Thursday, 15 May 2008

Settling in....I've managed it!

What can I say? I am amazed that I have settled into Delhi life, after a touch and go first few days.  Thank goodness now I can really enjoy myself!

Reasons I have managed to 'feel at home':

The Flat (again)

I have bagged the quieter bedroom that has it's own door to the bathroom. My hosts were not using it as they thought it was to hot and stuffy, but after a trial night I have found it more than comfortable and now I have somewhere I can close the door and have some 'me time' reading my book or surfing the web. Simple pleasures, but with the mayhem and noise that is constant once you are on the streets, this is just what is needed.  The 'roach problem is ever present, but the kitchen has had a good clean and the bug spray is quite effective. I am much less squeamish about them now, so I must be accepting how things are in Delhi.

The Studio

The Akaaro studio is set in some old farm buildings in a quiet village. The buildings now house some workshops, office space and a showroom all belonging to a guy called Mike Knowles. A lovely british guy who, with his wife Preeti, run a furniture making and interior design business. They utilise the skills of the India's master craftsmen and supply Habitat and John Lewis. He has been great and always has time for a chat with me each day. There may even be some work opportunity with him...who knows.  The premises is well restored and has a pool to boot. Which reminds me, I need to buy a one piece swim suit - a bikini is not really very appropriate here! 

Siri Fort

Siri Fort is a gorgeous park/sports complex where Gaurav and Inder go for a run each evening.  I have taken to walking the 1km path that circles the beautifully maintained grounds a couple of times, or simply sitting and reading my book.  It is so green and  the street noise is barely audible. A really refreshing and calming way to end the day.

Work

I have been working on designs for sample on a jacquard loom, using colours inspired by Freda Carlo.  This is the first project, but is a bit tricky as the materials I have to work with are a little limited. However, the dyer has provided the yarns, so I can do some wrappings. I will ask one of the weavers to show me how to wind the perns, which should be an interesting experience as I only know a couple of useless words in Hindi, and their English is not so good either!

The studio space consists of two rooms, and I have been working in the brightest once overlooking the grounds of the 'farm'.  Thankfully air-con has been installed which is cool, literally.

Sight Seeing and Socialising:

Bar

Red Fort

Old Delhi & rickshaw

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