Time is moving on. The festival in Lucknow is but three days away. More imminently, both Eva and Val are leaving tomorrow, Eva to Pokhara on the bus, Val coming with me to Kathmandu, where we split, me the next morning to Lucknow, Val having a day there before flying back to London. But these deadlines made for a busy day. Rehearsal first thing – or as soon as people got there – mostly devoted to James Bond, the song. And Dhir, Aparna’s musician friend, was also there, making a final attempt to sharpen things up. We videoed it on WhatsApp, so that they could remind themselves of both the song and the actions. We are taking the mickey, but the sharper it can be, the more entertaining it will
In the afternoon, we focused on the play, and then tried to sort out costumes. Which did lead to a little tension. There are some odd bits and pieces of stuff in a bin bag in the staff-room. I have frequently come across such bags myself, more or less a dressing-up box, and these conformed to the general principle, that the various items were a bit tatty, a bit old, a bit smelly. But we don’t have the funds to provide everyone with a complete costume, and Aparna’s response was to suggest they augment these with items from home. But in the end, she could read their response, and bowed to the inevitable; she, Anu and some of the cast went on a shopping trip.
I did think this would inevitably delay our farewell dinner, but Aparna returned triumphant, declaring that everything was bought. And the five of us headed out together, taking a tuk tuk to the other side of town. This time it was us who commandeered an already in service vehicle, crushing the poor woman inside. There were six of us in total, Val on the phone (again), and I did fear for the poor woman who had Val’s elbow perilously close. She did insist on the tuk tuk taking a particular route (fair enough – she had hailed it in the first place – which meant that we tackled a couple of streets which were even more potholed and rutted than usual, making for a mighty rocky ride. They do seem to be capable of dealing with some alarming rocking and rolling, but surely they must tip over sometimes, and the consequences would be pretty horrific.
Still, in time, we were there, arriving at the sort of resort I had not seen before: a series of attractive modern chalets, and a restaurant on two floors. A bit too bright for western tastes, but clean and attractive. It also had a bar, so as expected some beer and wine was consumed, along with some tasty food, rather different from the standard rice, chapatti, dhal and vegetables that seems to be standard. And a splendid evening was had, with a great deal of laughter; always a healthy sign, in my book. Have to confess I do find it difficult to recall the details – not because, or just because, of the beer, but because several days have elapsed, and I can’t remember. As was standard when we were travelling, my diary was nearly always written several days late, and the same has occurred now, chiefly because I did not take the computer to Lucknow, and now need to catch up. So, to fill in, James Bond…
Licensed to kill
There’s a man you will have heard of, known throughout the universe,
He’s a hero for the ages, makes the villains spit and curse.
He drives an Aston Martin, as I’m sure you all have heard,
And he likes to drink martinis, always shaken, never stirred.
James Bond! James Bond! He’s the world’s most famous spy.
James Bond! James Bond! He will make your spirits fly!
When it comes to all the villains, they are quite beyond belief.
Oddjob has his bowler hat, Jaws his metal teeth.
Scaramanga with his golden gun, Blofeld with his cat,
Bond defeated all of them, and knocked them all quite flat.
James Bond! James Bond! He makes all the ladies swoon.
James Bond! James Bond! He even triumphed on the moon.
There will always be a car chase, though the streets are far too narrow.
He drives through a market, and smashes through a barrow.
But though he is heroic, and his exploits all do thrill,
He’s known as oh oh seven, and he is licensed to kill.
James Bond! James Bond! He’s the one the bad guys fear.
James Bond! James Bond! He’s the one we all do cheer.
Hip hip, hooray!
The name’s Bond, James Bond.
