It has been a while now since the India trip and so much has happened since we have come home. I have had the opportunity to talk to some students about their transition back after our amazing trip and it has been so interesting to hear their stories. These have included their appreciation for the simple things in life which include common courties and a renewed look at life which revives the notion of 'treat others as you would like to be treated'.
I have recently visited the Emund Rice Centre in Auckland and met with some of the teachers of St Peter's who will soon be taking their students on their immersion journey.
Spending time together to collaborate was insightful and it help strenghten ideas about ways to build on our existing programmes.
Already I am looking forward to next year's epic journey.
Bernie
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Final trip home
Hello everyone
Well here we are at the Singapore departure lounge awaiting our final call. It seems such a long time since Goa and our final time spent in Mumbai. The 12 hour train journey to Mumbai saw us arrive rather exhausted. We stayed at the Salvation Army and that was good for the students to see the whole back-packers style of living. We were treated to a bus tour of Mumbai and we saw the washing ghats where MEN were the main workers. Quite a novelty really. One of the highlights of the tour was visiting Ghandhi's house.
After last minute shopping back in Mumbai we spent 2 hours travelling to the airport which incidently was only 25 Kms away.
Today after a 5 hour flight we arrived here and have had a day shopping and of course visiting the famous Raffles Hotel where we had to have a singapore sling.
Well we are being called now so have to fly. see everyone back at Christchurch.
Namastaar, Ka kite
Well here we are at the Singapore departure lounge awaiting our final call. It seems such a long time since Goa and our final time spent in Mumbai. The 12 hour train journey to Mumbai saw us arrive rather exhausted. We stayed at the Salvation Army and that was good for the students to see the whole back-packers style of living. We were treated to a bus tour of Mumbai and we saw the washing ghats where MEN were the main workers. Quite a novelty really. One of the highlights of the tour was visiting Ghandhi's house.
After last minute shopping back in Mumbai we spent 2 hours travelling to the airport which incidently was only 25 Kms away.
Today after a 5 hour flight we arrived here and have had a day shopping and of course visiting the famous Raffles Hotel where we had to have a singapore sling.
Well we are being called now so have to fly. see everyone back at Christchurch.
Namastaar, Ka kite
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Graeme's Haiku's
We begin as friends
Through living this together
We leave family
Meeting new people
Experiencing new things
changing all our lives
As we land we feel
Adrenalin through our veins
Prepared for what's next
Through helping others
We shall grow to understand
What it means to love
As we feel their pain
We learn what suffering is
and our own previlige
Some fantastic Haiku done in a short space of time. Well done Graeme :-)
Through living this together
We leave family
Meeting new people
Experiencing new things
changing all our lives
As we land we feel
Adrenalin through our veins
Prepared for what's next
Through helping others
We shall grow to understand
What it means to love
As we feel their pain
We learn what suffering is
and our own previlige
Some fantastic Haiku done in a short space of time. Well done Graeme :-)
The Goa affair
Sam is right, there is certainly an element of sadness about having to move on from our amazing experiences. Yesterday really was all go. From dawn to dusk we were pretty much on the go. Breaky then on the bus and as Sam mentioned, Big Foot, a Portuguese house visit, a temple visit (the temple of peace where offerings to Vishnu were being made), the Spice farm visit, which I must say was tremendous in the sense that we were well recieved, ie on our arrival we were greeted with flower garlands placed over out heads and we were scattered with flower petals and each of us recieved a red bindy dot on our foreheads. They made such a fuss. The students enjoyed the attention and to top that off we were then given fresh cashews and lemon-grass tea before our guide took us on a fabulous tour of the spice plantation. did you that coffee type nut has a male and female bean inside and guess what????? The male bean is ground to make the coffee while, wait for it........the female bean is put to work to reproduce. (A lot of hard work goes on for females doesn't it!!!)
did you also know that the vanilla pod can be used in many ways, 60% of the worlds's supply is used by Coke & Pepsi; it is also the 2nd most expensive spice (Saffron is 1st)We were treated to a lovely lunch and each given a sachet of a selection of spices to take home.
One of the highlights as already mentioned by Sam was the elephant rides. A cost of 600 rupees for around 5 - 10 mins. One of the 3 elephants in particular looked magnificent with the tips of his tusks cut off and covered with what looked like brass plates covering the ends. The elephants were the most passive and beautiful beasts and we were given a treat of the sounding of their trumpets. There were a few excited students after that experience.
The day stretched into another visit; this time churches. St Francis Xavier church had people curiously lining up to see St Francis Xavier, whose body is still visible in a glass coffin displayed on a high plinth. Quite freaky for some. You can imagine the conversation it sparked.
The Dominicans Church a short walk across the road revealed some superb side chapels with ornate altars, brilliantly large and spectacular chandelliers, old fashioned confession boxes(which some of the students tried out, of course)and an amazing outlook from the front doors. Our fantastic day ended with a Goan river cruise which was simply bollywood. Dancing on cruise boat is such a novel idea.
You can imagine we were one tired lot after that super eventful day.
Here are some Haiku we have come up with. Haiku (Japanese verse in the form of syllables 3 lines of verse. Line 1 5 syllables, line 2, 7 syllables, line 3, 5 syllables) to make succinct their ideas of their experiences so far.
Enjoy the following Haiku's
GOA
Footsteps, humble, huge, quiet
Astride the vast elephant
Joy flows through us all
Lizzie
Indian sunset
Red flows the twilight sky
Beauty in Goa
Charlotte
Amazing Goa
Sun, sand and relaxation
spending time with friends
Sam Prebble
Friends last for life
Memories in India
Last for a lifetime
Johnny Lester
Sunburn and chaffing
Are results of having fun
India is choice
Johnny Lester
A break in the trip
Beach, rest and recreation
Time to contemplate
Bernie
Temple, shoes off
So holy and reverent
A peaceful quiet time
Bernie
Prayers, offerings, incense
Devoted Hindus visit
Bow before Vishnu
Rosemary
So apprehensive
A whole new experience
The elephant ride
Bernie
KOLKATA
Dark day beginning
Praying, washing, cooking now
What will happen next?
Rosemary
Bread, bananas, chai
Last day, thank, love, miss you all
Four rupees to work
Rosemary
Kingfisher is great
Great times had on Kingfisher
The king of good times
Johnny Lester
Daily life proceeds
Living on the streets for some
Why are we lucky?
Margaret-Mary
New Zealand's beauty
is only experienced
in third-world countries
Mitch Green
NEW DELHI
All senses alert
zigging, zagging, tuktuk ride
Welcome to Delhi
Berine
Squashed, tense, holding on
swerving, dartin, breath-holding
the first tuktuk ride
Bernie
Traffic is crazy
Don't give way and keep looking
Horns sound, day and night
Johnny Lester
Overwhelming crowds
struggles to find fresher air
claustrophobic much
Johnny Lester
Bazaar, cows and food
Busy, loud, smelly, tasty
Palek paneer please
Rosemary
Hope you enjoyed these. There are many more that the students have done in their journals.
A few of us are currently at an internet cafe doing our last minute bits before we head off to the beach. Like Sam said, our last day here in Goa.
Namastaar
did you also know that the vanilla pod can be used in many ways, 60% of the worlds's supply is used by Coke & Pepsi; it is also the 2nd most expensive spice (Saffron is 1st)We were treated to a lovely lunch and each given a sachet of a selection of spices to take home.
One of the highlights as already mentioned by Sam was the elephant rides. A cost of 600 rupees for around 5 - 10 mins. One of the 3 elephants in particular looked magnificent with the tips of his tusks cut off and covered with what looked like brass plates covering the ends. The elephants were the most passive and beautiful beasts and we were given a treat of the sounding of their trumpets. There were a few excited students after that experience.
The day stretched into another visit; this time churches. St Francis Xavier church had people curiously lining up to see St Francis Xavier, whose body is still visible in a glass coffin displayed on a high plinth. Quite freaky for some. You can imagine the conversation it sparked.
The Dominicans Church a short walk across the road revealed some superb side chapels with ornate altars, brilliantly large and spectacular chandelliers, old fashioned confession boxes(which some of the students tried out, of course)and an amazing outlook from the front doors. Our fantastic day ended with a Goan river cruise which was simply bollywood. Dancing on cruise boat is such a novel idea.
You can imagine we were one tired lot after that super eventful day.
Here are some Haiku we have come up with. Haiku (Japanese verse in the form of syllables 3 lines of verse. Line 1 5 syllables, line 2, 7 syllables, line 3, 5 syllables) to make succinct their ideas of their experiences so far.
Enjoy the following Haiku's
GOA
Footsteps, humble, huge, quiet
Astride the vast elephant
Joy flows through us all
Lizzie
Indian sunset
Red flows the twilight sky
Beauty in Goa
Charlotte
Amazing Goa
Sun, sand and relaxation
spending time with friends
Sam Prebble
Friends last for life
Memories in India
Last for a lifetime
Johnny Lester
Sunburn and chaffing
Are results of having fun
India is choice
Johnny Lester
A break in the trip
Beach, rest and recreation
Time to contemplate
Bernie
Temple, shoes off
So holy and reverent
A peaceful quiet time
Bernie
Prayers, offerings, incense
Devoted Hindus visit
Bow before Vishnu
Rosemary
So apprehensive
A whole new experience
The elephant ride
Bernie
KOLKATA
Dark day beginning
Praying, washing, cooking now
What will happen next?
Rosemary
Bread, bananas, chai
Last day, thank, love, miss you all
Four rupees to work
Rosemary
Kingfisher is great
Great times had on Kingfisher
The king of good times
Johnny Lester
Daily life proceeds
Living on the streets for some
Why are we lucky?
Margaret-Mary
New Zealand's beauty
is only experienced
in third-world countries
Mitch Green
NEW DELHI
All senses alert
zigging, zagging, tuktuk ride
Welcome to Delhi
Berine
Squashed, tense, holding on
swerving, dartin, breath-holding
the first tuktuk ride
Bernie
Traffic is crazy
Don't give way and keep looking
Horns sound, day and night
Johnny Lester
Overwhelming crowds
struggles to find fresher air
claustrophobic much
Johnny Lester
Bazaar, cows and food
Busy, loud, smelly, tasty
Palek paneer please
Rosemary
Hope you enjoyed these. There are many more that the students have done in their journals.
A few of us are currently at an internet cafe doing our last minute bits before we head off to the beach. Like Sam said, our last day here in Goa.
Namastaar
Sam's take on it.
Hello family and friends
By now we are starting to approach our final days in India. Goa has been great we have all been chilling out and soaking up plenty of sun as well as swimming. Today we went sight-seeing around Old Goa. It was very interesting in that part of Goa. We visited an old house and museum, which was in memory of a man called Big Foot and for lunch we went to a Spice farm. There were so many different types of spices there. They also had elephants there. Some of our group went riding. They hasd a great time.
Tomorrow is our last day in Goa so we decided to have just a lazy, blob out day. Some of us are going to Colva beach again, and others are packing and doing other things, then in the evening we will have some dinner then make our way to the train station for our last train trip back to Mumbai.
When we get to Mumbai there will only be three days left for us here in India. It is sad and exciting but we'll make it through. This will also be my first and last blog from India. The next time you will hear from me will be when I arrive back home in New Zealand.
Sam Prebble
By now we are starting to approach our final days in India. Goa has been great we have all been chilling out and soaking up plenty of sun as well as swimming. Today we went sight-seeing around Old Goa. It was very interesting in that part of Goa. We visited an old house and museum, which was in memory of a man called Big Foot and for lunch we went to a Spice farm. There were so many different types of spices there. They also had elephants there. Some of our group went riding. They hasd a great time.
Tomorrow is our last day in Goa so we decided to have just a lazy, blob out day. Some of us are going to Colva beach again, and others are packing and doing other things, then in the evening we will have some dinner then make our way to the train station for our last train trip back to Mumbai.
When we get to Mumbai there will only be three days left for us here in India. It is sad and exciting but we'll make it through. This will also be my first and last blog from India. The next time you will hear from me will be when I arrive back home in New Zealand.
Sam Prebble
Sunday, January 3, 2010
The train trip, Mumbai & Goa
Kia Ora, Namaste, Hello everyone
This has been the first real chance to come do a blog- short of swimming, shopping and enjoying the sights of this fantastic part of the globe.
Firstly, it has been great to read all the posts from various people. The most recent, Calebs grandpa & nana, Noni, Sandie & Beth.
Yes you are right, I'm sure we have left an indelible mark on those we have left behind in Calcutta. It was sad to leave as I mentioned, but strangely enough it seems ages now since that part of our India experience. Almost like a life-time away. with each new stop there is something else that consumes the senses and there is always something happening.
The train-ride was a 31 hour journey and we were in cubicles of 8 bunks. ie a 6 bunk cubicle with 3 bunks opposite each other and 2 at the other end facing the 6 bunks. Fortunately we were able to pretty much sleep straight away as we had night, day, night in comparison to previous trips which have been day, night, day. We only had one person sick, a bit of vomiting, nothing like spare plastic bags to have on hand. Fortunately she was able to sleep the rest of the illness off. We are getting good at utilising Marty's magic pills, which are 750g doses of antibiotics. These really do the job quickly and effectively. Bucasttem (anti-nausea)has also been very useful.
Mostly the train trip was uneventful, despite the fact it was new year. In fact most of us were carked out and didn't know any better, just that when they awoke there was this chorus of voices from around the carriages calling out "Happy New Year". Our arrival at Mumbai was around 5.45 am and then of course there was the usual jostle for taxi's and it's quite funny really; where-ever we go we are very conspicuous, one because we are a large group, a bit like sheep really we all follow Marty, often weaving our way through the hordes of people. We must look a sight to the locals, with our massive big back-packs and obvious good humour, and 2 because we are westerners. We are always getting stared at no matter where we go. for some of us the novelty has worn off.
Our accommodation at the YWCA in Mumbai was lovely and clean and it was good to rest up awhile before hitting the streets of Mumbai.
Our first visit was to the Gateway of India, wow what a magnificent sight, this is where the British symbolically entered India. In the square all around the gates we were met again, not surprisingly with the usual hawkers with their array of trinkets and toys including massvie balloons to tempt the rupees out of our pockets. Of course the students (and some adults too) are always mesmerised by these marvellous new things and are spellbound for awhile until Marty says don't be fooled; often to late for some. In fact, some of the boys could see potential in displaying the large balloons in house colours back at school competitions this year. The Taj Mahal was another magnificent building, just opposite the Gateway of India. The students were given a few hours to sightsee on their own and enjoy Mumbai.
We could not go to Mumbai and not visit the famous 'Leopolds cafe' where many of the world's travellers congregate and where networking, various transactions and exchanges take place. Bullet holes are still visible reminders of the Nov.08 terrorist attack. People were having beer in these amazing long dispensers which looked pretty fascinating really. We just had coffees and lassi's and a Kingfisher of course.
Market shopping is more up-market in Mumbai and the students are getting quite deft at bartering, in fact out-right cheeky sometimes; more often than not negotiating for the price they want. I'm thinking about going out with them sometime. I'm sure I'm a soft touch here.
The Taj Mahal Hotel did not escape our walking path (as we found out there is only one entrance into this luxurious building, climbing the chain and walking along the outside path does not get you into it) and we were scanned before entering this absolute opulent and grand building with the most amazing ambience. I have to say we felt a little under-dressed in our crocs, jandles and our cheap Indian batik tops. Incidentally the hotel still has scaffolding on the east side of where repairs are still taking place from the damage done by the terrorist attack as mentioned in Nov 08. A final coffee at the Mondegar cafe before heading back to the YWCA for tea and preparation for our final journey for the day 12 hours to Goa. It really is handy having the night train, this way we can bed down pretty much straight away and you don't notice too much of the time as you would if you were awake.
Goa is fantastic. Our accommodation at the Hotel La flor is great and the students are enjoying spacious rooms and hot water. Marty's friend, who owns it is proudly looking after us and so far we are enjoying this part of the journey. We arrived to a plate-ful of fruit cake. We have been very well looked after.
A quick unpack and change into our togs and then into our taxi groups and the beeping of horns and the zig-zagging of the taxi ride to the famous Colva Beach which is 6 kms form our hotel. A ride of 150 -200 rupees. The beach is beautiful, it is nice to be able to squelsh sand between our toes and scrunch our heels and get the Calcutta grime off. The beach is inhabited with cows, dogs that are lazily, loitering and don't seem to belong to (or bother) anybody. They just roam around.
Marty walked us 5 minutes along the beach to a place called Sucorina otherwise known to us as 'The Shack'. The water was encouragingly warm and clear. We floated and frolicked like kids gone wrong. It was sensational. All the students seemed to just chill and enjoy the whole beach experience; many not wanting to leave the water when it was time for us to leave. The Shack food was tasty and there were some delicious, appetising meals to be had; one in particular was a whole fish, grilled and served with fresh limes, rice and a cute wee candle glowing through a red pepper- such a simple but cool idea.
As the night drew on, the boys got out their toys they bought in Calcutta - illuminous helicopter type tpys that are flicked by a rubber-band into the air and twill and spin to the ground. Again, simple but pleasurable.
Back then into our taxi & tuktuk groups back to our hotel. Another truly unforgetable day in India.
Namastaar, Ka kite, good-bye until the next blog. Next time a student's perspective.
This has been the first real chance to come do a blog- short of swimming, shopping and enjoying the sights of this fantastic part of the globe.
Firstly, it has been great to read all the posts from various people. The most recent, Calebs grandpa & nana, Noni, Sandie & Beth.
Yes you are right, I'm sure we have left an indelible mark on those we have left behind in Calcutta. It was sad to leave as I mentioned, but strangely enough it seems ages now since that part of our India experience. Almost like a life-time away. with each new stop there is something else that consumes the senses and there is always something happening.
The train-ride was a 31 hour journey and we were in cubicles of 8 bunks. ie a 6 bunk cubicle with 3 bunks opposite each other and 2 at the other end facing the 6 bunks. Fortunately we were able to pretty much sleep straight away as we had night, day, night in comparison to previous trips which have been day, night, day. We only had one person sick, a bit of vomiting, nothing like spare plastic bags to have on hand. Fortunately she was able to sleep the rest of the illness off. We are getting good at utilising Marty's magic pills, which are 750g doses of antibiotics. These really do the job quickly and effectively. Bucasttem (anti-nausea)has also been very useful.
Mostly the train trip was uneventful, despite the fact it was new year. In fact most of us were carked out and didn't know any better, just that when they awoke there was this chorus of voices from around the carriages calling out "Happy New Year". Our arrival at Mumbai was around 5.45 am and then of course there was the usual jostle for taxi's and it's quite funny really; where-ever we go we are very conspicuous, one because we are a large group, a bit like sheep really we all follow Marty, often weaving our way through the hordes of people. We must look a sight to the locals, with our massive big back-packs and obvious good humour, and 2 because we are westerners. We are always getting stared at no matter where we go. for some of us the novelty has worn off.
Our accommodation at the YWCA in Mumbai was lovely and clean and it was good to rest up awhile before hitting the streets of Mumbai.
Our first visit was to the Gateway of India, wow what a magnificent sight, this is where the British symbolically entered India. In the square all around the gates we were met again, not surprisingly with the usual hawkers with their array of trinkets and toys including massvie balloons to tempt the rupees out of our pockets. Of course the students (and some adults too) are always mesmerised by these marvellous new things and are spellbound for awhile until Marty says don't be fooled; often to late for some. In fact, some of the boys could see potential in displaying the large balloons in house colours back at school competitions this year. The Taj Mahal was another magnificent building, just opposite the Gateway of India. The students were given a few hours to sightsee on their own and enjoy Mumbai.
We could not go to Mumbai and not visit the famous 'Leopolds cafe' where many of the world's travellers congregate and where networking, various transactions and exchanges take place. Bullet holes are still visible reminders of the Nov.08 terrorist attack. People were having beer in these amazing long dispensers which looked pretty fascinating really. We just had coffees and lassi's and a Kingfisher of course.
Market shopping is more up-market in Mumbai and the students are getting quite deft at bartering, in fact out-right cheeky sometimes; more often than not negotiating for the price they want. I'm thinking about going out with them sometime. I'm sure I'm a soft touch here.
The Taj Mahal Hotel did not escape our walking path (as we found out there is only one entrance into this luxurious building, climbing the chain and walking along the outside path does not get you into it) and we were scanned before entering this absolute opulent and grand building with the most amazing ambience. I have to say we felt a little under-dressed in our crocs, jandles and our cheap Indian batik tops. Incidentally the hotel still has scaffolding on the east side of where repairs are still taking place from the damage done by the terrorist attack as mentioned in Nov 08. A final coffee at the Mondegar cafe before heading back to the YWCA for tea and preparation for our final journey for the day 12 hours to Goa. It really is handy having the night train, this way we can bed down pretty much straight away and you don't notice too much of the time as you would if you were awake.
Goa is fantastic. Our accommodation at the Hotel La flor is great and the students are enjoying spacious rooms and hot water. Marty's friend, who owns it is proudly looking after us and so far we are enjoying this part of the journey. We arrived to a plate-ful of fruit cake. We have been very well looked after.
A quick unpack and change into our togs and then into our taxi groups and the beeping of horns and the zig-zagging of the taxi ride to the famous Colva Beach which is 6 kms form our hotel. A ride of 150 -200 rupees. The beach is beautiful, it is nice to be able to squelsh sand between our toes and scrunch our heels and get the Calcutta grime off. The beach is inhabited with cows, dogs that are lazily, loitering and don't seem to belong to (or bother) anybody. They just roam around.
Marty walked us 5 minutes along the beach to a place called Sucorina otherwise known to us as 'The Shack'. The water was encouragingly warm and clear. We floated and frolicked like kids gone wrong. It was sensational. All the students seemed to just chill and enjoy the whole beach experience; many not wanting to leave the water when it was time for us to leave. The Shack food was tasty and there were some delicious, appetising meals to be had; one in particular was a whole fish, grilled and served with fresh limes, rice and a cute wee candle glowing through a red pepper- such a simple but cool idea.
As the night drew on, the boys got out their toys they bought in Calcutta - illuminous helicopter type tpys that are flicked by a rubber-band into the air and twill and spin to the ground. Again, simple but pleasurable.
Back then into our taxi & tuktuk groups back to our hotel. Another truly unforgetable day in India.
Namastaar, Ka kite, good-bye until the next blog. Next time a student's perspective.
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