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
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
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.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Leaving Calcutta
Our time in Calcutta has come to an end and sadly we are about to move on. It was up at 5 am and on our way to the Mother by the usual 5.30 am. Our final Mass with the Missionaries of Charity was in some ways rather touching. It is always lovely to see all the Sister's in their ever prayerful and reverent state. This morning our group stood and sung a waiata (song) to Mary at communion time. We also sang the translation. I was very proud of the fantastic effort put in by everyone this morning and we were given compliments on the singing.
After a quick breakfast of chai and bread we were sung to by the rest of the volunteers and the Sisters in charge of supervision of volunteers. This happens for all volunteers on their last day. We were each given a wee gift from Sister as well.
We all headed off to our various Mother Teresa Houses to work as usual, but today we were given special permission to take photos.
So as you can imagine it was washing, cleaning, bed-making, feeding, toileting, massaging for some of the patients and photos, photos, photos.
Most of the students have arrived back at the hotel now and already I am hearing some sad stories about leaving. It is not difficult to get attached to the people we have been working with in the homes. It can even be a little emotional for some. It is comforting to know we have been of some small service. That is consoling.
Everyone is now doing the final stages of packing and for some of our students there appears to be an awful lot more weight to their packs, (all that shopping at the markets)
We are soon about to embark on our final part of the journey. The train trip is going to be an interesting blog I'm sure.
Well sadly we must head off. Calcutta has made a fairly big mark on us all. It is now time for a team meeting. Namaste until Goa
After a quick breakfast of chai and bread we were sung to by the rest of the volunteers and the Sisters in charge of supervision of volunteers. This happens for all volunteers on their last day. We were each given a wee gift from Sister as well.
We all headed off to our various Mother Teresa Houses to work as usual, but today we were given special permission to take photos.
So as you can imagine it was washing, cleaning, bed-making, feeding, toileting, massaging for some of the patients and photos, photos, photos.
Most of the students have arrived back at the hotel now and already I am hearing some sad stories about leaving. It is not difficult to get attached to the people we have been working with in the homes. It can even be a little emotional for some. It is comforting to know we have been of some small service. That is consoling.
Everyone is now doing the final stages of packing and for some of our students there appears to be an awful lot more weight to their packs, (all that shopping at the markets)
We are soon about to embark on our final part of the journey. The train trip is going to be an interesting blog I'm sure.
Well sadly we must head off. Calcutta has made a fairly big mark on us all. It is now time for a team meeting. Namaste until Goa
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Christmas Day
Dear Families and Friends
It's Boxing Day evening here in India.
Christmas Day really began with our final performance of the Christmas Play that the volunteers put on each year. This year it was a comparison of the events leading up to Jesus' birth and and the visit of the Magi with Mother Teresa's divine invitation to start the Missionaries of Charity Order and how she overcame some of the early obstacles that were put in her way. Lots of us were involved in the play or the choir and we performed at Prem Dan, for the Carmelites and finally at Mother House on Christmas eve for the Sisters and all the volunteers.
It was business as usual on Christmas morning and we all headed to our homes for work. Each home put on a different celebration for Christmas including mass during the morning. At Prem Dan, lunch was put on for volunteers and the patients. Everyone was dressed in gold and blue and special effort had been taken with hair and appearance including sparkly bangles. At Kalighat, the women were in blue dresses and instead of zip up fleeces, it was shawls. The men were dressed in orange and blue and had bright red blankets. At Daya Dan, we started with mass and then we continued to have a small party downstairs with cake and juice and small presents for the children - it was lovely.
Once work was over for the day, we had the afternoon free. We met at 5pm on the terrace with everyone in their fancy and finest dress. Santa also made an appearance and delivered a present to each of us! The gitls looked good in their saris and the men wore an array of new dress shirts ranging from classic Indian to coloured numbers from the market. We went to a christmas celebration at the Fair Lawn Hotel which began with the Sallies and Christmas Carols. We had a magic show with Caleb, Sophie, Fraser and John dancing.
This was followed by a very boisterous dinner. The tables were laden with blowers, horns, clackers, drums - you name it, anything that could make a noise. The boys performed a haka after dinner.
Dinner was:
Tomato soup and breadsticks.
Fish meuniere, chips and grapes (!) and fresh peas
Cold turkey and ham, stuffing, beetroot, creamed cauliflower
Plum pudding and cream and mince pies and custard.
It was a different Christmas being away from home. But no less entertaining or joyous. Everyone enjoyed the gifts, the food and the occasion.
We hope you all had as merry a Christmas as we did.
John Strang
It's Boxing Day evening here in India.
Christmas Day really began with our final performance of the Christmas Play that the volunteers put on each year. This year it was a comparison of the events leading up to Jesus' birth and and the visit of the Magi with Mother Teresa's divine invitation to start the Missionaries of Charity Order and how she overcame some of the early obstacles that were put in her way. Lots of us were involved in the play or the choir and we performed at Prem Dan, for the Carmelites and finally at Mother House on Christmas eve for the Sisters and all the volunteers.
It was business as usual on Christmas morning and we all headed to our homes for work. Each home put on a different celebration for Christmas including mass during the morning. At Prem Dan, lunch was put on for volunteers and the patients. Everyone was dressed in gold and blue and special effort had been taken with hair and appearance including sparkly bangles. At Kalighat, the women were in blue dresses and instead of zip up fleeces, it was shawls. The men were dressed in orange and blue and had bright red blankets. At Daya Dan, we started with mass and then we continued to have a small party downstairs with cake and juice and small presents for the children - it was lovely.
Once work was over for the day, we had the afternoon free. We met at 5pm on the terrace with everyone in their fancy and finest dress. Santa also made an appearance and delivered a present to each of us! The gitls looked good in their saris and the men wore an array of new dress shirts ranging from classic Indian to coloured numbers from the market. We went to a christmas celebration at the Fair Lawn Hotel which began with the Sallies and Christmas Carols. We had a magic show with Caleb, Sophie, Fraser and John dancing.
This was followed by a very boisterous dinner. The tables were laden with blowers, horns, clackers, drums - you name it, anything that could make a noise. The boys performed a haka after dinner.
Dinner was:
Tomato soup and breadsticks.
Fish meuniere, chips and grapes (!) and fresh peas
Cold turkey and ham, stuffing, beetroot, creamed cauliflower
Plum pudding and cream and mince pies and custard.
It was a different Christmas being away from home. But no less entertaining or joyous. Everyone enjoyed the gifts, the food and the occasion.
We hope you all had as merry a Christmas as we did.
John Strang
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Christmas Eve Rest day
Namaste everyone
Today we are resting after a pretty intense day of working at our various Mother Teresa homes. Our day starts with the walk from our hotel to the Mother Teresa House where we attend Mass with the Sisters. They are so dedicated and their singing is music to our ears. They are ever so reverent and humble. It is just amazing being in their presence,(in their white with blue stripe attire)
after Mass we go downstairs and have breakfast of chai tea (which is delicious) a banana and a piece of bread. All the volunteers gather there and it has been a good time for our students to mix and mingle with people from all around the globe. A few addresses have been exchanged. It is good to see our group networking.
After breakfast we all head off in our various groups and catch buses which take us to the Mission of charity Houses that we work at.
Again, the bus ride to our destination continues to intrigue me just as everything else does. The constant buzz of traffic, people, it never seems to let up.
A typical day at Prem Dan which is home to the physically and mentally disabled men and women starts with washing. I was spent some time treading washing in a huge tin tub, a bit like stomping grapes and then helping the ladies hand rub before being passed along what I would describe as a conveyer-belt type system to the first concrete tub, rinsed again and passed along to the next and then after 4 rinses, the clothes are rung out and put into tin pales and carried all the way up the stairs to the roof-top where a group of patients are waiting to hang out the washing. Blankets are the worst to wash- they are heavy and harder to ring out. My hands have never felt so soft from washing. Many clothes are just laid out on the roof as well as lines.
after washing there is cleaning, this can be wiping flat metal beds down with disinfectant and then plastisic matresses, before beds are made up. The bed coverings are very basic but the sisters are very clean.
By this time it is usually morning tea and all the volunteers gather outside under a pergola where chai is available and these protein biscuits (one is equivalent to 2 and a half eggs)Incidentally these are provided by the Dutch Army - something Mother Teresa arranged and there was some concern the supply of these would dry up after her death, but we are told it has continued on. A great source of protein for the patients.
Lunch arrives soon after this and we then help feed patients and help clean up the dishes. In the womens section there are 2 ladies who have had spinal compression operations as a result of TB. Unfortunately for them it has been complicated and rehabilitation will be difficult; one of the ladies is paraylised from the waist down. One of the things we have been able to do for this 32 yr old mother of 4 has been muscle tone exercises, shown to us by a voulunteer Italian doctor. Not only do we exercise but we have been getting both these women up on their feet and assisting them to take steps with the aid of a walker. A very slow but rewarding process. We also get around the ward when we can and give some of the ladies a massage just to give them some form of loving and relaxing comfort to their long day. There are many sad sights and our compassion and loving hands gives some small relief. That in itself is a hopeful and rewarding thought.
Usually after this we all head back to the Mother House by bus again or tuktuk and from the Mother House we head back to the hotel.
Yesterday we arrived back to find no water to any of the rooms in our hotel. For health and safety reasons Marty organised another hotel which fortunately for us is just next door. Our rooms are more luxuriant and everyone has demonstrated their ability show patience, flexiblity and resiliance extremely well. In fact they like the change and the televisions in the rooms have proved popular. some of the boys have watched a couple of movies and the Discovery channel. Aparently there are over 80n channels.
The address for our hotel is: 11/1 DR.M. Ishaque Road (Kyd Street, Kolkata - 700 016
Phone: 9133-22178487 Mobile 9831621481/9831439585 Fax 91-33-2240 5623
Last night we attended the Chistmas Paigent which was performed for the Carmelite Sisters, at their monestry. This was very special and the volunteers in the play were from many countries, but it was pleasing to see our group involved. Caleb was the Angel Gabriel, John, Graeme & Ollie were the 3 shepherds, Lizzie was a gorgeous angel, Grace performed a stunning dance and Charlotte and Hamish were on props and lighting. The choir also consisted of some of our group, Margaret-Mary, Georgina and Ainsley. The Sisters enjoyed the performance and Mother of the Carmelites spoke after, expressing her thankfulness and gratitude. She also wished us warm greetings.
Tomorrow is Christmas day and so far we have only seen the odd santa hat, a few decorations here and there. It seems so strange being here, knowing that there is probably so much Christmas festivity going on at home. It will be a 5 am start for us tomorrow, with Mass, breakfast at the Mother Teresa House and then work as usual. We will finish around 1 - 2 pm and head back to the hotel where we will start getting ready for our own Christmas celebration. So far most of us have bought some kind of Indian attire to wear tomorrow. There are some glamourous sarees and pashminas and the boys have all kinds of Indian tops to wear. We are all heading off the hotel around the road and Santa (yeehaa) is going to be there. We are all excited and no-one so far seems too perturbed they are missing out on their NZ Christmas. In fact there is definately an element of great anticipation and wonder.
the gifts we have bought each other will be opened with joy I'm sure.
We are all in good spirits and I am pleased NO ONE is sick. There seems to be some let up in sore tums and bums for the meantime anyway.
Merry Christmas Everyone and God bless. Namaste
Today we are resting after a pretty intense day of working at our various Mother Teresa homes. Our day starts with the walk from our hotel to the Mother Teresa House where we attend Mass with the Sisters. They are so dedicated and their singing is music to our ears. They are ever so reverent and humble. It is just amazing being in their presence,(in their white with blue stripe attire)
after Mass we go downstairs and have breakfast of chai tea (which is delicious) a banana and a piece of bread. All the volunteers gather there and it has been a good time for our students to mix and mingle with people from all around the globe. A few addresses have been exchanged. It is good to see our group networking.
After breakfast we all head off in our various groups and catch buses which take us to the Mission of charity Houses that we work at.
Again, the bus ride to our destination continues to intrigue me just as everything else does. The constant buzz of traffic, people, it never seems to let up.
A typical day at Prem Dan which is home to the physically and mentally disabled men and women starts with washing. I was spent some time treading washing in a huge tin tub, a bit like stomping grapes and then helping the ladies hand rub before being passed along what I would describe as a conveyer-belt type system to the first concrete tub, rinsed again and passed along to the next and then after 4 rinses, the clothes are rung out and put into tin pales and carried all the way up the stairs to the roof-top where a group of patients are waiting to hang out the washing. Blankets are the worst to wash- they are heavy and harder to ring out. My hands have never felt so soft from washing. Many clothes are just laid out on the roof as well as lines.
after washing there is cleaning, this can be wiping flat metal beds down with disinfectant and then plastisic matresses, before beds are made up. The bed coverings are very basic but the sisters are very clean.
By this time it is usually morning tea and all the volunteers gather outside under a pergola where chai is available and these protein biscuits (one is equivalent to 2 and a half eggs)Incidentally these are provided by the Dutch Army - something Mother Teresa arranged and there was some concern the supply of these would dry up after her death, but we are told it has continued on. A great source of protein for the patients.
Lunch arrives soon after this and we then help feed patients and help clean up the dishes. In the womens section there are 2 ladies who have had spinal compression operations as a result of TB. Unfortunately for them it has been complicated and rehabilitation will be difficult; one of the ladies is paraylised from the waist down. One of the things we have been able to do for this 32 yr old mother of 4 has been muscle tone exercises, shown to us by a voulunteer Italian doctor. Not only do we exercise but we have been getting both these women up on their feet and assisting them to take steps with the aid of a walker. A very slow but rewarding process. We also get around the ward when we can and give some of the ladies a massage just to give them some form of loving and relaxing comfort to their long day. There are many sad sights and our compassion and loving hands gives some small relief. That in itself is a hopeful and rewarding thought.
Usually after this we all head back to the Mother House by bus again or tuktuk and from the Mother House we head back to the hotel.
Yesterday we arrived back to find no water to any of the rooms in our hotel. For health and safety reasons Marty organised another hotel which fortunately for us is just next door. Our rooms are more luxuriant and everyone has demonstrated their ability show patience, flexiblity and resiliance extremely well. In fact they like the change and the televisions in the rooms have proved popular. some of the boys have watched a couple of movies and the Discovery channel. Aparently there are over 80n channels.
The address for our hotel is: 11/1 DR.M. Ishaque Road (Kyd Street, Kolkata - 700 016
Phone: 9133-22178487 Mobile 9831621481/9831439585 Fax 91-33-2240 5623
Last night we attended the Chistmas Paigent which was performed for the Carmelite Sisters, at their monestry. This was very special and the volunteers in the play were from many countries, but it was pleasing to see our group involved. Caleb was the Angel Gabriel, John, Graeme & Ollie were the 3 shepherds, Lizzie was a gorgeous angel, Grace performed a stunning dance and Charlotte and Hamish were on props and lighting. The choir also consisted of some of our group, Margaret-Mary, Georgina and Ainsley. The Sisters enjoyed the performance and Mother of the Carmelites spoke after, expressing her thankfulness and gratitude. She also wished us warm greetings.
Tomorrow is Christmas day and so far we have only seen the odd santa hat, a few decorations here and there. It seems so strange being here, knowing that there is probably so much Christmas festivity going on at home. It will be a 5 am start for us tomorrow, with Mass, breakfast at the Mother Teresa House and then work as usual. We will finish around 1 - 2 pm and head back to the hotel where we will start getting ready for our own Christmas celebration. So far most of us have bought some kind of Indian attire to wear tomorrow. There are some glamourous sarees and pashminas and the boys have all kinds of Indian tops to wear. We are all heading off the hotel around the road and Santa (yeehaa) is going to be there. We are all excited and no-one so far seems too perturbed they are missing out on their NZ Christmas. In fact there is definately an element of great anticipation and wonder.
the gifts we have bought each other will be opened with joy I'm sure.
We are all in good spirits and I am pleased NO ONE is sick. There seems to be some let up in sore tums and bums for the meantime anyway.
Merry Christmas Everyone and God bless. Namaste
Friday, December 18, 2009
The rehabilitation centre for leprosy
A view from one of the adults.
First full day in Kolkata and what a day - sorry to say that over and over and over and over.... but today we had the most extraordinary train ride.
We were up at 5am to be ready down stairs at 5.30am to walk to Mother House for mass at 6am. Very nice walking through relatively calm streets in the near dark. Relatively dark as only half of Kolkata was up cleaning, cleaning cars, beginning work on any number of possibilities. Mass is mainly the sisters but any volunteers and any others including us. We then caught the bus to catch the train to take us out to Titigargh - a self sustaining rehabilitation centre set up by Mother Teresa in 1957 for leprosy sufferers. It has turned into something rather big - the healed basically run it and it includes a garden, several fishponds weaving industry, prosethetic business, shoe making. There are also a number of houses for the families of any sick who are in the ward part. It's very exciting to see such centres because they are about dealing to the fundamental problem of leprosy in particular (driven still by fear here, families cast out from villages etc) and poverty in general. It is overlooked/seen by the Brothers of Charity (a man answer to the Sisters of Charity) but is not missionary in any direct way - I think there was a place for hindu worship in the complex as well as mass being said and the Brothers live in the Muslim quarter of Titgargh. We were taken round by Bother Henry who was very chatty. The land the centre is on is on either side of the railway line and was not wanted by the government. Mother Teresa was clearly very persuasive. In her first visits there 50 years ago, she met under a tree. Not so now - all in place. These are the kinds of centres that she established and to which volunteers go everyday. Not this one - it is staffed by ex patients. Today we saw all kinds of leprosy deformities including a ward of blind people. We walked though singing (the National Anthem, Te Aroha and Silent Night) and also saw former sufferers with missing limbs (including hands) nursing and dressing the wounds of currently sufferers.
It was a hot morning but very inspiring if you are bummed out about the state of things here and the impossibility of it all. A train then stopped on the tracks and to get round it we had to walk into Titigagh itself to cross the over bridge. Then the excitement began. The first train arrived and Marty had primed us to force our way on together with all the other people also trying to get on (and what you have to remember here is this is a train where people are already handing off the side - I kid you not). The trains stop for max 30 seconds if that. Our first attempt was a debacle with a couple of people making it on and then being pushed and pulled off. We we were all rather taken aback at the job in hand and I had visions of us taking all day to get on the train. The second train duly arrived and by this stage we were more strategic, breaking into smaller groups. We surged onto the train and by this imagine pushing your way into a ruby scrum where people are pushing you from behind and the people in the scrum are pushing you out. There is equality in the sexes here when it comes to pushing and shoving - oh my god. With no idea who had got on (in fact forgot to say, first try, Sam Moffit got on and rode the distance on his own - a panic in itself but a gorgeous boy who got off at the right place and sat and waited), Jan, Bernie and I with Caleb, Fraser and Hamish and Courtenay and Georgina made it though the door. The train set off as we were still making it on and away we went. We had instructions to get off at Dum Dum, which was five stations away. So you have an extremely full train and at each of the four stops before Dum Dum about 10 people got on each time. You have to keep your passport and money stuff safe so we are huddled together protecting the girls and trying not to pee yourself (this from a person who doesn't close the toilet door). The boys were brilliant in holding their ground because we couldn't afford to get too far from the door - getting on the train is one thing but then we had to get off and remember train stops for 30 max - but actually it's more like 15 seconds - I am not joking. It was stressful so having sung all morning we started another round of singing. It went down a treat but made no extra room. The other groups in the other carriages heard us and couldn't believe we were singin. Meanwhile, Kyle had got Rosemary on to the Women's Only Carriage and was abused the whole way by the front row forward Indian women (not in size but in brute force). All you could really do was laugh as we were all groped, pushed, lifted up (I could not put my left foot down the whole way). What a riot. When we got off, amazingly every one had made it and there was Sam - much to everyone's relief.
First full day in Kolkata and what a day - sorry to say that over and over and over and over.... but today we had the most extraordinary train ride.
We were up at 5am to be ready down stairs at 5.30am to walk to Mother House for mass at 6am. Very nice walking through relatively calm streets in the near dark. Relatively dark as only half of Kolkata was up cleaning, cleaning cars, beginning work on any number of possibilities. Mass is mainly the sisters but any volunteers and any others including us. We then caught the bus to catch the train to take us out to Titigargh - a self sustaining rehabilitation centre set up by Mother Teresa in 1957 for leprosy sufferers. It has turned into something rather big - the healed basically run it and it includes a garden, several fishponds weaving industry, prosethetic business, shoe making. There are also a number of houses for the families of any sick who are in the ward part. It's very exciting to see such centres because they are about dealing to the fundamental problem of leprosy in particular (driven still by fear here, families cast out from villages etc) and poverty in general. It is overlooked/seen by the Brothers of Charity (a man answer to the Sisters of Charity) but is not missionary in any direct way - I think there was a place for hindu worship in the complex as well as mass being said and the Brothers live in the Muslim quarter of Titgargh. We were taken round by Bother Henry who was very chatty. The land the centre is on is on either side of the railway line and was not wanted by the government. Mother Teresa was clearly very persuasive. In her first visits there 50 years ago, she met under a tree. Not so now - all in place. These are the kinds of centres that she established and to which volunteers go everyday. Not this one - it is staffed by ex patients. Today we saw all kinds of leprosy deformities including a ward of blind people. We walked though singing (the National Anthem, Te Aroha and Silent Night) and also saw former sufferers with missing limbs (including hands) nursing and dressing the wounds of currently sufferers.
It was a hot morning but very inspiring if you are bummed out about the state of things here and the impossibility of it all. A train then stopped on the tracks and to get round it we had to walk into Titigagh itself to cross the over bridge. Then the excitement began. The first train arrived and Marty had primed us to force our way on together with all the other people also trying to get on (and what you have to remember here is this is a train where people are already handing off the side - I kid you not). The trains stop for max 30 seconds if that. Our first attempt was a debacle with a couple of people making it on and then being pushed and pulled off. We we were all rather taken aback at the job in hand and I had visions of us taking all day to get on the train. The second train duly arrived and by this stage we were more strategic, breaking into smaller groups. We surged onto the train and by this imagine pushing your way into a ruby scrum where people are pushing you from behind and the people in the scrum are pushing you out. There is equality in the sexes here when it comes to pushing and shoving - oh my god. With no idea who had got on (in fact forgot to say, first try, Sam Moffit got on and rode the distance on his own - a panic in itself but a gorgeous boy who got off at the right place and sat and waited), Jan, Bernie and I with Caleb, Fraser and Hamish and Courtenay and Georgina made it though the door. The train set off as we were still making it on and away we went. We had instructions to get off at Dum Dum, which was five stations away. So you have an extremely full train and at each of the four stops before Dum Dum about 10 people got on each time. You have to keep your passport and money stuff safe so we are huddled together protecting the girls and trying not to pee yourself (this from a person who doesn't close the toilet door). The boys were brilliant in holding their ground because we couldn't afford to get too far from the door - getting on the train is one thing but then we had to get off and remember train stops for 30 max - but actually it's more like 15 seconds - I am not joking. It was stressful so having sung all morning we started another round of singing. It went down a treat but made no extra room. The other groups in the other carriages heard us and couldn't believe we were singin. Meanwhile, Kyle had got Rosemary on to the Women's Only Carriage and was abused the whole way by the front row forward Indian women (not in size but in brute force). All you could really do was laugh as we were all groped, pushed, lifted up (I could not put my left foot down the whole way). What a riot. When we got off, amazingly every one had made it and there was Sam - much to everyone's relief.
The Mother Teresa Homes
Today was the first day of our voluntary work in Calcutta. Everyone went to a variety of homes and from the feedback everyone seemed to enjoy it.
Everyone had so many interesting things to report back on, differing from massive bedsores, violent toddlers and the condition that some of the patients were in. I think this was a real eye opener for some of us travellers, we all realised how insignificant some of our "injuries" are at home. All of the Sister's and other volunteers are really nice people and I feel now seeing what they do. Alot of us have much more respect for what they do now than before. What made the volunteers helpful was the fact they help us to fit into some of the roles that needed to be filled.
Also today a group of students went to the Mother House to participate in the Christmas play that the Sister's are putting on. Practises will probably be after work each day until the performance on Christmas day. It was good to be able to share all our reflections at the end of the day as a group.
At this point everyone is feeling fine and there are no major medical problems within the group.
Ben Welsh STC
Everyone had so many interesting things to report back on, differing from massive bedsores, violent toddlers and the condition that some of the patients were in. I think this was a real eye opener for some of us travellers, we all realised how insignificant some of our "injuries" are at home. All of the Sister's and other volunteers are really nice people and I feel now seeing what they do. Alot of us have much more respect for what they do now than before. What made the volunteers helpful was the fact they help us to fit into some of the roles that needed to be filled.
Also today a group of students went to the Mother House to participate in the Christmas play that the Sister's are putting on. Practises will probably be after work each day until the performance on Christmas day. It was good to be able to share all our reflections at the end of the day as a group.
At this point everyone is feeling fine and there are no major medical problems within the group.
Ben Welsh STC
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