spot whilst clenching my and jaw and fists yet managing a massive smile - apologies to Naz who lives below!

Most of you will know that my Ipod and I are joined at the hip! You will all know that different songs appeal to you at various stages in your life. Well today a song that I relate to very well is by a Danish rock band called DAD and these are the lyrics,

Yeah, I left my past I hitchhiked away from bad times
Now I try to get used to The freedom to speak what's on my mind
When it turn to tears ... I wonder why -
The dreams were under my pillow
But, there are no answers
Yeah, love is a riddle

Yeah, so many times
When I complain about life
I'm unsatisfied I guess it's not about the car that I drive -
Or the house I can't buy
It's dry tears that I cry I know that all I need is
That it's easy and free
Between you and me

Thank you to everyone for the good-luck wishes, I'll carry them with me in my heart.

I need to start packing now! When possible I will keeping posting on this site.

Be well until then,

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The new me

Blondie

I have 3 hours left of being blonde .... I'll be brunette for a while after that. eeeeek.

If anyone wants a massage then contact Keith the magical masseur on:
0131 669 4277
07749 376 418
head_to_toe@btinternet.com
or check out www.freewebs.com/kajibushi/
I can personally recommend getting one, he's a great to chat to too ... if you don't fall asleep!

Finished with the Fundraising

Another moment filled with mixed emotions ... I reached my fundraising target and am enthralled to have done so, though I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and now I am a little sad it is over. But ... the travelling bit is still to come, so I'll be ok.


Diwali dinner ... well it got off to a shakey start with there being no tables and chairs but after a few special touches to the room, eg 200 candles, fairy lights and lots of artwork, it worked out perfectly! Thanks for the encouragement during the day Ann, David and Marc! Sitting on the floor was far more sociable and relaxed. For the last Curry night I payed so much attention to every small detail, this time I wanted to be able to relax and enjoy the evening too, which I did in great company! Thanks to everyone who came along and to my work team (the true 'A Team') for the support and allowing me to combine the evening with our boss's leaving night!

My family and I used to go on month long holidays to South Africa each year. Always on the night before we left we would visit my Gran and my cousins to say good-bye and they would usually give us a few treats to eat during 18hr drive which followed. Last night after doing house-work for Elizabeth, we sat down and wished each other well for the next couple of weeks then she gave me a home-made card with such special words and a bit of spending money! It made me cry with happiness for two reasons. Firstly it was like having a bit home and excitement of a big holiday on the way. Secondly, I have met some incredible individuals through this fundraising and I have been priviledged enough to see the wonderful and generous nature of many people. Thank you SO much!

Brian, my old flatmate, came over for dinner last night and he gave me another travel companion, the book called Long Way Round by Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman. Thanks Bri! ;-)

This morning I did the big shop! Lots of small camping things, a couple pairs of trousers, many many things from Boots and a few travellers cheques. All I need now is malaria tablets and I really don't like the idea of the second thing, a r.., a rid..., a riding helmet. A turban or sombrero would just work so much better!

Happy Diwali to you!

Diwali dinner was fantastic! Target of £2600.00 reached!!!!! waaaaayhhheeeey!
For photos visit, http://www.flickr.com/photos/32697644@N00/sets/1294730/

Keith the masseur, he's details will be up soon, as will a write up of yesterday!
Right now, I'm going to celebrate with a fry-up breakfast!

Thank you to all you lovely, lovely people!!

Art of life

Well for most of this year I have put a lot of time and effort into this fundraising and India trip. I'm not sure what I am going to do with myself when I return - well after Christmas and New Years that is.

So, I have something quite exciting planned for next year ... I am going to be an Art Manager! One of my friend's from school is trying extremely hard to make her way in Cape Town and even harder to break into the world of art! Not that I know much about it either (that will change soon) ... I'm sure I can sell off a few paintings for her!

So far Tafadzwa Mukwashi has held three successful exhibitions in Zimbabwe, last one was to help raise money for Childline in 2003. She has made private sales in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Switzerland and Austria. Plus she has won first place in Zimbabwe's National Arts Festival in the paintings and art category.

Please have a look at them http://www.flickr.com/photos/32697644@N00/sets/1282921/ and feel free to email me with comments .. shirleynicklin@hotmail.com

DHL stopped by this morning with 23 of her paintings, some of which will be on display at the Diwali evening tomorrow! I'm so looking forward to it! =)

Diwali dinner

Everything is coming together, got 50 people confirmed .. still space for another 30, so anyone who likes Indian food ... call me!
I'm going candle and incense shopping on Thursday, just a hint of what to expect.

My work team and I shall also be having our boss's Leaving or Moving sideways/upwards party that night! Tracey is brilliant, the absolute best of wishes to her!