Home at last

The last day in Kolkata was quite memorible as we went to a market that had handcrafts from each state. I brought a few things. My best buy was a cusion cover from the Kashmir region stiched in raw silk a picture of a couple of birds. Not that it was cheap but that it is a focus on a part of the world that God has highlighted for me, so watch this space. The taxi drivers know how to get the most out of tourists, most stated a price well above the meter price and even when the meter is running they demand the higher price anyway. Just as well it was the last day. We went and saw the Victoria memorial but due to the Prime Minister arriving it was closed to the public. Back to the hostel and across the road for dinner and birthday tea for Eleanor. It seemed like a drag race to the airport and when traffic came to a stop the driver jumped out to shut the bonnet as it kept popping open.

Through security and more security before we were able to board the plane. The four hour trip to Singapore went fast, watched a movie and the meal used up some time. Singapore and four hours to kill, off to the showers to wash off the dirt of India. How good it was to have a proper shower and see the dirt wash down the drain. Time to do some shopping, brought the Mrs some perfume for Valentines.

Back onto the plane this time heading for Auckland and home. Really looking forward to seeing the Mrs as she is to meet me at the airport. We arrived at 11:30pm cleared customs after declaring the Gurker Knives and paintings that had untreated timber. At the motel I opened my bags and out jumped the smells of India, the other half was none too impressed. So off to the shower again and got rid of yet more dirt. Our roads are so empty no animals or people everywhere. Back home and time to unwind until the shop was due to close. An early night as I was a bit tired. Some time in the night I awoke and thought to myself this room looks like my room at home not realising that it was, I got a huge shock to find someone in the bed with me. Who could this be, a gentle shake to get some responce and was surprised to find that it was my wife and relieved that it was not someone else. With sleeping in so many different beds over the past month I forgot where I was for a moment.

The next day I got a phone call from work asking me to come in on overtime as theyhad heard that I was back in the country. Not really ready to return to work I still went anyway, old habits die hard. What a job it was to stay awake for just 8 hours. Now I'm back into it on night shift for 12 hours and surprisingly feeling quite good. I have uploaded pix of the trip to my photobucket account
http://s45.photobucket.com/albums/f74/ulybod/India%20Nepal%2007/?start=all
More of the sanitised travel type pix so enjoy.
Blessings to all who have been following my adventures and praying as I have needed your thoughts many times over the last month.

It will be interesting to see what God has instore for me in the days to come.
Gordon