Funny. Now I have come to the point that I've been here for nearly 6 weeks and only 2 weeks to go! Kaarle has been here since Sunday. Poor thing had to go through this heat as well and fell sick. Luckily he is now better. Sunday we were just at our luxury hotel (Shangri La). Went swimming, to the gym and I was able to go the sauna! Was great! Monday I had 2 interviews and dragged Kaarle around Delhi. Luckily although the other one was further away, we were able to take the metro quite a long bit. Pity the metro is not ready in South Delhi, where I am most of the time. Tuesday we went to Taj Mahal and the trip was yet again exhausting. I thought taking a private driver (one which I and Riikka have used previously) would be an easy option but believe me, I think it would be worth trying the express train to Delhi, which Lonely Planet recommends. Haven't tried it though but have now gone twice to Taj by car and it's been really exhausting both times. Train cannot be worse!! The whole Taj trip is a story itself but do not have the energy to tell you all the details. Just to mention one example, once we finally arrived Taj, it was closed for the Namibian president. We had to plan our day a bit differently but got to see it in the end. Even though we were sweating like anything, I have to say Taj Mahal was really beautiful now at monsoon time. Gardens were green and water was flowing. Oh yeah, one other small detail. Now when I have Indian overseas citizenship, I was able to get in all the tourist sites with the Indian and not foreigner rate (Indian 20 rupees, foreigner 750 rupees..). Also my ipod was not allowed to the area and had to go back quite a bit to find a freaking locker.. Just one of stories to tell..
Tuesday-Wed night Kaarle had fever. In the morning I went to the gym and we enjoyed our multicuisine breakfast (continental, british, indian, japanese, chinese, fruits etc.!). After we had to leave our hotel as we only had it for 3 nights. We've been since at Riikka's place. Yesterday I had to though go to a SADED book launch so Riikka kept Kaarle company. Today Kaarle was feeling better, so we went to the National Museum (again I got the Indian rate :) and visited the local Defence Colony market (Riikka lives in Defence Colony). Had some frozen yoghurt and did some small shopping. And tomorrow Kaarle's leaving. Luckily it's only 2 weeks, although I still have lots to do. I was happy to arrange an interview today with India's Central Water Commission's chairman, so probably quite an important person. I got his name from India's chief climate negotiator who I heard at the Media Workshop on Climate Change which I attended last week. That's the only way to meet people here that you receive the name from someone and tell that person that.. Now I just have to some way figure out how to ask the chairman diplomatically on issues the other interviewees from civil society have critised deeply (e.g. India's water policy is based on building big dams which support companies but deprive local people and cause a lot of harm..).
It's still hot here but luckily not anymore 38 which feels like 43.. But sweating is still majorly part of the picture. Sorry if there's loads of mistakes! Feeling lazy to check it.
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