For my more “literal” friends,

let me clear something up first. The title of this blog “Thai tanic” is a play on words and is not a metaphor for the Big Ship that went down off the coast of Nova Scotia at the turn of the century.

The title is simply a play on words encompassing the country that I will be traveling to; coupled with the true meaning of “Titanic”.

Titanic adj. a very great size or power.

Mention of Icebergs will be limited to the little ones found in my glass. There will be no frigid waters, over capacity lifeboats, violins or Leonardo Di Caprio.

The problem is that the play on words was best suited for the journey to Thailand…but that chapter closed last year and it’s time for another.

The fact is that creating another blog site just doesn’t make sense to me and I rather like the title of this one.

So once again I address my more “literal” friends and say that I realize that all my entries do not relate to adventures in Thailand and yes the play on words may now be moot.


I’m going to ask you to take a deep breath and deal with it. I know you can.

Now that we have the disclaimer out of the way….Starting February 10th I will be traveling to and experiencing the wonder and mystery of India.

Like last year, I embark to lend a hand and sample the culture. Over the next few weeks I will chronicle my journey for my friends.

Hope you enjoy the pics and words. Let the adventure begin!

Friday, February 11, 2011

The Flight to Turkish Delight

Friday, 9:30 a.m. Toronto time. 4p.m. Istanbul time.

That’s right! We are in Istanbul, Turkey. How cool is that?

To date my only exposure to this country has been the soft jelly like candy my Grand Mother used to give me “Turkish Delight and of course the 1978 Allan Parker film “ Midnight Express”

I know, what a sheltered life I lead.

Well, I’m still sheltered since we are only here for a couple of hours and the best I can do is press my face to the glass (not unlike Midnight Express) at look out at the Minarets with the tarmac in the foreground.

Got to get back here for a full visit.

“Turkish Air” – Best airline ever! So impressed with the service and the onboard technology. Frankly any airline that gives me a travel kit, which includes minty smelling comfort socks is okay by me.

I still can’t figure out why there was a guy dressed as a Chef when we got on board. I guess he was the catering guy and his outfit was to assure quality on all of the in-flight meals. With the exception of the powdered eggs everything was fantastic.

Next stop Mumbai.

The next leg of our journey begins in about 30 minutes. We will board an airbus and travel 8 hours to Mumbai. We arrive at 4 a.m. Once there we will be greeted by our team leader and then a 90 klm trip East to our build.

While the build will be shorter than Thailand, I am sure that this one is going to be just as rich.

The team is composed of 9 participants all unique with different skill sets. A Doctor, a Chemical Engineer, a couple of Accountants, a Radio Personality, Librarian and Me.

We have been told that there won’t be any internet connection at our lodgings but that won’t stop me from combing the streets for a small internet café. Perhaps somewhere that you can blog and get a straight razor shave at the same time.

I have been told that a shave is a must experience here.

If I’m unable to find internet access at the build location , I assure you all that I will catch up with all of you after we leave the team and head up to Delhi.

I have no doubt there will be lots of pics and reflections.

Til then….

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