Is it a coincidence that we end up watching the beginning of the Ballon d'Or ceremony on TV on our first day? The most important day for some, the most nonsense trophy in football for others... For us, it is probably a day we won't forget.
After landing at the airport, we were quickly taken to our new flat, where we were warmly welcomed by Arup, the manager of the IYSA, and Robi, our chef! Arup launched the IYSA 15 years ago, an association that provides free football training sessions for kids of the neighborhood. We are the 5th pair of coaches to come between the months of January and April. The "trophy room" and a gentle reminder from Arup that every team is currently top of the league put some pressure on our shoulders right from the start.
After a more than needed nap, we got our first insight on the New Delhi traffic! They hardly use brakes, lines on the road are solely for decoration, and horns are the law of the land. They also taught us the golden rule: The bigger your vehicle is the higher a priority it is. And it’s true!
Far away from the Ballon d'or ceremony red carpet, we were invited to an Indian buffet by Arup and his friend from London. We shared our different experiences and our expectations for the program. We also got our first real Indian meal in India. Delicious!
Our first day may be over, but I feel we have already discovered loads of new things.
I fell asleep as soon as I arrived back at the flat without knowing whether Neymar, Ronaldo, or Messi is the golden one. But here, who does really care?
Tomorrow we start coaching the kids...The adventure has just begun.
Nick