Dasara and end of staff training

The two weeks of staff training have now come to an end so theoretically we are now fully responsible, trained up project managers who are good to go once our venturers arrive on Saturday. Actually, some of the in-country (Indian) venturers have already arrived, as they have a couple of days extra time to settle in and meet the staff. Some more Indian venturers arrive tomorrow - they make up a third of the venturers in number for this expedition so it should be an interesting mix.

Before Saturday I plan to have at least two full nights of sleep - something I haven't really had since leaving the UK - not to mention our first (and probably last) day off! We have some last minute project planning to do tomorrow, and I also hope to get into Mysore at some point to have a little shop and look around and generally make the most of some long-awaited free time.

Today marks the last day of the Dasara festival celebrations in Mysore and the big elephant parade, but reports from the town centre about crowd surges and horrendous traffic (more horrendous than usual, so it must be bad) meant we went to a local hotel bar and watched the celebrations on television instead, accompanied by delicious banana colada mocktails.

Today also marks my first day as a teetotaller until December 17th, which is when the venturers depart and we can drink again!

From what we could see on TV, the last day of Dasara entails lots of decorated floats on parade through the streets of Mysore and the palace, as well as music and dancing, with the most eager spectators jostling into prime positions at the top of coconut trees.

We've managed to get into town a couple of times this week to experience the Dasara celebrations, which have been going on for the past 9 days, so I don't feel like I've missed out too much this evening, even though I did want to see the elephant parade. Still, wild elephants await us in Bandipur National Park!

Yesterday morning two of our drivers, Girish and Manju, performed a special Dasara "puja" at daybreak to bless all the "tools" (cars, computers, building tools and camping equipment) that should enable us to carry out a successful Raleigh expedition. The blessing should ensure auspicious travels, working conditions and successful projects - fingers crossed!