The gag’s on Gus

The best way to enjoy and experience a country is to really get into its soul, as this enterprising Indophile discovers

It is the oldest trick in the book.

Ask a friend to teach you a phrase in another language and they do, except that it could be a bit different from what you had originally asked. Well-known Indophile Gus Worland from the FOXTEL commentary team in Delhi had this gag pulled on him. Security guards had to step in when Gus told a strapping young Delhiite in chaste Hindi, “Aap bahut khoobsoorat hain!” (You are very beautiful), when all he wanted to

Gus also bought a rickshaw for Rs 400 (A$10) and tried to pick up fares as a rickshaw driver, but sadly found that this was not his calling in life know was the way to the bathroom. This and many other such experiences have made this visit to India a special one for Gus. He stormed into the hearts of the local Indian community in Australia when he presented his journey through India while following the tour of the Aussie cricket team in India a few years ago (An Aussie Goes Bolly). His boundless energy and sense of humour brought forth a wonderful side of India to viewers in Australia.

This time, as a part of the team with FOXTEL (who are presenting the Delhi Commonwealth Games on six channels) Gus is having a ball.

Chatting to Indian Link on the phone from Delhi, Gus spoke of what he has been doing in the Games city - interacting with locals in his own Aussie way.

“I’m enjoying engaging with the Indian people,” he said. “I love it that I can jump out of the car at India Gate, cross the fence and join in a game of cricket on the grass…”

He also bought himself a rickshaw (for Rs 400, or $10) which he spray painted and rode on the streets of Old Delhi. Sadly he found that being a rickshawallah can not be his calling in life.

And of course he’s still wearing that old turban from his “Bolly” days.

“Oh yes, I bought my wife a Kashmiri scarf”.

The Opening Ceremony was “a great show”, he said. “It worked swimmingly. I’ve spoken to so many locals since and they’re all so proud”.

And yes, he did have the dreaded Delhi belly. “I insisted on having Delhi belly! Defying all good eating instructions, I indulged in street food, and found it so tasty that I over-ate and then spent a day recovering. What an experience!”

But he’s “all solid” now. And quite enjoying the food.

“Last night I went out again and had another fantastic meal. They kept bringing me more and more food and I kept saying no, I can’t eat any more, and they kept going try this, try this…! Ultimately I just threw