Lowe's journal - Bugs creating a real nuisance

I now know what poor old Pharaoh and his people must have felt like during the plague of locusts (those who used to attend Sunday school know exactly what I'm talking about).

The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium has enjoyed good crowds over the past couple of days; 40,000 spectators made their way to the venue on Sunday evening and almost the same number of the pesky insects seemed to have been present as well, a great nuisance they are. And not just locusts, but bugs and critters of all kind.

The entire media section was filled with the little grasshopper-like creatures, jumping on laptops, nestling on television monitors, taking up residence in our head and all over our body.

It was almost impossible to get any work done.

The little critters have been causing a mini chaos and not only for media and spectators, but also for a few unlucky athletes.

Jamaica's 400m hurdler, Josef Robertson, was forced to stop within 15 strides of his heat a couple days ago because one of them flew in his eyes as he was about to clear his second hurdle.

Triple jump silver medallist, Trecia Smith, also complained about being affected by the insects during her efforts and hinted that they could have contributing to her four foul jumps.

On Sunday, while typing, I was attacked by an army of the little things. They swarmed me in a menacing fashion, covering everything. I'm not exaggerating when I say there must have been at least 15 of them either on my person, laptop, or television monitor.

Losing patience I swung an arm in an effort to ward them off, and when this didn't work I realised that more serious methods needed to be employed.

Upon raising my right hand, which was armed with a deadly stack of paper, I was interrupted by an Aussie accent.

"You're not going to kill the poor thing now are you?" the voice said.

Little did she know that I have been killing these poor little things since kindergarten days?

"Awww, yes I am actually," my response.

A long lecture from my Australian friend saved their annoying lives, but it sure made a miserable night for me.

I'll end today's journal with a message to my delusional football-loving friends back home, who whether in ignorance or arrogance, refuse to acknowledge the grandeur and global appeal of Italian giants Juventus.

I have already met quite a few Juventus fans from all over the world here in Delhi and seen a few locals rocking that beautiful, tear-jerking black and white armour in the streets. Forza Juve!

I admit, I have also seen quite a few Manchester United supporters, one and two Liverpool fans and I did meet two very old Newcastle fans, who travelled to Delhi with the England Athletics Supporters Club - a bunch of fun-loving old guys who really love track and field ... kudos.