Alan Knott: Blog

Royal Society Protection of Birds, Rye Meads

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Fri, 05 May 2023 17:01:49 GMT

Had a really good day at the RSPB site, Rye Meads in Hoddesdon. Great facilities and friendly staff. Well worth the visit.

Charmouth & Lyme Regis April 2018

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Sun, 29 Apr 2018 20:52:01 GMT

Had a lovely few days break in Charmouth which is on the border of Dorset and South Devon

On the roads of Bangalore

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Sun, 18 Feb 2018 06:15:00 GMT

Despite the apparent chaos and lack of discipline on the roads of Bangalore there seems to be very few major accidents - mainly bumps and knocks. Many parents are happy or out of necessity prepared to take their motorcycles on the road with their children travelling as shown in the following image. Workers are prepared to relax in the discomfort of the back of their vehicle where if it has to brake suddenly they will probably end up on the road!

ACTS Secondary School Graduation, February 2018

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 11:45:00 GMT

It was an honour to be a guest at ACTS Secondary School Graduation. Having seen the school from its inception it was a humbling moment to see all the students graduating in the knowledge of the high academic achievement standards the school has continued to achieve over many years.

GS Payala Play & Learn Commissioning

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Sun, 11 Feb 2018 11:45:00 GMT

In one of the small villages on the outskirts of the city of Bangalore GS Payala church has been part of the community for a number of years. Today was the commissioning of a new Play & Learn Centre.

Nirmala Vidyalaya Gatahalli Open Day

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 14:15:00 GMT

Nirmala Vidyalaya School , Gattahalli, was only started a couple of years ago with just a few pupils. The school has grown rapidly with now over 800 pupils. The standard of education the children receive is excellent. These images, of the school open day, show the progress that has been made through the dedicated staff and the support of other organisations.

ACTS Academy, Rayasandra

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 10:00:00 GMT

ACTS Academy at Rayasandra has always been a lovely tranquil rural environment but the progress of Bangalore as a city has gradually seen the urbanisation of the area. The campus holds many memories for me and these images show something of its beauty, its variety and even the car I first travelled in 1979! Also there are images of students presenting their topics for their Masters Degree - not always so tranquil. Happy times.

Koramangala

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Tue, 06 Feb 2018 20:30:00 GMT

Wherever you go in Bangalore there is always something to photograph. Whether it is road works, shoe sellers, scaffolding, or stacking food. It is also seemingly very colourful despite the chaos and mess at the time.

Lunch and walk in downtown Bangalore with great friends

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Sun, 04 Feb 2018 21:30:00 GMT

Danny & Anupa and their family are simply one of the best families you could ever wish to meet and to be taking in as part of their family is an honour. A great day out and lunch with them - a highlight.

Bangalore Street Scenes (again)

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Sat, 03 Feb 2018 20:45:00 GMT

Koramangala which is in Bangalore is full of life both day and night. During thios trip the roads are particularly bad as 'elections' are due so there is frantic activity to improve them. On a positive note the repair work appears to be of a much higher standard but their ability to give adequate notice of road closures leads a lot mto be desired and frustration for drivers!

Nirmala Vidyalaya School

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 22:30:00 GMT

Nirmala Vidyalaya School is an exciting work under the auspices of ACTS. In just a few years since it has started it now has over 800 students. These students are all from the local area which althought rural is rapidly becoming urbanised.

Bangalore Street Scenes

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 22:00:00 GMT

Further slide show depicting life in Bangalore in January 2018

ACTS Play & Learn, Bangalore, India 2018

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 18:30:00 GMT

ACTS Play & Learn has been a facility provided by ACTS for working parents since its earliest days. This particular Play & Learn is in a middle class area of Bangalore but a number are also situated in rural areas catering for some of the more disadvantaged children.

Street Scene, Bangalore

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 10:45:00 GMT

Bangalore is so full of life and interest. Indian street food is amazing and I love the Paani Puri. There are vendors to be found almost everywhere. However this image shows just how much India has progressed with the vendor keeping himself occupied on his mobile whilst waiting for customers.

However you still need to beware of broken pavements.

Bangalore Street Scenes

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Sun, 28 Jan 2018 21:15:00 GMT

Click the image for a slide show of scenes that are part of everyday life in Bangalore

Nirmala Vidyalaya School Library

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Sat, 27 Jan 2018 13:46:45 GMT

Recently with the help of volunteers and other charities Nirmala Vidyalaya School, part of ACTS, opened its new library. The artwork in the library was produced with the help from a number of students from a local art college. The library is an unusual but exciting concept. During the library periods the children can choose which books they wish to read. Bean bags are available for the children to sit on and often they sit under the desk in what is a very conducive environment for reading. It is a very popular part of the school curriculum. The books have been donated and reflect the Indian environment.

My Flat

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Sat, 27 Jan 2018 05:00:12 GMT

FlatFlat in Koramangala, Bangalore FlatFlat in Koramangala, Bangalore FlatFlat in Koramangala, Bangalore FlatFlat in Koramangala, Bangalore

Thought folks might like to see where I stay when in India.

India 69th Republic Day

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Fri, 26 Jan 2018 13:45:00 GMT

January 26 was the 69th Celebration of India's Constitution as a republic. Despite being a holiday the students of Nirmala Vidyalaya School, like many other schools, held a commemorative event which included the raising of the Indian flag; a march past; dancing; singing and a brief talk to the students. Nirmala Vidyalaya School is a rural school for children from the poorer communities. It was started a few years ago, by, Acts, with about 80 village children. It now has in excess of 800 students! I was a guest of honour however it did seem strange when during the speech the speaker mentioned that the Constitution came into being as a result of the bravery of the freedom fighters who fought to overthrow British rule! However I was warmly welcomed by the students and faculty and provided with a very tasty Indian breakfast.

My First Day In India

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 14:15:00 GMT

Tandoori ChickenTandoori Chicken

I arrived in india, 25 January at 5.10am or 11.40pm the previous day UK time. I am here for four weeks. I had one of the scariest taxi journeys from the airport; firstly because the taxi driver was driving so fast because wanted to get home before there was a total strike in Koramangala which was scheduled to start at 9.00 am. His driving made one pray even if you didn't believe in God. Secondly I also learnt that it is possible to drive at 60 miles an hour and text, using both hands, whilst on a mobile. In the end I had to shout at the taxi driver to put the phone down and drive sensibily or he wasn't going to get a tip. Stupidly I then asked about his family and he told me had had two daughters one 3 years and the other 18 months. Then using both hands on the phone, whilst driving, he found their pictures and turned around to show me! I said if he carried on driving that way he might not see them again! He got the message.

It is three years since I was last here and my first impressions are some things have changed but the dirt and dust remains the same. In fact I think it is the same dirt and dust. Anyway the strike ended at 6pm our time, so the grocery stores opened and I was able to get all the washing up liquid; cloths; scrubbers; toilet cleansers; detol and brushes to try and get the flat back to some level of I will say, 'dustfreeness', for under the dust it is quiet clean. Made my bed and then went to the local tandoori hut for supper - It tasted so good. So at the moment I am feeling shattered - it is still 25 degrees but will cool to about 16 degrees early monrng.

On my Way to India

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 12:19:19 GMT

On my way to India just 12 hours to go. Looking forward to the warmth of India but not the leaving of people behind. on my way to indiaLeaving for India

Back to India part 2

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Fri, 19 Jan 2018 22:07:18 GMT

A few days before I leave for India and at Center Parcs. Is this meant to help me acclimatise? Well it is nearly freezing and light snow forecast. Bangalore 30c and sunny?

Back to india

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Wed, 10 Jan 2018 22:23:48 GMT

Tickets purchased and visa obtained. Looking forward to renewing my acquaintance with Bangalore after nearly four years. Am wondering how much has changed. Looking forward to going but sad about those I leave behind but still it is only for four weeks.

Cropredy - Oxford 2016

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 17:49:07 GMT

For a number of years it has been a joy to attend what is known as 'the family friendly' festival. It has been taking place since 1976 with Fairport Convention taking the main organising role as well as opening and closing the festival. This year Gryphon were one of the acts this year a British progressive rock band formed in the 1970s and best known for their unusual medieval and Renaissance sound and instrumentation. Brian Gulland one of the members of the group kindly allowed me to take this picture of him.

Notting Hill Carnival

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Mon, 29 Aug 2016 20:00:00 GMT

This was the second year I have been to the Notting Hill Carnival.

Held in August year the Notting Hill Carnival is Europe's biggest street party.

The Notting Hill Carnival is the largest street festival in Europe and originated in 1964 as a way for Afro-Caribbean communities to celebrate their own cultures and traditions. The crowds are massive and whilst there is some trouble it is small in comparison to the numbers attending. I love the colour and music and joy that defines the celebration. Credit must go to the police who overall manage this event with a great deal of sensitivity

Lake District - Day 4 - Home time

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 20:00:00 GMT

The problem in having a short holiday in the Lake District is that it is a 301 mile drive or about five hours driving from my home. If not planned well it means that two days can easily be lost travelling. By leaving early in the morning on the first day we were there by lunch time and as already mentioned managed to do some walking.

With the weather forecast predicting 'wall to wall' sunshine for our fourth day we decided not to leave until the earliest mid afternoon. The weather forecast was 'on the nail'. I was woken at 5am by the sheep farmer who had brought early morning breakfast for the sheep and it was an exquisite last morning with a beautiful sunrise and being serenaded by the bleating sheep as they came from all quarters of the fields to claim their breakfast! A final hearty cooked breakfast; car packed and we were on our way to climb Graystones, 1200 feet high, via Kirk Fell. Unbelievably the fleece was left in the car and we set out in short sleeves, in glorious sunshine and that was the way it was for the whole climb. A somewhat boggy walk with wet moss but great fun avoiding filling your boots with water! The route followed a beautiful beck and after negotiating some stone walls it was a steady climb to the summit. To avoid getting chilled I put a jacket on whilst I ate lunch on the summit but it wasn't really necessary.

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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Lunch was followed by a leisurely descent via Ling Fell and back to the car and my short break was all over bar the long drive home! I cannot wait to go back again.

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Lake District - Day 3 Cycling day

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Tue, 19 Apr 2016 20:30:00 GMT

The promised sunny weather arrived as predicted and with only a light breeze it had all the hallmarks of a great day for cycling.

After a good breakfast we drove into Keswick to hire the cycles from Keswick Bikes https://www.keswickbikes.co.uk/ . Despite the fact that the business had been badly affected, earlier this year, by the floods, the shop was in pristine condition and the service we received was exemplary. Nothing was too much trouble. They even suggested some possible routes. We started out following their suggestion but soon worked out our own route. Firstly we headed towards Buttemere but soon turned off and started to head towards Catbells, (peak 1,480 feet) to take a circular tour of Lake Derwentwater.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA The riding was energetic with a number of hills to climb but this was mostly rewarded by enjoying a freewheeling ride downhill after reaching each peak. I have to confess some of the hills required me to get off and push the bike but nevertheless this did not detract from the enjoyment of the experience. This was especially the case as, being out of season, there were few cars on the road. The ride also gave the opportunity to stop and enjoy the beauty of the area.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA After nearly five hours of cycling, including a well earned stop for a lovely lunch, we headed back to Keswick and returned the bikes and stopped to have a well earned cup of coffee. (to be cont>)

Lake District - Day 3 cont.

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Tue, 19 Apr 2016 18:30:00 GMT

After a fairly challenging day a Chinese meal seemed the order of the day. So we stayed in Keswick and although the meal was reasonably priced it was not that great. Rather than rushing back to the Pub where we were staying we decided to have an easy stroll alongside Lake Derwentwater and hopefully watch the sun set.

It was very peaceful with few people about and for some of the time I just sat and enjoyed the tranquility and the beautiful fresh air.

We then made a slight detour around the Lake where we could see some of the damage caused by the rains earlier this year but even this looked beautiful.

Although the setting sun didn't fully live up to my expectations the Lake District always does. I watched the sun slowly sink in the sky and wondered when the next time would be that I would enjoy a sunset in this magnificent part of England - not long of that I am certain

Lake District - Day two (cont.`)

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 19:45:00 GMT

The walk along the coastal path had been quite energetic but as we returned to the car park at St Bee's the promised sun appeared; the temperature rose significantly and the wind dropped. The prospect for the afternoon was excellent and so decided that we would stop on the way back to Keswick and climb Sale Fell. A fairly small Fell at 1,178 feet. Starting from Wythop Mill this Fell provides excellent views over Bassenthwaite Lake. One of my favourites lakes in the Lake District. The Fell did not disappoint.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA The descent was past St Margaret's Church, consecrated in 1866, where the colour of daffodils in full bloom were stark against the grave stones. A beautiful little church and a peaceful place to stop and take in all the beauty of the area.

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We decided that a gentle drive into Keswick would be a perfect end to the day with a fish and chip supper. Supper was very quickly eaten and we wandered down to Lake Derwentwater to enjoy what promised to be a beautiful sunset which fully met my expectations.

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Lake District - Day two

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 17:45:00 GMT

Originally had planned to cycle on day two but the weather forecast was for high winds and driving rain. Although the morning started out wet by the time we had eaten a hearty English breakfast there was some break in the clouds and so we decided a walk along the coastal path from St Bee's Head to the Lighthouse close to Whitehaven was preferable to cycling. This is a fairly relaxed walk but there are lots of opportunities to stop and observe the seasonal wildlife - at this time of the year it was Black Guillemots around Fleswick Bay and there were thousands of them nesting precariously on the cliff face.

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Lake District

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Sun, 17 Apr 2016 20:00:00 GMT

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA One of the most beautiful places in England is the National Park known as the Lake District. There are two main areas - the South and the North Lakes. Heavy flooding in the early part of this year means that a number of areas are still inaccessible by road and to an extent the South and North Lakes are cut off from each other without having to make a major detour. However there is still plenty to be enjoyed and this should not put people off from going.

I now have a four day holiday and on this the first day, after an early morning drive, we arrived in Keswick. Our first climb of the holiday was Dale Head. We started at the Grange for a climb of 2350 feet and walked past Castle Crag and then turned for the major steep climb up to the summit. However the path was a mixture of loose stones and scree and although I made a good distance I realised my 'dodgy' knees were going to struggle with the descent. Although not far from the summit I felt it was dangerous to continue and my colleague graciously agreed that he would come back down with me. I was not disappointed as the views of the area are spectacular as the picture looking down over Seatoller shows. To finish the walk we walked alongside Honister Pass for a few miles and watched in awe as one cyclist after another attempted and in most cases, succeeded in climbing the ascent! For the first day although the weather was cold and blustery there was no rain which is remarkable in itself!

Blood Swept Land & Seas of Red

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 18:37:17 GMT

Blood Swept Land & Seas of Red Blood Swept Land & Seas of Red Blood Swept Land & Seas of Red One of the most moving experiences I can recollect. The 'installation' by Paul Cummins and Tom Piper at the Tower of London has over 800,000 ceramic poppies; each poppy representing a soldier who died fighting in the Great War of 1914-18 for peace. We should never forget their great sacrifice and treasure the freedom we have because of their sacrifice.

Crossing the road in india

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 04:15:00 GMT

One of the challenges of India is learning to cross the road at four way intersection. It is very much a case of 'your life in their hands'. I made it this time the poor motorcyclist had a bump

Eid Bakrid

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 11:06:36 GMT

Eid Bakrid. I have been in India since last Thursday and this seems to be the third day of holidays. This time it is Eid Bakrid. This is Rashmi who kindly let me take her photo as she has her arms decorated as part of the celebration. This amazing handiwork is all done freehand. I was so captivated I thought about having my arms done as well!! The Eid is one of 'sacrifice' and there will be prayers and the slaughter of a goat with the meat being shared around. Of course it wouldn't be Eid without some sweets as well.

Walking down the streets of Bangalore

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Sun, 05 Oct 2014 10:14:35 GMT

Mary Poppins - IndiaMary Poppins, India There is always a lot to see when walking down the streets of Bangalore and this balloon seller caught my eye. My first thought was that he was the Indian equivalent of Mary Poppins and wasn't actually pushing the bike but holding it down to stop it floating away. Then I saw the balloons he was selling and wondered where he had managed to buy them and who actually brought them from him. I guess he brought them from Trotters Independent Traders of Only Fools and Horses fame!!!!

Dussehra

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 16:45:00 GMT

Arrived back in India after a two hour delay at London Heathrow to the Indian festival of Dussehra, one of the most important Indian festivals celebrated by Hindus. It is the celebration of Lord Rama over Ravana. Many of the houses and businesses have these colourful artwork designs on the pavements. These are made freehand usually using some form of coloured chalk. The accuracy of the artwork is amazing and the colours vivid. However they barely last more than 24 hours and less if it rains! During the evening the families come out to enjoy an evening of food, sweets and entertainment and everywhere seems to be lit with coloured lights

Three Peaks Challenge

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Sun, 03 Aug 2014 17:05:46 GMT

In the UK there is a challenge called the Three Peaks challenge. Individuals or teams seek to raise donations for charities by climbing the three largest mountain peaks in the UK. Namely Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scarfell Pike in England and Snowdon in Wales. My son was involved in a team challenge for the Prince's Trustfor charity. Having completed Ben Nevis and Scarfell Pike yesterday, Snowden was their target today. Unfortunately with winds of 50mph, poor visibility, heavy rain and two teams members suffering injuries they were only able to make it 2/3rds of the way up before they were advised to abandon the attempt. However what they achieved was magnificent and I am very proud of my son.

Maximising the seating capacity of a motorbike in Bangalore

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 10:46:09 GMT

Six on a bike

If you own a motorbike, and decide to have a sunday afternoon with the family in Bangalore, then you might as well maximise the seating capacity of the motorbike. I bet the driver was thankful his wife didn’t want to come along as well. If you look closely you can see six people on the bike!

Nirmala Vidyalaya School, Bangalore

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 06:24:33 GMT

Nirmala Vidyalaya, Bangalore is a village school on the outskirts of the city of Bangalore. It is a school for under privileged children but is growing rapidly. The children do not usually sleep during class time but this young chap had a very hight temperature and as much as I tried to waken him it was not possible. The school were taking good care of him and my latest news is that he has recovered and was back at school to do his exams!

As can be seen from the image below, when they are well, the children enjoy coming to the school and work hard.

Nirmala Vidyalaya School, Bangalore.

Nirmala Vidyalaya, Bangalore, a small village school on the outskirts of Bangalore

Holi

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 03:05:04 GMT

On March 17 India celebrates the Festival of Holi or sometimes called the Festival of Love. This festival is to mark the end of winter and the coming of spring and also the triumph of good over evil. This Festival is not so popular in the South of India as it is in the North. As it is not a public holiday in the South some people took the opportunity to celebrate a day early.

Holi the Indian festival of colours

Walking in Northumberland

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 12:45:21 GMT

Craster. Northumberland coastal path

Second day of walking and the weather has been remarkably kind. Decided to walk the coastal path from Dunstanburgh Castle to Boulmer. It started out quite pleasantly with a mix of light showers and sunshine. At times the sun was so warm that it felt more like a Spring day rather than the end of Winter. However a couple of hours into the walk the wind started to get up and was blowing at some 30mph but then gusts of 50mph started to become more prevalent. Such was the strength of the winds that walking became very difficult and it was necessary to turn round and return. However the total walk was still approximately 15 – 18 miles so all in all a good day.

With some spare time took the opportunity to visit Bamburgh Castle and walking along the beach it was like walking in the Sahara Desert with the wind whipping the sand across the beach. A fantastic exhilarating walk that gave me a good appetite so am now ready for dinner.

Walking in Northumberland

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 12:23:57 GMT

Simonside HIlls, Northumberland

In Northumberland for a few days in the hope that the weather would be kind and allow some walking. Today was the first day and although cloudy the weather was surprisingly warm. So much so that I was actually perspiring for a lot of the return journey.

Northumberland was delightful as we set out to climb the Simonside Hills. With the various peaks either just below 1000 feet or slightly above the walking is not hard but with wet ground underfoot it is not easy either. Including stops to admire the beautiful scenes the walk last just about 5 hours and about 15 miles long. A walk i would throughly recommend especially if the rain holds off as it did. It rained just as we got back to our guest house. Now that is what I call planning!

Shoot with Hayley

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 01:50:33 GMT

Shoot with Hayley

This month I had the privilege of working with Hayley, a model from Aldershot. As this shoot was going to be in a confined space the ability to use large strobes was not appropriate. This was going to be a shoot just using Speedlights . I was a little nervous as I had not used this mode of lighting ‘in anger’ before. I sought the advice of some colleagues who explained that, because it is not easy to meter the light, this would be more on ‘a trial and error basis’. Although help would be available I was determined I would ‘work it out for myself’.

I was amazed the amount of light three Speedlights can produce and the ease and flexibility of use. I had a few light modifiers to soften the light as I did find it a little harsh. Also I found it helpful to explain to the model why the lights needed to be so close so that the light did not fall off too rapidly.

Overall I was pleased with the shoot and although I made a number of mistakes I produced a number of very good images. I missed the amount if control I have when using large strobes but that is to be expected as I am somewhat of a control freak!

Training of Blind People In Streets of Bangalore

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Fri, 11 Oct 2013 09:24:33 GMT

I have always had great admiration for those, who cannot see, on their ability to ‘get around’. My admiration increased yesterday as I watched these folk from a local blind school learning not only to negotiate the pavements of Bangalore but crossing the busy roads, which I find scary. Also have real respect for the patience of those who were training them.

Training blind people to negotiate streets of Bangalore

Crazy signs seen in India

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Thu, 10 Oct 2013 09:18:58 GMT

Not all is at it seems

At times you wonder if India is such a conservative country! However for my friends from the west the advert does not mean what you think it might and PG does not mean parental guidance. It is advertising accommodation for female paying guests! Sorry:)

Crazy Indian Signs

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Sun, 06 Oct 2013 09:13:50 GMT

If you are going to prosecute, prosecute those that cannot defend themselves. ‘Outside Food’ of the world unite against this oppression!

Interesting posters

This sign was in a food hall in Bangalore

Arrived

alancknott@gmail.com (Alan Knott) — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 03:28:19 GMT

Struggling with jet lag but had a superb flight on British Airways from London to Bangalore and also had the privilege of talking to Billy Connolly one of the UK’s great comedians. A perfect gentleman unlike the driver of the taxi from the airport to where I am staying. My first condition of hiring him was that he did not drive like he was demon possessed. I have to say he got close to it on several occasions and also managed to find some interesting shortcuts across very bumpy ground to gain an advantage on a fellow taxi driver. All of this was accompanied by the music of him clearing his throat regularly and about every 250 yards leaning out of his window to see how far he could spit the phlegm. Not nice at any time of the day let alone early in the morning when you are trying to get some rest.

Initial impressions of India since my last trip seven months ago. Lot more high rise structures that Bangalore’s infrastructure, I am sure, will find difficulty to support but very little improvement, if any, for the majority of the citizens. However the people remain as hospitable as ever and it is good to have the opportunity to return.