Big Daddy

Risked taking a photo across the road from the office at lunchtime, in view of the security guards who ask "digital camera" when I go in. I walked in and out for a week and a half with my work laptop from the UK and then eventually, havng had it clocked in the search every day the guy asks for the paperwork I explain it is owned by the company and show him the UK id number. So I'm told I need written permission, but no one can tell me from who. When I get to the front desk (all this happened in the security outpost) she knows I signed it in on the first day and tells me I'm fine - no paperwork needed.

There is a stud farm over the road, although the field here has cows in.

There is this school round the corner where the kids all wear uniform - would make a great picture or several, they do gym in the morning and play netball etc. I asked a colleague if taking pictures of kids was acceptable and he seemed surprised I was asking. I started trying to explain why it was not in the UK and then realised that it made no sense. However, that doesn't mean I'll not be nervous taking piccies.

Ah well, booked a trip to Chennai for the weekend to see an old friend that I used to work with. Means I'll miss Holi and not get covered in paint. I introduced my friend to wine in Edinburgh and then had to put him in a cab home - not pretty. All the while he was insisting to his arranged wife to be that he didn't drink.

Almost managed a cultural blunder. He asked me over to Chennai, I assumed I was staying at his place, and was a little worried. We didn't socialise that much in Edinburgh. So we are talking, he says his driver will pick me up at the airport and asks where I am staying - oooh! Quick as a flash I respond where do you recommend. So I am in The Marriot - centre of town, easy for the sights, can see my pal when its convenient for him and I probably get EPL (English Premier League) in my room - thats opposed to IPL which starts soon.

And talking of cricket I was in the office as Sachin was nearing his 200 - groups of males gathered around cricinfo (not even live pictures), When it happened there was spontaneous applause. Amazing.

Track of the day: Plan 9, Channel 7 - The Damned