ONE MONTH RESIDENCY AT SANSKRITI PRATISHTHAN,INDIA

TANGIBLE REASON FOR ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAMME

2009-08-11T08:45:00.000-07:00

The good part and of course the most important about artist-in-residency is you have no choice than to make friends for life out of it.

Unless you don’t want it, there is no how you can attend artist-in-residency (AIR) programme anywhere in the world without making best friends.

Though you may have few of these folks whose life ideology do not confirm with yours. Then it is left for you to decide if you want to accept them into your circle of friends or not.

Apart from this, you will discover lots and lots of potentials hiding in you. You will be inspire by other artists’ works and you will indeed feel you belong in the right place.

If you are a writer, an artist or whatever you are, I suggest you engage in one or two AIR programmes near you or far.

You won’t regret it.

Love

Princess Ayelotan

www.princessayelotan.com

Author

TASTE OF HUNGER

www.tasteofhunger.com

SHADOW OF THE SUN

www.shadow-of-the-sun.com

Long, long time!

2009-06-05T05:43:00.000-07:00

Hi,
We've all been busy since March. l had been off to another residency in Berlin, Germany
Sound Interesting, right?
Well, l will fill in more detail soon
Take care

Princess Ayelotan in Takt kunstprojektraum

2009-05-02T13:45:00.000-07:00

Hi,

I am on a new Writer-in-residence in Berlin, Germany. Come with me daily to check the details of my success;
http://princessayelotanwithtakt.wordpress.com/
See ya!

Home sweet home!

2009-04-10T07:59:00.000-07:00

I am back home!

l have kept contacts with the other artists.

What blissful experiences we all had at the Sanskriti!

Wait, I will definitely keep up with the posting!

Cheers!

31th March 2009 (THE DEPARTURE)

2009-03-31T12:14:00.000-07:00

I came out earlier this morning. I wanted to join them for the breakfast. Since today is my last day at the residence. I enjoyed the discussion we had over the meal. I went on to collect my ironed clothes and paid for job.

When I got back to the studio, I edited some video clips and posted them unto my blogs. It was really interesting with all the response that followed this video from my friends on Facebook. To view this video, click on this link;

I went through filling the Sanskriti comment form. Devena and I stayed together until she left home with her son. Mr. Mullinar was busy rounding up the financial account for last year 2008. In India, the 31st of March is the day everybody round up the last year financial account.

There were lot of problems with this account today as some of the artists still owe especially one artist who hasn’t paid for her residency and she’d been here for the past six weeks.

Oh God, I wonder how some people can be so inconsiderate with their dealings with other people. Mr. Mullinar was disturbed about this. Without the respected dues and payment, his job is on the life-line. I hope he will get out of it, amen.

Immediately after lunch meal; I went back to my room and started packing. Jane came and we went to take some pictures of the art-work inside the residence. We stayed together for a while then I went back to complete the packing.

I had a surprise send-off party tonight. I had not expected it. The staff had prepared the table as such that one would think there will be a party tonight. Everything was set just the four of us, Katherine, Jane, Ingvild and me. Heather hasn’t return from her trip. A table was set for her but she did not turn up. She was expected back tonight according to Mr. Mullinar.

I thanked the staff for their hospitality. There were happy to be sending off this way and in their personal arrangement. Jane was impressed about this. She stated the staff organised this evening for me because I have been good to them throughout my stay at the residence. That got me thinking, you know. She is right. It is good to be nice to others.

Yes, I deserve this nice treat tonight.

We all moved and sat in front of Jane’s door. We had a short drink for my send-off. Katherine and Ingvild opted for lemon juice while Jane and I took the wine. We shared our contacts.
It was touching to go away after all these weeks. We hugged, we promised and we laughed. Katherine and Ingvild went to bed. I stayed with Jane for a while. It is nice getting to know Jane. She is lovely! At 71 years old, Jane is a gem!

We parted with lots of promises to keep contact. Jane, I would like to say that I’m grateful for advises you gave me tonight.

Thank you so much Jane. May God bless you and fulfil your dreams of completing your autobiography.

30th March 2009

2009-03-31T11:31:00.000-07:00

Jane, Katherine, Anna Kubinyi (Hungarian Artist) and I went out at 9:30pm.We planned a long day ahead of us. First we went to the Hungarian Embassy where Anna went to drop her back. Then we all went to the Kali Bari temple, which was not too far from the embassy. We stayed there a while before we headed for the bigger temple nearby.

We never stay long. We went on to Connaught circus and did lots of shopping. Katherine bought so much for her sons, her daughter-in-laws and grandchildren. Jane was glad she bought another back. Anna got some scarves for summer. What about me?

Well, I didn’t buy anything. I already got all I want within the week. I just love to go out with them today. Sometimes, it’s boring to stay indoors. What do you think?

When we were done, we went to for lunch. We kind of queued up a bit before we were allowed in to quick lunch. It is the best vegetarian restaurant in Connaught.

After lunch, we went back to the Hungarian embassy and dropped Anna. Our next stop was at Haus-Khaus market. Katherine and Jane bought some art materials. We bought three bottles of fresh lemon juice. While we were there, Mullinar called the driver who handed me to phone to speak to him.

He instructed me to stop at the Headquarter to pick up my certificate. We headed for the Sanskriti headquarters and collected my certificate of participation. I met Niriti at the office. We said goodbye to each other. I am already missing her, believe me.

Katherine wanted to buy a big tin box, which she will use to ship home some of her art-works. We went to Audrey more. We got it for 350 Rupees.

Finally we came back to Sanskriti, and glad that we made the day.

29th March 2009

2009-03-30T07:33:00.000-07:00

Ofra was gone by the time I woke up. Jane, Katherine and Anna had gone to a museum in the morning. I was alone.

I don’t want to talk about Ingvild. Do you know that she did not come out last night for the Open House? She was in her studio. She locked herself in. The unbelievable is happening with some of the artists. She claims to be a writer, and last night was our Open House BUT she hid away!
What a world!

There was heavy rain today, to heavy and very dark cloud.

28th March 2009

2009-03-30T07:03:00.000-07:00

I was busy writing the five-page experience I had in this studio with the house lizards when the housekeepers came. I was not disturbed by their presence. I am to read this evening at the Open House for the writers and dancer. Everybody suggested I should writer about my experiences with the lizards. I knew it was going to be fun tonight.

After lunch, Jane and I printed out our script from Devena’s printer. Jane refused to use the desktop computer in the computer room downstairs. She complained that the machine is loaded with virus that nearly damaged her laptop the last time she insert her USB key, which she’d previously used on the desktop.

Mulinar had no choice than to allow us to print from Devena’s printer. O.P Jain met us there. He sat in the corner. He was so quiet that one can feel uncomfortable with his presence. Quickly Jane left me there. I guess she could not stand the man.

It’s fun, seeing how two old people behave, really?

A man came in. He sat with O.P Jain and they started a heat discussion. I used that opportunity to print out my script. Jane came in too. We hurried up with her printing. Ofra came and complained to Mulinar about the sound system in the conference room. She will be dancing tonight and with the poor sound, she is not happy.

Everything was fixed before the night. O.P Jain and few friends came over to the hall at 6:15pm. Niriti was there as well. Ofra started first. She danced four times. She had the fifth to go but unfortunately, the CD refused to play.

Too bad for the DVD player!

Jane started reading her autobiography script. Maybe she took so long with the introduction and the length of the script because in the middle, O.P Jain stood up and went out.

I began to pray in my mind that Jane will not stay too long. In the beginning, Ofra had stayed longer than expected, with four dances. Believe me, the CD refused to work for our sake, the machine fought for us in order to save time.

What if the DVD player did not stop? Who knows, Ofra may danced until daybreak!

And now Jane, it seemed to be so long. I was about to give up about thinking of my own reading tonight when Jane, probably aware of the long script stopped and ended it with a quick speech.
Honestly I was glad that my reading came last. It was filled with humour since it has to do with me and the house lizards. It was impressing!

Everybody left the conference room, laughing.

What matters is that I ended the long stressful day well in their minds. We dined at O.P Jain’s house. It was well organised. Heavy rain forced us to stay indoors while eating.

We dispersed. All the artists with Anna Kubinyi, the Hungarian textile artist, we all went into Jane’s room. She brought out a bottle of wine she purchased from the village she went to during her last trip. We drank to our friendship. Ofra went back to her studio. Katherine accompanied her.

Remember, Ofra leaves tonight at 1am. Her flight will be at 5am Sunday morning. One after the other, we bid Ofra goodbye, before we went to sleep.

27th March 2009

2009-03-29T09:19:00.000-07:00

Thank God it’s Friday!

At 10am, Heather and I set out for Dilli Haat. It took us forty-five minutes to get there. Our taxi-driver parked closer to the entrance. We bought the entrance ticket and went inside. It was a beautiful place. We are just arriving when the market was opening at 11am. Most of the shop owners were busied arranging their stalls.

We wandered round, examining the goods, the handcraft images of the various India demi-gods. We went to look at the cloths, the fancy bracelets, the handmade table mats, and of course the shawls. I bought few gifts that I will be taking back to France.

It took us longer than we planned because Heather kept changing her mind over what wanted to buy. She would price it, and then go away to another store. We would have gone to another store and buy something else. While we supposed to be heading forward, she would cry out that she needs to go back to that first store to recover the good she’d earlier rejected. It was like following a child who is uncertain about his choice of chocolate. By 1:28pm we were still at the store.

Then she became worried that Devena will not wait for her because the latter want to go to Rajasthan and Heather wants her to give her a lift. She pleaded with the stall owner if she can use his handset. The man gave it gladly. She called Devena and informed her that we are on our way back to the residence. She equally told Devena to keep our lunch for us.

I guess Devena was not happy that Heather might delay her trip. She insisted that she will leave earlier than she previewed. Heather begged her further. We hurried off to the taxi-driver. I was expecting us to go straight to Sanskriti but on our way, Heather ordered the taxi driver to pause to Haus-Khaus market. She stated she needs to pick a tailor made trouser that she gave for sewing.

I gave in anyway. After all, I am not the one in a hurry nor am I the one going to Rajasthan with Devena that afternoon. Well, she came out of Haus-Khaus on time. We reached the residence by 3:24pm.

We deposited the bags in our respective studios. We went for the lunch. Devena was still there, waiting for Heather as well as her family to come and pick her. She did not sound angry as Heather described her before.

I was busied wanting to recharge my credit on my phone when I heard Heather talking on the office phone to Niriti who works at the Sanskriti Headquarter. There seemed to be a problem because by the time Heather replaced the handset, she was boiling with anger and desperation.
I wish I can find out the entire detail. Devena’s family arrived. Heather had not finished packing her small bag for Rajasthan and also resolved the problem she’d had with Niriti over the phone. Devena was a patient though she tried to make Heather understand that her husband and children are waiting in the car.

Heather ran to her room. She returned and came to Mr. Mullinar. She gave him a piece of paper, explaining what he will do with it. The man was not happy. Devena stood at the door, now impatiently waiting. Heather ran back to her studio. She came back to the office, bearing her haversack, an unfold towel and blanket. We helped her to fold the towel and blanket. She and Devena left us.

I said goodbye to Heather because she return on Wednesday and it is that same day, as earlier as dawn that I will be on my way back to France. We had exchanged contacts earlier in the afternoon.

Well, the problem between Heather and Mullinar still stay on until Heather returns from her short trip. She must return to Australia next week Friday. So I hope she will be able to resolve this situation before she leaves.

I pray for her!

26th March 2009

2009-03-29T09:13:00.000-07:00

There is nothing much going on today. Majority of the artists were not around. Charles went out for his teaching class.

Oh gosh, so boring!

25th March 2009

2009-03-29T09:09:00.000-07:00

Early this morning, Jane, Katherine and Heather travelled out of New Delhi for the Himalayas Mountain. Heather said she will be back in the evening with the last train to Delhi. The other two will be coming back on Friday night.

Now, there is barely anyone in the residence. Ofra was busied preparing for her trip back to Israel. Ingvild rarely showed up as usual. This afternoon, I ate alone with Devena and Niriti.

Ofra joined u towards the end of the lunch time. Niriti came for the school children’s little workshop.

I wanted to go to Dilli Haat today but Heather persuaded me to wait until Friday because she would love to go with me.
Devena and her husband worked on my second book’s sales page letter. He sent it to me on email. Devena and I corrected it before we emailed it back to him.

24th March 2009

2009-03-29T01:54:00.000-07:00

I went for lunch as usual.

At 14:00hrs, the Taxi man came. It was too early. I told him to wait. Again, he had not been in good term with Jane as a result of his impatient. I considered this may happen today. So I asked Devena to change him.

Luckily, she did that. We had a young man instead, even if we are late in coming home at night, he will stay. As for the previous Taxi man, he is an old man.

Well....I understand why he is never patient. Maybe he sees us the younger ones too demanding for him. For me, I can’t allow him to mess up with my appointment this afternoon.

Jane and I went for the appointment with Ritu Menon, publisher of Women Unlimited Publishing house, New Delhi. We were so lucky to have her audience. I was impressed when we parted from her. She gave me a strong advice.

From there, we headed for the Traditional Dance & Music from Nigeria troupe at the Sri Satya Sai International Centre, Lodhi Road Institutional Area, Pragati Vihar. It was beautiful. I am happy I went after all. Ravi Guria came to join us there. He arrived a minute before the opening of the dance.

The Nigerian High Commissioner was invited too. What a humble man. He came with his entourage. The way and manner at which he attended to people shows how good he is. We said goodbye to Ravi after we fixed another meeting for the next weekend. We got home on time for dinner.

I enjoyed this evening!

23rd March 2009

2009-03-29T01:52:00.000-07:00

What happened today?

Nothing special. Everything is fine

22nd March 2009

2009-03-29T01:49:00.000-07:00

Katherine informed me that Coco and Kris left as early as 6:30am this morning. You need to be there to see how boring lunch time was without the couple. Now, I am beginning to understand that no matter what; people are the best that ever happen to us.

Don’t think we the artists don’t disagree sometimes. Of course, we are human but we tried to understand one another. Coco and Kris were back to their home but their memories linger on.

The emptiness was terrible.

I had no choice than to go back to my studio and in quiet mood. No one cares anyway; Ingvild never shows up unless at dinner or when she wants. Katherine was so good with staying on her own. Jane did not want to be bothered. She complained about lack of time to write. Ofra went out as usual.

Heather? Honestly, she is yet to get out of the stomach pain. She refused to have her breakfast, neither lunch nor dinner. I am afraid.

21th March 2009

2009-03-26T09:50:00.000-07:00

We met at lunch and talked about the event of last night while Leoni was leaving. Each of us spoke out clearly pointing out what needs to be done and what measures are required. I tried to stay neutral, as you know me. Despite, I just couldn’t understand why she allowed that to happen to her? Why did she wait until the end before doing what she should have done at the initial?

Anyway, we couldn’t stop talking about it throughout the entire afternoon. We met at dinner and afterward, we shared the chocolate cakes.

Please forgive me; I forgot to inform you that today’s Jane Hoskins’ birthday. You must have understood the reason for us having the chocolate cake after dinner. A group of external writers arrived for a week workshop in the afternoon. They joined us at the celebration.

I don’t hate anybody but believe me; I don’t like some of these new comers. They were arrogant. The easiest person to deal with among them is their leader. He is such a nice man!
I wish he isn’t with them!

Heather was not joining us tonight. She said she’s having trouble with her stomach. Digestion, maybe but I suggested she take Coca-cola. That will keep the gas bombing out! (sorry I mean; fart)

Jane asked the kitchen boys to keep the remaining cake in the fridge. We filed out to go for another round of celebration. Guess what? It was time for the wine!

We formed a nice group right in front of Jane’s studio. Tonight, we had on good news, which is of course celebrating Jane’s birthday. The second, which is the usual but, say anyway was that Coco and Kris will be leaving us and going back to Dusseldorf very early in the morning.
We had just tonight to send them off.

Sorry, wish them farewell to Germany .......and not off FOREVER!

20th March 2009

2009-03-26T09:46:00.000-07:00

Leoni leaves the residence tonight. Her flight homeward will be at 2am tomorrow morning.
My sleeping pills finished last night. I ordered a Taxi for after Lunch hour to go back to the hospital.

I got the pills again before going to Vasant Vihar to buy some fruit juice.

Something unusual happened when Leoni was about to leave the residency for the airport, accompanied by her boyfriend. It was at night and it was shameful. I never expected it, trust me.

Well...though I am not CNN.......but I guess this will be a strong lesson for every one of us.
You know where I’m referring.

19th March 2009

2009-03-26T09:43:00.000-07:00

I was busy writing through the morning. At lunch time, l went to join the others. Leoni came to distribute some of the goodies she wouldn’t need anymore. I phone Dr. Tewari to book appointment with him for tomorrow at 15:00hrs

My sleeping pills finished last night. I dare not do with it tonight; you know my phobia of the Chipkalis.

Well, l notice one or two around in the toilet, sometimes near the staircase. It seemed they understood I don’t want them. Once they sensed my presence in the studio, they fled. Or it may be the peacock feathers that drove them.

18th March 2009 (OPEN HOUSE)

2009-03-26T07:28:00.000-07:00

Wow! It’s Open House for the Visual Artist among us. I came out of my studio for lunch. It was fun to see everywhere lively with people and various activities going at different spots. Ah! What a disaster! Heather’s firing turned out bad. Poor dear, she was downcast. We tried all we could to soothe her. I just felt too sad to say anything because I knew how hard she worked in order to get this work done.

They said it was a result of bad mixture of the clay or the firing stuff. Sorry O, I have no better idea about pottery and firing. If you ask me about writing and Publishing, I bet you will give me a PHD for that.
Corina and Kris exhibited their photographs that they took and framed here in India. Leoni showed her, which she brought all the way from Holland. Katherine exhibited her not-yet- finished sculptured Monkey. If you see it, you will think it’s already a finished job. The truth is that the monkey needs to dry thoroughly before she can fire it.
The timing for that was too late. We had no choice than to put it up for the exhibition like that. At least, it is better than nothing. Apart from this, Katherine showed off her textile design. It was a nice job.
My darling Heather agreed to replace the damage with projection of her past works on large screen. That helped. She got more attention that I can prove!
Many guests came over for the exhibition. I was busied taking their pictures. In the middle, Jane drew my attention away when she came to me with a handsome Indian man. This is how I met Ravi Guria.
I was impressed with his work. As a filmmaker, he reminded me so much about my activities while I was in the film industry. Ravi stayed with us until after the exhibition. We promised to meet again.

17th March 2009

2009-03-26T07:24:00.000-07:00

I went out after lunch with Jane to the Khan market. My camera memory cards are filled up. I bought 8GB that I am sure will last longer than the 2GB with me.

I bought some noodles and soft drinks as well. Jane went in search of her rotring pen. You should be there to see how happy she was to have gotten it. It will be a gift for her a friend of hers.

Later, we went in to check on boxes at a Samsonite shop. I need another box to pack my stuff back to France. I can do without a new box at least there is nothing wrong with the other box. We bought a nice one at 7,600 rupees. I love it very much.

We got home early to see the visual artist running helter-skelter while preparing for their Open House.

I love seeing them all at work. Interesting, you know!

The chipkalis are still in my studio! Impossible. I ran after them with Baygon spread this night. You should have seen my face filled with the horror of seeing them.

I just can't stand them.

16th March 2009

2009-03-25T09:59:00.000-07:00

The Open House for the visual artists among us will be in two days. They were all busied; Kris and Corinna had been several times in town since last week. Today, they had gone out twice in order to get their photographs printed and framed. Heather ran helter-shelter as she was firing her clay-huts at the ceramic centre behind the blocks of studios. Katherine had chosen to stay indoors as she must finish with her textile design and patterns that day. As for Leoni, she disappeared for the past few days with the excuses of arranging her photographs for the exhibition.

We, the writers watched and contributed when we can. We met at lunch. Heather could not make it. She must stay and monitor the gas firing. Jane offered to take her meal to her at the centre.

Apart from this, there were some people that came for their private conference. One of them was sitting with Jane and was chatting. Some of his colleagues were there too but he seemed to be the one doing the talking. When I came to the table, he tried to address me but I sensed a note of rudeness in his speech so I refused to respond. They all noticed but none of them dare say a word. They knew their colleague was getting too far, at least by addressing someone you have never met before as if both of you were age-mates.

After lunch, I went back to my studio. It was decided after dinner that we should spend some times with Heather since she will be doing the wood firing throughout the night. We went to meet her at the ceramic centre. Kris and Corina brought a bottle of wine. Heather rushed to her room and fetched her Smirnoff bottle. I went to my room and brought the remaining wine. We drank to Heather’s success and ours too. I did not realise how strong the Smirnoff is until I tasted it.

Katherine went to bed earlier. We stayed back and finished the two bottles of wine. We had mixed the Smirnoff in-between with water. Corina began to make jest of me. She said she wonder how I will manage to get to my studio. They were used to staying up and drinking. To them, I’m a novice so it was funny. She was right anyway.

15th March 2009

2009-03-25T09:51:00.000-07:00

I slept like never before throughout the morning. I did not come of the studio for breakfast or for lunch. I was glad I had bought few cups of noodles. I prepared one with a cup of tea. I managed to eat before I went back to sleep.

Today was a peaceful, but lazy day for me. I barely touched my writings. Since Mullinar suggested that I should buy wine and drink so that I can sleep. I sent Jane to buy one for me when she left for the market. I had my sleeping pills but I decided to heed at his advice anyway. I drank some wine from the bottle before going to bed.

14th March 2009 (VISIT TO TAJ MAHAL) Part Three

2009-03-25T07:37:00.000-07:00

I spent the next four hours going into the interior of the Taj Mahal and taking memorable pictures. I discovered that I am even a centre of attention myself. People looked at me as if I just dropped down from the sky. Some of them even came to ask if they take pictures with me. It was fun. I allowed them. They were glad too. They left me after saying thank you. I came out of Taj Mahal through the South gate, going to look for what to chew. I ate at a small restaurant called TREATY. It was indeed treaty. If you go there, you can never see the kitchen. All you will see it the table and chairs in the lower floor and the upper floor. Then, there is a small boy sitting at the entrance to welcome you. He would ask if you intend to sit at the lower floor or go up. I choose the upper floor. I must confess that I had to watch my steps as I climbed the stairs. They were so narrow and frightening.

I left the restaurant and went to one of the souvenirs shops. I bought two hand beads. I decided to go back into the Taj Mahal. As I passed the security check point, you know this is the South gate and West gate that I came in early; there was one security woman. She was smiling as I got to her. She checked my bag. Then she said; ‘I like your lipstick’ she was looking at me with a bold smile. I knew it was the lip gloss that drew her attention. So I brought it out and gave it to her.
My happiness came when I saw how glad she was. She thanked me warmly. I waved at her and moved in.
I felt I had enough. The interior was not filled with so many people. I decided to go in search of my driver. I found him outside the gate. He’d been wondering if I had lost my way since I had no guide.
We started back to New Delhi, and this time the return trip took more than four hours due to the traffic on the road.
It had been a fulfilling day for me and I did not mind how far it took us to get back home. We arrived at the residence toward 21:45hrs. I bought out his fee; 4,000 rupees and paid him.
I got out of the car and waved at him. I am sure he was more tired than I was. He waved back and bid me goodnight.

14th March 2009 (VISIT TO TAJ MAHAL) Part Two

2009-03-23T10:22:00.000-07:00

Finally, we reached Agra. At a roundabout, I caught sight of the road signboard indicating Taj Mahal. I expected my driver to drive through this direction. Instead, he took the next road after it.
When I questioned him, he stated that he was going for the guide. I asked him what guide? He tried to explain in his bad English. I decided to keep quiet. I wanted to know what the outcome of the history of guide is all about.

Soon he drove away from the road unto the left side. A man was standing close by. He approached us. He wanted to enter the front seat. My driver announced the new comer to be my guide. Then I understood what he’d meant to say. I told him that I don’t want a guide.

He insisted that since this is my first time in Taj Mahal that I need to have a guide. I have no intention of obtaining one in the first place whether it is my first time or whatever. I stood my ground and refused. The man tried to convince me to allow him guide me. In a gentle tone, I thanked him and made him understand that I prefer to stay alone when I get there.

He accepted and got out of the car. My driver drove on. Few minutes passed, and then we reached a big parking space. There were many vehicles parked with people everywhere. Hardly had he switched off the car engine after he parked that some men approached us, each of them asking to be my guide. Politely I asked the driver to show me the entrance to Taj Mahal. He told me that it is farther down the street and that I should board a donkey cart. I said if the gate is far, he should then carry me there with the car after which he can park. He was reluctant. He gave excuses that car are not authorized to go farther than this park. So I asked him to walk with me to the main entrance. He had no choice than to agree.

We walked for seven minutes, crossing two security posts at two intervals. They placed five barricades to barred vehicles from passing through. We got closer, the driver pointed ahead of me. I saw the gate. So I released him to go back after I’d tucked 150 rupees into his palm for his lunch. On my way, and alone, young children approached trying to sell magazine to me. Some of them came to lure me into visiting their stores to purchase souvenirs. Some grown up men came as well asking to be my guide.

I turned them all down. I was calm even when they flocked me and refused to let go. When I got to the gate, I queued up to but the entry ticket. I was charged 750 rupees. I gave the man 1000 rupees. He gave me back my change. I was lucky to have examined the money he gave me. The 100 rupees at the back was half the currency and half plain paper. I was annoyed. I felt he knew and that’s why he purposely placed this bill at the last so that I won’t notice it.

I am sure he had no idea of whom he was dealing with. I collected the tickets and he changed the 100 rupees for me. I left him, going to the entrance. There were two sides of entrance; each side is for the male and female. The men line up on the right side while the women were on the left side. At the end of the queue, two women in brown security uniform checked our bags.

I observed at the other side the two security men doing the same with the men on queue. They checked me thoroughly they left me. It was daring the way they touched my body from up to down. If they were men, I would have dealt with them. They looked into my bag; saw my camera and bottle of water. I had a can of cold cappuccino with me as well. They instructed me to either drink it there or throw it away because drinks are not allowed inside except water. I was not thirsty either. So I threw it into the dustbin they provided nearby. They allowed entry then. I knew for sure that they won’t let my bottle of cappuccino waste away like that. I had seen how skinny and hungry they looked. Once no one was looking, they will remove the can from the bin. I walked in.

14th March 2009 ( VISIT TO TAJ MAHAL) Part One

2009-03-23T09:33:00.000-07:00

At 6:00am, the Taxi driver arrived. I was already dressed up and waiting. We set out on what turned out to be the four hours trip from New Delhi to Agra, the home of the precious Taj Mahal.

It was a dawn and I felt the need to sleep more. I knew the effect of the sleeping pills was the cause. I watched the ongoing activities from the window where I sat at the back seat.
We were lucky there were hardly any traffic on the road. Mist wrapped up with the streetlight, giving it the glow of a new dawn.

The citizens were gradually coming out of their respective homes. There were the labour-workers, pulling their carts alongside the road.

I saw some uniformed school children at different interval, already on their way to school. That reminded me of France where it is the contrary to see any child out of the bed so early and on the road to school.

Seeing these school children here in New Delhi gave me the same image as that of children in Nigeria when they set out even as early as 5:00 am to go to school. Sometimes, I wondered if their parents ever allow them to sleep soundly.

I never knew when I dozed off. At intersection, I woke up to look around me before I dozed off again. There were times I had forgotten that I wasn’t on my bed at the residence.

At a point, and finally I sat up. I felt refreshed and strengthened from the short nap. By now, we were far away from New Delhi. I could not place the exact town we were driving through. What mattered then was that I am on my way to see Taj Mahal, and that counts a lot for me.

Imagine coming all the way from France to India and never had the chance to visit Taj Mahal? That is like a waste of what should have been a precious journey.

The driver asked us to stop at the tourist hotel nearby the road. I told him to go ahead. We were not alone, because as he drove into the open parking ground, some vehicles were coming in too. Already, some cars were parked with people standing in various corners. There are tourists going in and out of the place.

I read it signboard, which indicated; paused for quick breakfast, lunch & dinner. I was not interested in having any meal. Usually, I always take my breakfast very early after morning bath.

He parked the car and with a smile told me to go inside for breakfast. I tried to inform him that I had my breakfast before we set out. He nodded. He wanted us to move out but I gestured to him to go ahead and have one for him. He left the car. He did go inside. Rather he went to join the other drivers standing and chatting. I knew it was a sign of respect.

I relaxed back against the seat and closed my eyes. I was not sleeping. I wanted us to get to Taj Mahal as early as possible.

When he was done, we continued our journey. I was grateful to have carried my rubber neck-cushion. I blew in the air into it. It became a true cushion. I put in round my neck and rested it against the seat. This gave the ease and comfort I needed.

13th March 2009

2009-03-22T09:52:00.000-07:00

My Jet lag, if that’s what truly, was getting worse. Throughout the night, I read the novel titled ‘She’s come undone’ by Wally Lamb. I went to sleep at 4:00 in the morning. At 9:00hrs, I was out of the studio to join the others at the main gate. Ingvild was not there. She left a note she won’t be joining us. I don’t know why, truly.

We had just one Taxi to convey the seven of us to the Belgium embassy. I looked at the size of the Taxi and I knew at that instant that there is no use struggling to decide who should go first or who should stay.

Kris explained that he went as early as 8:00 and instructed the security men. They mistook his order for something else or they don’t understand his western accent. Jane was asked to work on her Hindi language. She went to them.

It seemed she had her way with them because I watched as one of them left her and hurried into the office to book a second Taxi via the phone.

Anyway, we came to a suggestion that few of us stay behind and wait for the second Taxi. We are expected at 10:00. There is no point getting there late. Personally I consider that as a sign of dishonour.

I stayed back with Heather and Leoni. Kris, Corina, Katherine and Jane went for the Taxi. The three of us sat on the stone-bench outside the gate, waiting for the second Taxi.

Fifteen minutes passed, there was no Taxi. Leoni announced she wasn’t interested initially about this invitation. I talked about my intention of going to consult a doctor regarding my sleeping problem. Heather decided not to go anymore since Leoni and I won’t go again.

Heather went back to her studio. Shortly, went to hers. I sat there. For the next two hours, I waited.
At 11:17hrs, the Taxi came. I asked him to take me to the Fortis Hospital at Vasant Kunj. There I met a jovial doctor, in person of Dr. Hemant Tewari. The clinical diagnosis confirmed what I earlier thought was the problem; INSOMNIA.

I was given a prescription for RESTYL 0.25mg, and for 5 days. I explained I need more of the pills for the remaining days I will be in India

‘My dear Princess, I am sorry I will decline your request. I don’t want the French Police to come and put me in prison.’ We laughed ‘If the insomnia continues, you call me and we will check it again.’
I went to the pharmacy at the basement of the hospital and bought the pills.

I called Mr. Singh (The taxi driver) to come and pick me. He came. We went straight to Fabindia in same town of Vasant Kunj. In case you need more information about Fabindia when you are planning to go to New Delhi, I can help you out with this link;
www.fabindia.com
The store is well-stocked with fine fabrics. I couldn’t resist getting some summer blouse. At least, I am saving money by buying here in India than going to purchase them in any India stores in France.

Believe me; you are likely to purchase the same product, which is in France, here in India and at cheaper price than in France.
I believe in economising my cash.

12th March 2009

2009-03-22T09:09:00.000-07:00

This is twelfth night in India and I still can’t sleep at night. I knew this is just INSOMNIA.
I snapped pictures of funny objects within the residency this morning.

I went out with Jane and Heather to the Vasant Vihar market. Jane wanted to check with her bank account. None of the banks at this market helped. Heather was looking for something personal. She was not satisfied with what she saw.

So we boarded our Taxi and went to another market farther down the town. This was larger and boisterous. We all purchased what we need; I bought a pair of flat slippers plus a pure-cotton pyjamas. Heather bought a flashy and big sunshade. Jane opted for plain attire that she will need for the coming weeks.

Leoni bought my two novels; Taste of Hunger & Shadow of the Sun. Of course, she paid in cash, and at that instant.

11th March 2009

2009-03-22T08:56:00.000-07:00

When you visit India, don’t be surprised to see a cow roaming the street, the highway or just about anywhere without anyone following it. The first time I arrived in New Delhi, I caught sight of one cow alongside the road. He sat there surveying the boisterous activities on the highway.

I got the chance again to see another one in the market at Vasant Vihar. It was a funny day, believe me. I have not expected to see this domestic creature this way. It moved in the centre of the market without any cautious. It was just in a world of its own. People passed by, even closer to it. No one was afraid. As for me, I ensured I gave it a huge distance between us.

On other occasion that I went to several places, it dawned on me that cattle are well respected in this part of India. They attached some sort of religious beliefs to this animal. Within the weeks, I am not used to them. Last week when I went back to one of the stores at Vasant Vihar, I had no choice than to walk through the exact lane that a cow was standing. It stood there for what seemed like age. People passed it to and fro. I knew it’s either I walk pass it or I just go back and search for another path elsewhere. I ended up choosing the first option.

With confidence, I walked closer. It was chewing something in its mouth. He looked at me. I moved closer again. It turned the head away for a while. This is when I decided to walk pass it and faster but it looked back at me without any movement. I walked on, high on alert until I was sure it was far behind me.

So if you are in New Delhi, India and you are opportune to see a cow or more wandering aimlessly about anywhere, just try to be friendly with them.

They are gentle and friendly.

Hey wait! Am I missing something. Today is festival of Holi in India! Don't you want to know what this is about?

Holi is a festival of colours that is very popular in India. It is a Hindu spring festival that is not just being observed in India but also among many countries in the world. This is a festival that everybody throws various colours of powder or water colours at each other with celebration.

Yesterday night, there were bonfires in many places in New Delhi. it was lively, with all the drinks and people.

Leoni was out with her friends for the celebration of the festival.

I hid inside my studio throughout this morning. I knew what was coming, so I was wise to stay indoors. My fellow artists were up early, throwing colours at each other with the staff joining them.

You won't believe the sight of them later when I saw them in the afternoon. Their hair had turned greenish. Heather said she had washed it twice during the early afternoon but the green colour stayed on. Jane complained too.

I was happy within me. Imagine how my plaited hair would stay coloured for a long while.

10th March 2009

2009-03-20T10:09:00.000-07:00

Guess what? I went to the Iskcon Temple this afternoon with Katherine and Jane.

When we returned, Mullinar suggested that I should purchase a bottle of wine or whisky and drink before going to bed. He stated that the liquor will help me to sleep.

I wonder what he was thinking when he suggested that. What do you think?

If I have to drink some wine each night in order to sleep, then by the time I leave this residence at the end of the month, I would have become a wine addict.

The unimaginable!

The housekeepers brought in bundles of peacock feathers. They explained I should spread them in each part of the studio, that chipkalis hate the sight of these feathers.

With joy, I collected them. Since they were tied up with a tiny rope, I decided not to spread them. Rather I put the entire bundle in a corner near the bed.

9th March 2009

2009-03-20T10:07:00.000-07:00

The housekeepers drove out few of the chipkalis still in my studio. It became a chase. I saw one chipkali’s tail broke when it was hit with the broom. It fled, leaving behind the parted tail.

I watched the tail dancing in circle on the floor. One housekeeper carried it with a stick and threw it out.

All these while that they pursued these lizards, I was at a safe distance. If any of the pursued chipkalis ran in my direction, I would run for my life. The housekeepers found this funny.
For me, I love the fun of it but I can’t leave with the chipkalis. I just can’t.

8th March 2009

2009-03-19T05:18:00.001-07:00

One important job I did today was taking the pictures of the squirrel.

Devena came to the office today. Mullinar was at the residence as well. It seemed everyone was in a good mood today. Corina laughed a lot at lunch. Jane chatted with excitement. Katherine could not avoid bursting into laughter after one or two jokes.

Katherine promised to read ‘Taste of Hunger’ at the Writers’ Open house. She’d finished reading the book last night. We discussed at length about the plight of the African woman.

Ingvild and I planned to visit Vasant Vihar market tomorrow.

7th March 2009

2009-03-19T04:59:00.000-07:00

Saturday in India is just like every Saturday elsewhere. If you still don’t get it, then I think I should help you out. The Sanskriti Kendra’s office was closed in the morning. Devena was absent.

As usual, we the artists meet at lunch and dinner. Apart from these, everyone does what he or she likes separately.

I was homesick today

6th March 2009

2009-03-19T03:47:00.000-07:00

With the aftermath of the yesterday send-off party for Deter and Ellinor, everybody was quiet this morning.

I am beginning to suffer from Insomnia. Maybe it has to do with my phobia for these chipkalis. While others were fast asleep, and definitely snoring, I found it difficult.

Corina said she was sure I am suffering from Jet lag. Katherine disagreed with her. You won’t believe what Katherine said to me?

She suggested that I try to make FRIENDSHIP with these Chipkalis! Imagine that! I thought she was joking. Then later she spoke seriously on this. For her, she advised I should give each of them a name, and TALK to them whenever I see them.

Even if I am not insane, then I don’t think I should go right ahead and lose my mind now because of house lizards.

The Netherlands embassy staff came to Sanskriti today for their private get-together.

5th March 2009

2009-03-18T13:32:00.000-07:00

I worked on my writing as usual throughout the morning. After lunch, a new artist arrived. Ingvild is from Oslo, Norway. She is a writer. That is an addition to the group. Personally, I am happy having another writer with us.

Nothing much happened. The day went by without any new routine.

Dinner was great. Don’t forget I mentioned in my last note about Deter and Ellinor going back to Berlin. We hurried the dinner. Then we went outside and sat in front of one of our studios. A send-off party started at 21:00hrs. It went on until 23:30hrs when the Taxi man came for them. Their respective air flights were between 3am and 3:15 am.

We knew we will miss them, really.

What a day for me! My writing is becoming a true work. Can someone help me out, please?

4th March 2009

2009-03-18T13:22:00.000-07:00

Annette was gone by the time I came out of my studio. Deter told me Annette was out of the residence by 7am. That time, I was still sleeping, probably dreaming.

Today, there is another pain to deal with. Why am I saying this? Well, two of our artists are leaving tomorrow night. Don’t you think this is painful? I mean when you are getting used to see them around, and interacting with them.

The sight of them departing just like that is not pleasant, believe me. There are Deter and Ellinor. They will be on the way to Berlin tomorrow night. Just like Annette, both of them have been here a month ago.

I know we all have to go back home when we complete our residency and that is the hardest part of it all.

This is when you will think that it is better that you don’t meet these nice people at all. Parting can be the most terrible.

3rd March 2009

2009-03-18T12:44:00.000-07:00

I slept throughout the entire morning.
You ask me why? I could not sleep last night. My whole attention was on the CHIPKALIs. I feared they will come to my bed.

These are just harmless lizards. I think I have to check myself. Have a look at its picture .

I started a battle with them today. I pleaded with the room cleaners to send them out. These men are helpful. I watched as they kicked out many of these chipkalis.

I still have my fear anyway.

I am back at writing. Writing as usual, really; at least this is the major reason why I’m here, right?
A new Artist arrived today; Leoni Oostvogel (Photographer) - Amsterdam-Holland

It’s quiet interesting to have a new face with us, in person of Leoni. She is very lovely.

On the other side, Annette is preparing to leave us. She has been here since 10th February and she leaves tomorrow.

So sad!

I said goodbye to her this evening before going to bed. She is leaving early in the morning.

2nd March 2009

2009-03-16T22:07:00.000-07:00

I met other artists later in the day when I went for my dinner. They were;

Corina Gertz (Fashion designer) and Kris Schloz (Photographer); the couple from Dusseldorf-Germany
Heather May(Clay Potter) - Australia
Deter Aurand (Potter) & Ellinor Euler (Fashion) both from Berlin-Germany.
Annette Leyner (Painter) - Dusseldorf-Germany,
Katherine Keefer (Fashion designer, and Sculptor) - California, USA
Ingvild (Writer) - Oslo-Norway
Ofra Hoffman(Dancer) - Israel
Jane Hoskins (Writer) - UK

They are comfortable to be with. Everybody work during the day or for their respective outings. We meet together usually at meal times.

Everything started so nice. I had fallen in love with the environment. The chanting of the birds, the little squirrels that go round playfully and the peacocks; all are terrific to behold!

My only fear is the CHIPKALIs (House Lizards) that hang almost everywhere in the house. They are not a threat in every sense. As an African, I have seen enough of them in Nigeria. I grew up with them. All my entire life in Africa, I have slept under the same roof with these creatures. They are no trouble. In fact, back home, there are times we kill them for game or whatever.

In France, there are none of these creatures in the house. For the past years of my residence in France, I have never seen them anywhere. Now, in India, I am seeing them and also having to share my duplex studio with them.

This gives me the nasty feelings that I personally could not understand. I knew somehow, I have to get rid of them or else, my attention will be divided against the reason why I was here.
There was Breakfast at 8:00 hours in the morning, Tea-time at 11:00hours, Lunch at 11:00hours, Tea-time at 16:00hours and Dinner at 20:00hours.

There was a big bell that stood out at the centre of the residence, right opposite the main gate. At each meal time, one of the staff will come and ring the bell twice for the three major meals and once for the tea-times.

1st March, 2009

2009-03-16T03:12:00.000-07:00

I heaved a deep sigh of relief when we arrived in Dubai International airport. When alighting, I did not see the lady anymore. I followed the throng of other passengers out of the arrival hall. I checked my next flight to Delhi.

With a four-hour waiting ahead of me before my next flight, I made proper use of the time to go freshened up at the female restroom. Later, I walked around the Duty free shops. I tried on the diamond at the jewellery shop. I had a slight knock on my tummy for food but I discovered that my stomach seemed heavy. I was so tired. When it was an hour close to the flight, I went to a coffee shop near the boarding gate. I ordered a cup of cappuccino. Then I switched on my laptop and started writing. I was surprised when the waitress came back bearing a gigantic size cup filled with cappuccino. Another passenger came to join me at the opposite emptied seat. He too ordered the same.

The check-in announcement for Delhi passengers came on the speakers. I switched off my laptop. I ran to join the queue. Few minutes later, we were on board another Emirate airplane en route Delhi.
I must confess that these crew members on this plane with us to Delhi are superb. They treated every passenger with love and respect. I could not avoid comparing them with those that I flew with from Paris. Anyone on the craft with me can testify how friendly these crew members were.
We reached Indira Gandhi International airport, New Delhi at 14:50hours. There were long queue for security check-out. I met two Nigerian couple coming into India too, this time directly from Nigeria. My turn came to pass the custom. The custom officer collected my travelling document. He looked at it thoroughly as if he wanted to find out something else. Then he asked me; ‘Do you have the yellow card?’

‘The yellow card?’ I asked him back. I knew he was asking for the Vaccination card

‘Yes, ma’

‘No, I don’t have it. I was told I don’t need it’

He never talked anymore. He looked at my passport again. Then he stamped it. He gave it back to me without another word.

‘Thank you’ I said and I moved off. I went in search of my baggage. There are another long waiting for the baggage. We spent fifteen minutes just waiting. I heaved a deep sigh of relief when I caught sight of my bags coming out.

I waited for them to reach my front, and then I picked them and placed them on the roller. I began the journey of going to search for my assigned driver. There were lots of name-banners in the hands of several people, all of them were men. I started scanning them one after the other until I got to the last. I did not see my name.

I noticed from the first roll, an old man dressed like a Singh holding a name-banner but he held unto it in such a way that the name of the person is turned toward him thus baring anyone from seeing anything. Out of curiosity, I walked back to him. Once I got to him, I said politely; ‘Please sir, can I see the banner you are holding?’

He showed me gladly. I was happy to discover it was for me.

'That’s me’ I announced. He was glad too. I guessed he must have been waiting for long. We started out of the airport. He came to pull the roller, giving me the chance to walk liberally. I wanted to get a Sim card but he advised me to do that in town. As we stepped out of the airport, two men came to assist him to push the roller to the car. It was a white-painted old Beetle model. On top of it was a joint-metal carriage. The men carried the baggage at once and deposited it inside the top carriage. I wondered how they will manage until we arrived at my destination without the baggage falling off the Taxi.

One of the men came to me and said ‘Madam, I am the owner of this roller, please give me something for it.’

‘Sorry I don’t have anything to give you’ even if I have a few coins that instant, I will never give it to him. First, he has not business been there with us. He saw us coming out from the airport and rushed to push the roller without our consent. Second, the distance from the airport to the Taxi was just about nothing.

‘Please, ma’

‘Baba will give you’ I pointed at the driver. He was an old man thus I decided to address him as Baba. I entered behind and settled on the passenger seat. Baba turned round and entered behind the wheel. The other man joined us too. I looked out and saw the man going away with the roller. He did not even bother to ask me again for tip.

When Baba started the Taxi, It dawned on me that he was on the left side of the car. I realised that in India, the vehicles are left-handed like in Britain unlike in France and Nigeria.
We drove for more than forty-five minutes. They men conversed with excitement between them. I could not understand what they were discussing as they rambled on in their language. There were lots of pot-holes on the road. It was rough and dusty as well. Dirt from the never-tarred road rented the air. My fear for my baggage stayed on. I focused on it above the car, through looking at the shadow of the car created by the sun. At one point when he entered a big pot hole. I cried out to him to watch out or else my baggage will fall off. He laughed, and reassured me.

I brought out my camera. I started snapping pictures while he drove on. I was very fast and lucky to have gotten nice ones.

Finally we got to our destination. The sight of the main entrance and how inviting in nature is seems gave me a deep calmness in my heart. He drove toward the gate and then he parked on the side of the road about 20 feet from the entrance.

‘Look this man with me’ Baba began. He was pointing at the young man with him ‘He is the owner of this phone’ (there was a handset with the man). Baba continued ‘He has two wives and three children’ we burst into laughter. Baba repeated; ‘He has one phone, two wives and three children.’

We were still laughing when they brought down my baggage. A security man was at the door of Residence. He came forward and offered to push my baggage. I called Baba closer and secretly tucked a 2O Euros note in his palm.

He laughed with joy. ‘Thank you, thank you, he kept on saying. The second man with Baba expected I will do the same with him. I ignored him. I followed the security man inside the large compound.

I was spellbound as I saw the beautiful layout of the place; it was more of a forest-like but haven-in-nature. At that point, I knew I have come to the right place. When I turned back, Baba had gone with his Taxi. The young man followed us. We reached a building that I later discovered is the general office.

Four men came out. One of them instructed two of the men with him to take my bag to the room. I was curious to know what they were talking about. The man called me. I was torn between leaving my baggage alone with the men and going to meet the man. He noticed my worry, so the waved at me to follow the men.

‘Come’ was all the men could say. I ran after them. It was a big building comprise of rooms on first floor. We arrived at a door. One of them opened the padlock on the door and entered.

They rolled my bags in. I entered. Inside was a mini-step. They climbed up. I did that too. It was a studio bedroom with the toilet and bathroom joint together. There was no door into the bedroom so I asked;

‘Excuse me, there is no door here’

‘Yes, you will lock it downstairs.’ The man who opened the door when we got here said in poor English.
‘...but there is a small bed down there....I...’

‘This is for you?’ he tried to explain ‘Down, up, everything is for you’

‘You mean the whole of up and downstairs room are mine?’ I put my hand on my chest as a gesture.

‘Yes, ma’

Even after they departed, I could not believe it. I was so excited. I went to have a quick look around. I came back. I dropped my haversack. It took me some minutes to use to the place.
A man came about an hour later. He is called Mullinar. He introduced himself as the programme co-ordinator. He gave me a file. I opened it. It contained the information kit and the undertaking form to sign.
He gave me brief lecture about the meal time and promised to explain other things to me the next day. I arrived there on Sunday 1st March, 2009; and there were no office activities on weekend.

One strong point about this residence is that they don't just check you in and then leave you alone. They are always there at all time and for every artist.

28Th February, 2009 (A VICTIM OF RACISM)

2009-03-16T00:04:00.000-07:00

I have never been to India before in my life until I got this greatest opportunity to participate at the Artist-in-Residence under Sanskriti Kendra foundation, New Delhi, India.

When I was a child, I developed so passionate fantasies about this country through watching India films produced then on VHS cassettes. My parents bought whole lots of them for us. Each time, and after watching any of these films, my dreams for India and her lifestyle grew so within me.
I carried on this mentality until I began to discover through TV News coverage about India, and my whole world of established fantasies and fairy tales gradually diminished. Today, and as an adult, I have not gotten through it. Despite this, I realized that India is much more than what I saw in these films.

Few days to my trip to Delhi, I found no excitement anymore within me. It was rather replaced with fear. The thought of what will happened there, the imagination of how the people I am going to really looked like and so many personal factors that I can barely describe here.

My flight was Emirate airline. It was at 21:05 at the Paris Charles de Gaulle airport. The boarding time was scheduled for 20:20. That did not happen. We waited for about ten minutes before we were checked in. On board the craft, two women among a group of tourist were supposed to sit next to me. I was fortunate to have my seat by the window. I watched these women were eager to stay closer to their group. When it was time for takeoff, these women got their desired seats as there were hardly passengers on board.

I was happy to stay alone. I stretched my legs across on the other two seats. At that moment, I had created the mental picture of me sleeping like as if on my home-bed while on these seats. And it happened.
Among the air crew was a dark-skinned man. His composure coupled with his action showed he commanded certain position. He was very warm and exhibited respect for others. He was away somewhere on duty when the menu was served. The hostess came to the passengers right in front of me. She served them with full smile. She left them, pulling the food trolley along with her unto the next passengers opposite me. After she was through with them, I expected her to come to me.

I could not believe it when I saw that she went straight to the couple sitting behind me. I stretched myself upward in an attempt thinking that she must have forgotten me. Her movement showed she knew I was there but she was doing this deliberately. I turned and looked at the passengers in front of me. I looked that the ones opposite me and finally to the one behind me that this hostess served.

One particular thought came immediately to my mind; they are all white. There I realised that even on Emirate airline, I was already a victim of racism. I sat back and decided that I‘d rather stayed without the meal until we reach Dubai. I wanted to lie by and sleep when this lady appeared.

She had no look of apology on her face when she said; ‘I thought you are sleeping’ I thought I saw a faint flash of smile, which came up on her long face before it disappeared.
‘It’s no problem’ I replied. I did not want to get straight with her otherwise I could have done that and that could create trouble for her.

Instead I said; ‘Please can you call your dark-skinned colleague over there for me?’ her colleague was coming out from the crew cabin.

‘.....but ma, I can serve you’ she tried to persuade me.

‘No, I don’t want. Please kindly call the man for me’

She went off. She saw that I was disappointed with her. On my side, I have no desire to settle the score that night. I have heard about several cases of racism on board airlines; I have never taken these so serious until I became a victim.

The man came. I explained to him. ‘Please ma, I am sorry this happened. I will talk to her’ he pleaded
‘I don’t want her to serve me. You can do that for me, can’t you?’
‘Yes ma’ he ran off. He got me what I requested for. During drink time, I ensured I avoided this lady because she was the one serving on my line. The moment she was closer enough, I relaxed my back against the seat and closed my eyes. We both knew she dare not interrupted my sleep (if any at all).