Okay so I didn’t get around to updating the blog yesterday but it’s been a great weekend and I basically had better things to do.
So picking up from where I left off Friday morning I had my FRRO registration meeting. I was picked up at 10:00 by Rajeev for the 30 minute ride to the Ministry of paperwork. When we arrived it was like stepping back in time. It was just a large non-descript concrete building with rooms in every directions. In the rooms were old school like desks and plastic patio chairs. Outside each of the rooms was a bench that inevitably had somebody asleep on it. I was led up to the 3rd floor, past court rooms (based on the layout), and guards stations to another non-descipt room this time with aluminum dividing walls. You really wouldn’t have known any official went on there except for the armed guards.
We entered one of the aluminum cubicles and I sat for about 20 minutes while Rajeev provided piece of paper after piece of paper, and the man from the ministry read each one three times, shuffled the forms he now had and requested others that Rajeev had to point out he had already handed over. Then he reached for a big book and filled it in before asking me to sign it and then stamping it with over 10 billion rubber stamps (okay, by this stage I was bored and I think he knew because he kept looking at me then the clock).
The next thing I knew is we were off, me, Rajeev, the man from the ministry of paperwork, the paperwork, and the big book were walking back down the stairs. We then approached what looked like an important area. This was apparent by the number of people with guns standing around. It wasn’t until I looked at the labels on the door that I realized we needed to see the Deputy Commissioner of police and that he needed to sign the “book”. We all bowed (well the other two guys bowed and I kind of thought hey this is cool smiled and nodded my head) and went in. The room was a lot more impressive. A single large dark wooden desk surrounded on three sides by green leather backed arm chairs. The book was presented to him, he signed it, they al bowed again and we left. (I think I waved as we came out I’m not sure) and that we all done. So I am now legal. I should get all the certificates this week, but work take care of that, but as far as paperwork goes I am almost sorted (just the UK tax office to go).
Friday night we had the COLT India Annual Event, aka “Spark” (Which I think was the name of the local Ind rock band that had been hired for the event). I must say the setup was very impressive and I would have a lot more pictures to show you if I had remembered to charge my Camera battery before going (I really need to get my act together on photo’s and movies). The facilities guys really did a good job. I have some video footage that I will splice into a short film to give you an idea of the what things looked like, but I think it was agreed that it was a good night. I left about midnight and didn’t need any rocking to get to sleep.
Saturday morning I got up and went to join the gym. After the tour and being told all about the facilities the sales director would not let me join until I has tried the facilities out at least three times free of charge. So I had about an hours work out, and an hour in the sauna and steam room before showing and leaving feeling great. I then headed to the shops and stocked up on a few essentials and then went home and cooked sausages, beans, and Mash potatoes.
After dinner I went for a walk for an hour before settling down with some traditional british rock and a book.
This morning (Sunday) I had a lay in and a lazy breakfast before doing a couple of hours work. I then had lunch and watched a movie (Zoro). About 15:00 Karan (my driver) picked me up and we headed for the Gym where I spent 3 hours. I came out and treated myself to a small domino’s pizza, immediately putting back on the calories I had just burned off and probably a few extra besides, but I did enjoy it.
This week is going to be very busy but I am hoping not to stressful. Lets see.
