Christiaan's family is not here with him, as his three sons are studying in Netherlands. Andreas (28) is doing his doctorate in history, while Pieter (24) and Floris (21) are studying in a business school. Andreas hasn't had a chance to come here yet, but the others spent Christmas with Christiaan in Rajasthan. This 59-year-old from Utrecht has made himself quite at home in the city, specially at his home on Aurangzeb Road. ``It used to be the home of Jinnah and I think it is one of Lutyens's best creations,'' says Christiaan. ``I love spending time at home, at any time of the day, even if it's weeding in the garden,'' adds this enthusiastic gardener who claims to have no hobbies. He's a keen rider but has so far managed to attend just a polo match in the city.

Whenever he gets away from his official and social obligations, Christiaan takes off to Old Delhi. ``It's so different from New Delhi. There's something new to discover every time I visit,'' he exclaims. He's also interested in architecture, particularly the Mughal monuments, and he's determined to learn more about Indian architecture. ``But the most impressive sight I've seen so far is the Beating the Retreat ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan,'' he says, ``It was quite moving, witnessing this quintessential European ceremony, so many years after the end of the Raj.''

Christiaan has had little problems settling down. The traffic does get a little problematic, he says, but adds he's not dreading his first summer here. ``I quite enjoy the heat,'' says this veteran of tropical postings, ``If there's one thing I'd like to change about my country, it'd be the climate.'' At work too, he's adjusted well. ``Each place has a different work culture. Size defines both the quality and quantity of the Indian bureaucracy,'' he points out, adding that he's quickly picked up the ropes. As for the people, while his ``collection of contacts isn't complete yet,'' Christiaan says he's already met a cross-section of very interesting Delhiites. ``They have a great a talent for abstract thinking,'' he says, ``They make intelligent debaters and are very good company.''

This career diplomat who's been in the field for 32 years and hasn't lived in Netherlands since 1972, says he's quite accustomed to living away from home. ``I do miss the rivers, the clouds and the sky, but visit quite often,'' he says, adding ``What is more difficult is the accumulation of things you miss from all your postings, as you don't return frequently.'' It's too early to say what he'll miss about India, he adds though. ``There's so much more I have to do here,'' he explains, ``I want to travel to the North-west, explore the southern tip, make many more discoveries.'' And since he has completed just about one-eighth of his current posting, he's determined to make the most of his stay here.