From rags to riches...

I was like a small child with the excitement of leaving hospital yesterday. There was an additional bonus with my flight being direct and not until the evening.

For the past couple of weeks I have been on the medication but remained mostly staying in the bed. So, I was discharged around midday which gave me enough time to have a quick look around the city.
My previous impression of Delhi was not fantastic with people defecating in the streets, people trying to con you or the beggars harassing you at every opportunity. I know I have not had a huge amount of experience in India but have many Indian friends who advised me on certain things before I arrived in the country. I had nobody to advise on the cost of things so this was something I learnt over the first couple of weeks.

I got my gear loaded in the taxi and necked one final painkiller just in case as my plan was to hire a taxi for the day, or rather afternoon which cost 1200 rupees (less than 20 quid). The driver was an amicable fellow and waited with all my gear in the taxi whilst I had a look around some of the sights of Delhi.
What I did not realise though was the strength of the pills that I have been taking. I admit that sometimes I felt in a dreamlike state whilst lying in the bed but the medication really hit home when I had to face the real world. I was walking around in a daze for the first couple of hours not quite knowing what was happening, but it was OK ;-)

Humayun's Tomb

India gate

Red Fort

After the hazy quick tour of Delhi, it was time to head back to the airport where after a small delay i found myself once again in the business class. this is the second time that it has happened and both due to paragliding incidents - although the first time was not an injury to me.

I was given a large whisky and beer and the combination of being alcohol free for a few weeks and due to being so tired after my day, I soon was in the land of nod. I did not take advantage of the food or drink, in fact I did not even have a meal.

Soon I was back at my hotel and was surprised to see that they have very tight security and even scanners like they do at airports. I found out since that this is because the majority of F1 drivers are staying here as it is the last race meet in Abu Dhabi this weekend.

Its a big contrast in the space of 12 hours, from driving through the slums of Delhi to being at a hotel that is lined with ridiculously priced sports cars.

Sports cars everywhere...

It has been a interesting 6 weeks to say the least, but not in any hurry to repeat the last 3 that's for sure. My big soft bed is so nice now and I look forward to taking it easy while my body repairs itself. Everyday I feel much better and look forward to my next adventure. It won't be December as originally planned for South Africa, but will have something lined up for the early part of 2011, possibly a comp in Australia but we'll see.

I also look forward in taking part in the British Nationals next year and possibly the Spanish Nationals which I loved earlier this year and gave me the comp bug.

Then of course there is the North vs South Cup due to take place in the UK around May that should be very exciting and a bundle of laughs...