Kia Ora blog buddies,
Our day began with a splash at the early hour of 5:30am. We all woke up and rushed around to get ready after a night of fairy bread and birthday celebrations for our two birthday candidates Hannah and Kieran. We took a short bus ride north until we hit the edge of the Ganges River. Our bus then magically transformed somewhat like this .... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4ts_77N-iM
Ok, maybe not quite like that. We were driven to some narrow windy roads and walked a good 10 minutes until we reached the stairs on which the Ganges river lay. We were thrown in the deep end and had to hop onto an old yet suprisingly spacious wooden row boat accompanied by the wise and knowledgable Mr Dupati. Although we could only see 5 metres around us, the fog gave the experience an almost mystical aura and gave a great opportunity for some self-reflection. We even got to view a Hindu cremation taking place at the famous Ganges cremation site. As the day went flowing by we also visited the second biggest Hindu temple in the world within the campus of the third largest university in India. Some students visited the silk factory in the afternoon to experience one of the last hand-woven silk factories in action. By the of the day, our thoughts and memories were saturated, and our energies run dry. Time for some much-needed R & R (rest and re-hydration).
Love from Eden Roberts and Jesse Bryan
P.S. Big shout outs to Deirdre and Marisa. Peace x0
Monday, December 12, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Leaving Delhi
Namaste Everyone
A group of weary backpacked people trudged their way from the Namaster Hotel to the railway station to await the train to Agra.
We were sorry to leave our home of 4 days which we had come to like, despite the leaks and inconsistencies of some of our rooms.
Our train-ride to Agra enabled us to see another side of this amazing country; An Indian sunrise – a red sun evolving from a distant horizon was quite a spectacle. Looking out from our train window we passed many mud and straw huts, cow and mud pats being made and laid out to dry, fields of curry plants and people performing all sorts of ablutions – a sight for sore eyes.
Arriving in Agra brought about a whole new set of sights. People with all sorts of ailments were at us with out-reaching hands from the moment we left the train to make our way to the bus. The twisted and distorted figures of some of the people we have seen has imprinted strong images in our minds.
Our guide for the Taj Mahal herded us down the various metal isles like cattle – ladies in one isle, men in the other – AND then the ‘pat down’ prior to entering the Taj Mahal grounds. (These pat downs are becoming quite a frequent occurrence with various visits – we had a pat-down while in Delhi when visiting Connaught Place)
The Taj was truly breath-taking. Before you enter, there is an arch-way from where the Taj Mahal can be seen, and then when you walk through – there it is in its full glory. It really is a breath-taking image.
We were given a grand tour and before entering the actual Taj building we were given some cotton shoe covers to put on.
What an amazing piece of architecture – the inlay of various stones that make up the decorative features within this building is truly a work of intricate art.
The Taj Mahal took 22 years to complete and the history is sooooo rich. What an amazing time we had and of course we couldn’t leave without having a group photo taken on the famous ‘Lady Di’ bench seat situated in front of the Taj.
What an awesome experience and we couldn’t help but notice the cues lining up on our way out.
Lunch was at – wait for it – ‘The Only Restaurant’ in Agra (of course there are many to choose from) This was another great experience – we were treated to a great lunch and even better still an Indian puppet show. This was followed by a young turbaned Indian boy performing a head wobble dance – simply fantastic – this drew lots of fascinated looks.
The Red Fort after lunch was another splendid visit. Our guide went over a range of facts, but the that seemed to evoke the most attention the one about the King having 600 concubines! The boys were gob-smacked. You can imagine the comments.
On returning to the bus from this visit we had another onslaught of hawkers attacking us from all directions. Each with an array of various trinkets and souvenirs’. Some of the bartering actualized in chess sets and elephants being bought.
Before leaving Agra we visited a Marble factory where we were able to see first-hand the process of delicate inlay work where the smallest of pieces of various stones were being hand filed and carefully placed into marble. Painstakingly slow and arduous task reaping rather low returns.
Some of the students have purchased some beautiful pieces from here – so some of you no doubt will be receiving some lovely gifts made from expert hands.
The trip from Agra to the railway station could be described as a vertical nightmare as far as traffic goes. The yellow roofs of the tuk tuks were like bees to honey – and if you can imagine along with that, cows, rickshaws, people carrying various loads on their heads and dogs and buses all in one conglomeration all heading in the same direction – simply abysmal! An approximate 30 km journey to the train station took 2 hours.
On arrival at the train station we were met by a smattering of rats on the platform – darting this way and that and on the railway lines, stray dogs cleverly negotiating their destiny as speeding trains whizzed by.
After some waiting; our train with 3 tier bunks enabled this tired and weary bunch of travelers a much needed sleep. Crammed in the cubicles we managed to squash our padlocked backpacks under seats and in any other space available before our much needed rest.
Our arrival at Varanasi has been yet another tremendous experience. We were given an amazing welcome. Our packs were carried off the bus by the staff and on entering the reception at the Surya Hotel we were each greeted with a beautiful marigold lay and dubbed on the forehead with a red dot of oil. What a fab hotel – Everyone has a lovely room and there is a swimming pool on the complex – such a contrast from the Namasker Hotel and of course another slice of Indian hospitality.
So far our group are holding out well – there have only been 2 cases of mild Dehli belly. Over all we are doing exceptionally well and living this awesome experience day by day.
Eden will be blogging the Ganges and Varanasi experience.
Bernie
A group of weary backpacked people trudged their way from the Namaster Hotel to the railway station to await the train to Agra.
We were sorry to leave our home of 4 days which we had come to like, despite the leaks and inconsistencies of some of our rooms.
Our train-ride to Agra enabled us to see another side of this amazing country; An Indian sunrise – a red sun evolving from a distant horizon was quite a spectacle. Looking out from our train window we passed many mud and straw huts, cow and mud pats being made and laid out to dry, fields of curry plants and people performing all sorts of ablutions – a sight for sore eyes.
Arriving in Agra brought about a whole new set of sights. People with all sorts of ailments were at us with out-reaching hands from the moment we left the train to make our way to the bus. The twisted and distorted figures of some of the people we have seen has imprinted strong images in our minds.
Our guide for the Taj Mahal herded us down the various metal isles like cattle – ladies in one isle, men in the other – AND then the ‘pat down’ prior to entering the Taj Mahal grounds. (These pat downs are becoming quite a frequent occurrence with various visits – we had a pat-down while in Delhi when visiting Connaught Place)
The Taj was truly breath-taking. Before you enter, there is an arch-way from where the Taj Mahal can be seen, and then when you walk through – there it is in its full glory. It really is a breath-taking image.
We were given a grand tour and before entering the actual Taj building we were given some cotton shoe covers to put on.
What an amazing piece of architecture – the inlay of various stones that make up the decorative features within this building is truly a work of intricate art.
The Taj Mahal took 22 years to complete and the history is sooooo rich. What an amazing time we had and of course we couldn’t leave without having a group photo taken on the famous ‘Lady Di’ bench seat situated in front of the Taj.
What an awesome experience and we couldn’t help but notice the cues lining up on our way out.
Lunch was at – wait for it – ‘The Only Restaurant’ in Agra (of course there are many to choose from) This was another great experience – we were treated to a great lunch and even better still an Indian puppet show. This was followed by a young turbaned Indian boy performing a head wobble dance – simply fantastic – this drew lots of fascinated looks.
The Red Fort after lunch was another splendid visit. Our guide went over a range of facts, but the that seemed to evoke the most attention the one about the King having 600 concubines! The boys were gob-smacked. You can imagine the comments.
On returning to the bus from this visit we had another onslaught of hawkers attacking us from all directions. Each with an array of various trinkets and souvenirs’. Some of the bartering actualized in chess sets and elephants being bought.
Before leaving Agra we visited a Marble factory where we were able to see first-hand the process of delicate inlay work where the smallest of pieces of various stones were being hand filed and carefully placed into marble. Painstakingly slow and arduous task reaping rather low returns.
Some of the students have purchased some beautiful pieces from here – so some of you no doubt will be receiving some lovely gifts made from expert hands.
The trip from Agra to the railway station could be described as a vertical nightmare as far as traffic goes. The yellow roofs of the tuk tuks were like bees to honey – and if you can imagine along with that, cows, rickshaws, people carrying various loads on their heads and dogs and buses all in one conglomeration all heading in the same direction – simply abysmal! An approximate 30 km journey to the train station took 2 hours.
On arrival at the train station we were met by a smattering of rats on the platform – darting this way and that and on the railway lines, stray dogs cleverly negotiating their destiny as speeding trains whizzed by.
After some waiting; our train with 3 tier bunks enabled this tired and weary bunch of travelers a much needed sleep. Crammed in the cubicles we managed to squash our padlocked backpacks under seats and in any other space available before our much needed rest.
Our arrival at Varanasi has been yet another tremendous experience. We were given an amazing welcome. Our packs were carried off the bus by the staff and on entering the reception at the Surya Hotel we were each greeted with a beautiful marigold lay and dubbed on the forehead with a red dot of oil. What a fab hotel – Everyone has a lovely room and there is a swimming pool on the complex – such a contrast from the Namasker Hotel and of course another slice of Indian hospitality.
So far our group are holding out well – there have only been 2 cases of mild Dehli belly. Over all we are doing exceptionally well and living this awesome experience day by day.
Eden will be blogging the Ganges and Varanasi experience.
Bernie
Friday, December 9, 2011
Day 3 - exploring and getting street savvy
By today everyone was feeling buff and super street smart; we could haggle and hail a cab and get around, so we had breakfast and then hit the town. We started off at the underground market: a massive complex with its entrances dotted aroud the city and countless shops and vendors creating an endless maze. Of course, being very obviously from overseas, we were the prime targets for salespeople. Scary salespeople. We were led to shops on the other side of the complex as people competed for a juicy chunk of tourist rupees. Everyone went their own way, but the group I went with headed to the parlaiment buildings. We set up an amazing race type situation with tuk-tuks being the method of transportation, which resulted in our group offering extra rupees to beat the other team. (We lost anyway)
After taking photos of huuuge buildings, monkeys and getting stern looks from soldiers carrying rifles of every origin, we started to head out, at which point the last team arrived. Afterwards we hit the India Gate. Absolutely fantastic, however slightly marred by the vast multitudes of cunning salespeople. It could only be described as abuse. We retreated hurriedly, and headed back to the hotel. Walking is not recommended.
Words can't describe the noises, the smells, the little kids tugging on your sleeves, the salespeople who are so grateful for that 5 rupee note (around 13 cents), seeing buildings abandoned by people who could maintain it but reoccupied by others. A lot of people have described it as post-apocolyptic, but its one of the loveliest places I know. They have something we don't, perhaps because we have the rest, but that something is the gold that the rest of us end up looking for anyway. Deeeeep, but something thats on the surface in India. Last day in Delhi today, longest day tomorrow, wish us luck!
God bless
After taking photos of huuuge buildings, monkeys and getting stern looks from soldiers carrying rifles of every origin, we started to head out, at which point the last team arrived. Afterwards we hit the India Gate. Absolutely fantastic, however slightly marred by the vast multitudes of cunning salespeople. It could only be described as abuse. We retreated hurriedly, and headed back to the hotel. Walking is not recommended.
Words can't describe the noises, the smells, the little kids tugging on your sleeves, the salespeople who are so grateful for that 5 rupee note (around 13 cents), seeing buildings abandoned by people who could maintain it but reoccupied by others. A lot of people have described it as post-apocolyptic, but its one of the loveliest places I know. They have something we don't, perhaps because we have the rest, but that something is the gold that the rest of us end up looking for anyway. Deeeeep, but something thats on the surface in India. Last day in Delhi today, longest day tomorrow, wish us luck!
God bless
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
We have arrived!
Namaste Everyone
We are here and we are in full form. The 11 hour flight from Christchurch to Singapore and then the quick change-over for the 5 hour flight to New Delhi, is now, after a full day's excursion beginning to take its toll.
We woke to the sounds of dogs barking, tuktuks beeping and the general hussle and bussle of the Delhi lifestyle.
We walked into the main Bazaar bursting with busy street life and Marty took us to our first group breakfast. Strangely enough the most popular choice was the "American Breakfast" Most of us are being extremely careful not to be too adventurous - just in case!
After breakfast everyone experienced the tuktuk rides to St Colombus school where Brother Lenny Lobo, the principal was waiting for us. This is a Catholic boys college and we were taken to a classroom where a group of their senior boys talked of their education experiences while our boys listened with keen intent. Wow, the students at St Colombus' were most inspiring and they have an acute sense of the value of education. Very articulate and extremely focused. Our boys were given a tour around the school and then treated to lunch and a bottle of coke. Brother Lenny was most accommodating and kind. He orgainsed our taxis to our next destination.
The New Zealand High Commission was great. The staff were very welcoming and we were treated to a "high tea" of - wait for it... cucumber sandwiches and cake - What a splendid afternoon it was sitting in the safety and good company of the New Zealand High Commission ambassadors.The boys performed the haka twice today and both performances were superb. Both the students at St Colombus' and the NZ high Commission staff were impressed.
We have all purchased and replenished our water bottles and (made sure the seals were safe) and have not long returned from a fabulous dinner which we had in a restaurant on the roof-top not far from where we are staying.
Some of us have dared to take a risk and have eaten spicy food, including the odd chicken dish. We will wait and see what eventuates.
Tonight at dinner some of our boys were dressed in their new attire - colourful Indian pants and tops - many of the students wandered around the bazaar and markets before dinner and already they are gaining the art of bartering.
The reflection group sessions this evening revealed some interesting feedback which included some of the following comments: - "I can't get over the noise, its constant! I love this place, the tuktuks are sooooo cool, I really enjoyed visiting St Colombus school and the Sacred Heart church, I really like the atmosphere, The Indian people are so helpful, there are so many things to check up on, like the water bottle, the hand sanitizer, and the passport being on and inside your shirt". And this is only day one. By the look of a few of the faces tonight; jetlag looks like it has kicked in. Tomorrow we are off to Sewa Ashram - a rehabilitation compound for the very needy. We will leave after breakfast and this will be another interesting day.
Prue you are right - all senses have well and truly been activated and this is just the beginning. We are blessed with another superb group of students who have opened their minds and their hearts to their new immersion journey.
Please excuse the errors I am finding it difficult to concentrate - a combination of jetlag and lots of noise and activity in this internet room.
Will keep you posted.
Bernie
We are here and we are in full form. The 11 hour flight from Christchurch to Singapore and then the quick change-over for the 5 hour flight to New Delhi, is now, after a full day's excursion beginning to take its toll.
We woke to the sounds of dogs barking, tuktuks beeping and the general hussle and bussle of the Delhi lifestyle.
We walked into the main Bazaar bursting with busy street life and Marty took us to our first group breakfast. Strangely enough the most popular choice was the "American Breakfast" Most of us are being extremely careful not to be too adventurous - just in case!
After breakfast everyone experienced the tuktuk rides to St Colombus school where Brother Lenny Lobo, the principal was waiting for us. This is a Catholic boys college and we were taken to a classroom where a group of their senior boys talked of their education experiences while our boys listened with keen intent. Wow, the students at St Colombus' were most inspiring and they have an acute sense of the value of education. Very articulate and extremely focused. Our boys were given a tour around the school and then treated to lunch and a bottle of coke. Brother Lenny was most accommodating and kind. He orgainsed our taxis to our next destination.
The New Zealand High Commission was great. The staff were very welcoming and we were treated to a "high tea" of - wait for it... cucumber sandwiches and cake - What a splendid afternoon it was sitting in the safety and good company of the New Zealand High Commission ambassadors.The boys performed the haka twice today and both performances were superb. Both the students at St Colombus' and the NZ high Commission staff were impressed.
We have all purchased and replenished our water bottles and (made sure the seals were safe) and have not long returned from a fabulous dinner which we had in a restaurant on the roof-top not far from where we are staying.
Some of us have dared to take a risk and have eaten spicy food, including the odd chicken dish. We will wait and see what eventuates.
Tonight at dinner some of our boys were dressed in their new attire - colourful Indian pants and tops - many of the students wandered around the bazaar and markets before dinner and already they are gaining the art of bartering.
The reflection group sessions this evening revealed some interesting feedback which included some of the following comments: - "I can't get over the noise, its constant! I love this place, the tuktuks are sooooo cool, I really enjoyed visiting St Colombus school and the Sacred Heart church, I really like the atmosphere, The Indian people are so helpful, there are so many things to check up on, like the water bottle, the hand sanitizer, and the passport being on and inside your shirt". And this is only day one. By the look of a few of the faces tonight; jetlag looks like it has kicked in. Tomorrow we are off to Sewa Ashram - a rehabilitation compound for the very needy. We will leave after breakfast and this will be another interesting day.
Prue you are right - all senses have well and truly been activated and this is just the beginning. We are blessed with another superb group of students who have opened their minds and their hearts to their new immersion journey.
Please excuse the errors I am finding it difficult to concentrate - a combination of jetlag and lots of noise and activity in this internet room.
Will keep you posted.
Bernie
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Liturgy before we leave
Namaste Everyone
The Liturgy will be held in the school staffroom at 5.30 pm. This will be our last formal gathering before our departure.
I hope you are all becoming familiar with this blogsite. You will be able to log in and follow our journey.
Bernie
The Liturgy will be held in the school staffroom at 5.30 pm. This will be our last formal gathering before our departure.
I hope you are all becoming familiar with this blogsite. You will be able to log in and follow our journey.
Bernie
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
We'll be in the sky flying high soon
Namaste Everyone
Hope the packing is going well - take care not to leave everything to the last minute! Hand sanitizer is cheap at 'Payless Plastics' in Sydneham. Don't forget to check out Marty's emails for any information you may have missed.
looking forward to catching up with everyone at the Liturgy.
Bernie
Hope the packing is going well - take care not to leave everything to the last minute! Hand sanitizer is cheap at 'Payless Plastics' in Sydneham. Don't forget to check out Marty's emails for any information you may have missed.
looking forward to catching up with everyone at the Liturgy.
Bernie
Friday, November 11, 2011
Departure time is fast approaching
Namaste Everyone
Our departure to India will be here sooner than we think. I hope you are all checking off 'to do things' on your lists.
I was at Farmer's sale in Orbell street recently and came by a few bits n bobs I thought would be useful as I pack - one of which was some pressure socks for travelling - good for circulation and supposedly keeps DVT in check. On my last trip I spent the first week in India walking around with fat ankles - so I am hoping these travel socks do the trick this time.
The Fashion Evening fundraiser went well and we had a good number attend - A fun and engaging night. It is always pleasing to be able to tick off successful events.
The raffle will be drawn next week and this pretty much marks the end of our fundraising initiatives.
Thanks again to all those who have participated one way or another in fundraising - Well done.
All the best with last minute packing and preparation and remember - if in doubt - shout.
Bernie
Our departure to India will be here sooner than we think. I hope you are all checking off 'to do things' on your lists.
I was at Farmer's sale in Orbell street recently and came by a few bits n bobs I thought would be useful as I pack - one of which was some pressure socks for travelling - good for circulation and supposedly keeps DVT in check. On my last trip I spent the first week in India walking around with fat ankles - so I am hoping these travel socks do the trick this time.
The Fashion Evening fundraiser went well and we had a good number attend - A fun and engaging night. It is always pleasing to be able to tick off successful events.
The raffle will be drawn next week and this pretty much marks the end of our fundraising initiatives.
Thanks again to all those who have participated one way or another in fundraising - Well done.
All the best with last minute packing and preparation and remember - if in doubt - shout.
Bernie
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