Monkey Tennis

Letter to JLV, Allahabad, India: January 2016

You would have loved it John.

We had it all: the Gollum moment, the beautiful Indian chanting, the laughter and a few tears.

We were all there for you celebrating your very rich and varied life from the moving ceremony on the banks of the Ganga at Alahabad, to the surreal boat ride on the river itself.

Your gorgeous Lee was poised and graceful; and not averse to giving the Gollum character some lip as he rudely and shockingly surfaced from the depths of the Ganga to scoop up any valuables launched by bereaving family and friends. You would have laughed: “what an entrepreneur!”

Our party of eight including the venerable and loyal Satya, your long-time Indian/Kumba Mela co-conspirator in Craig, the US family connection and Indian/convert in James, your cricket comrade Guy who I’m sure relished the Bangalore Cricket Club sojourn, Lena the Indian songstress whose lyrics floated across the Ganga, the young Lachlan who serenaded you with some of your favourite jazz numbers, the thoughtful Eamon who misses your words of wisdom, Karin who enjoyed your larger-than-life presence, and, of course, your soulmate Lee ​​who misses you every day.

This is the second part of the wonderful journey you have cheekily imposed on us. We take it on with heavy hearts but much joy in your memory. Our first ceremony in Ubud was emotional and devine.

India - the penultimate trip in your tour of the ashes – was full of surprises and challenges and true to the India you introduced most of us to. Could do without the Delhi Belly, but c’est la vie!

We ate and drank in true form. You would have been proud.

Until our next destination – to Essaouira, Morocco – Adieu our great friend.