The Dalai Lama

My last few weeks at MTV were probably the most exciting I had experienced. I had a number of major interviews lined up as well as preparing to leave the country.

Juan, one of the best producers at the channel, and I set off for India to interview the Dalai Lama. We only had a few days notice to prepare. We flew out to New Delhi and after the 12 hour flight were met by our driver.

Me, Night Rider.

This Indian re-incarnation of David Hasselhof believed he could also perform superhuman feats with his car. We set off to Dharamsala on the correct side of the dual carriageway, but once stuck in traffic Night Rider decided it would be quicker if we crossed lanes and drove against the oncoming traffic.

Fortunately he came to his senses shortly afterwards. India is a land of smells. You can smell the fields of flowers in the countryside and experience the stench of death in the cities. Once in Dharamsala we settled down for the night in a local hotel. I opened the window for some air but when I lay on my bed was disturbed by banging on the roof from the local monkeys.



The next day I interviewed The Dalai Lama in his guarded paradise. As we entered the compound we were searched and then led into a beautifully decorated room to wait for his holiness. When he finally appeared he apologized for his lateness. He had apparently been picking his nose which had started bleeding, and he asked me if I could see the blood.

After the interview we went for a walk in the garden. He told me that the quality of love and not the quantity was the most important thing to remember. He added that it was important to respect yourself and other people in any relationship. I'm still working on that!

Once the interview was over we went back to the Hotel for another sleepless night and then set off with Night Rider back to New Delhi. On the way we filmed links for the programme, but after I left MTV they dropped the programme and re-edited the interview in order to cut me out.