In Hot Water

Hot water is a bit of a luxury in India; we don't have it in the kitchen or in our bathroom sinks, but we do have it in two out of the three showers, provided by the ever reliable 'geyser.'  In the UK/India, a geyser, pronounced 'geezer,' is your water heating system, a small tank of water that you have to switch on to heat about 15 minutes before you need to bathe.  However, in the US, a geyser is pronouned 'geye-zer,' and is a gushing hot spring.

Well our Indian geyser was certainly a gushing hot spring today; in fact, in less than 90 minutes of us being out of the house, it had erupted and gushed gallons of water an inch deep in virtually every room in the apartment.  Thank god for tiled floors.  Thank god for inexpensive rugs.  And thank god for saddle blankets which soaked up a lot of it in one of the rooms!  It's not the first time the geyser has erupted, but it's certainly the most dramatic.  In the course of two years in this apartment, we've probably had each one repaired in some manner about half a dozen times.  And we will again on Monday!

The whole drama reminded me of the confusion over the US/English word geyser/geezer and its pronunciation:  Our friend Ben was visiting NYC from the UK and couldn't stop laughing when he saw the brand of water 'Crystal Geyser.'  Pronouncing it the US way, geye-zer, it doesn't sound funny; switch it to the UK way, geezer, and pair it with the word's other meaning, 'old man,' and you can see why Ben decided it was a great name for a bad drag queen.  I have to agree, although the name of the world famous Tupperware sales person, drag queen 'Dixie Longate' is certainly high up on the list.  Say it a few times and you'll get it...

Hugh Grant's Lunchbox

I thought this was a funny story yesterday when I first read it ... now I've seen the pictures, I am beside myself with laughter. However, given the state of his 'missile', I think my old client, Tupperware, should step forward forthwith and sponsor Mr. Grant in his next attack on the paparazzi. Call me old fashioned, but I'd always imagined Hugh to have a much more luxurious looking lunchbox!

Actor Hugh Grant has been arrested over an allegation he attacked a photographer in London, before throwing a tub of food at him. Photographer Ian Whittaker told the Daily Star newspaper he was kicked before the tub was hurled at him. The Metropolitan Police confirmed a 46-year-old had been arrested on suspicion of assault and has since been released on bail. Mr Grant's lawyers confirmed an incident was now under investigation.

Tupp Party or Not Tupp Party...

So, tonight I officially entered 'trailing spousedom' and hosted my first, very own Tupperware party! Yes, I have hosted them for stars like Cynthia Nixon, Mariska Hargitay, and Ice-T, but never in my own home - and in India. Who'd have thought that a country known more for rubber would be doing great guns in plastic! We hosted an eclectic crowd from the UK, US, Germany, and India, who dined on my makeshift European buffet of crostini, fine cheeses, figs in proscuitto (thanks Katie!), and of course fabulous Indian wine! Ironically, the cost of food far outweighed the cost of Tupperware. A couple of pieces of Mozzarella, some proscuitto, a quiche, some Gouda, and blue cheese, soon ring up a hefty tag here, as they are not the norm and only eaten by the likes of us who are willing to shell out a hundred bucks or so for the privilege! It is worth the indulgence though - good cheese is a rarity in India, they preferring the Velveeta type, or slices, than a good blue. But you can find them, and find them I did. And have them delivered to the door. And the fact that I didn't have enough cash to shell out for these treats? No problem, bring it next week! Try doing that with Sainsburys or Whole Foods! But then some things are crazily inexpensive - the fresh herbs, at 10 cents a bag for more basil than you could use in a week. Or the fresh lemongrass, thyme, parsley, oregano, etc., etc. What a wonderful place to live! So back to Tupp.... they may have had a bad day on the stock exchange but I think we managed to tip the balance in India. While probably not a traditional party, with everyone's attention on the consultant, we got around to viewing the fine display in our time (after drinks and food) and no-one could argue that the containers were inexpensive and a great way to keep ants and bugs out of your stored food! Our hostess Meena was adorable and made some fabulous idli that we will be enjoying for breakfast, and gave our guests some mini gifts to get them in the Tupp mood. We even had men at the party - three to be precise - all taking the event in its ironic stride, as Tupperware in both the US and the UK still has that certain kitsch factor. And what did I order??? Having been blessed with working with Tupp in the US, I have every conceivable piece of Tupperware known to man, except a fridge smart. So that is my indulgence for the week. And of course I will then have to buy more cheese to store in it. That will keep the deli man at Sunny's very happy for the next couple of years!