Well here I am, still intact, sitting in a lovely high roof top patio in a rather middle class area of Delhi. Everyone else is still packing, we are due to be picked up for our final experience of the Delhi traffic melee as we head for the airport and home. DO NOT want to leave this climate, surprisingly wind, cold and rain do not appeal, but SO looking forward to a roast dinner, and NO CURRIES !
In short, the 'safari' was a good experience, coupled with lovely fresh, unfume filled and non gritty air . I was especially touched by the wonderful staff. Transport here, early, got to go!!
Saturday, 27 February 2010
Friday, 26 February 2010
Final Night in India
Well, final night. 11:07 pm local time. Today has again been packed, mostly at the last minute. It was intended to be a free day for sightseeing and last minute spending, not likely when you put Asha and India in the timetable! This morning we were asked to present a Computer to one if the College Students (funded by the monies raised), great privlege, preceded by a visit to Ektar Vihar Slum to be welcomed. All went well, particularly as the Police Commissioner also sent three armed policemen to ensure it did! Julie met up with Reena, who was delighted to see all of us.
Lunch time brought an invitation from Freddy for Dick, Julie, Sue and I to attend a Reception in the evening at the New Zealand High Commisson, along with Kiran and two College Students. The High Commissioner had arranged a sale of Art by two Indian Artists (who had based their pictures on a recent visit to New Zealand), with part of the proceeds going to Asha. His wife has been teaching English with Asha for about 18 months. A great evening, and a privilege.
The afternoon saw a trip to Old Delhi. The Asha Jeep was parked in the underground carpark. Not just any car park, an Old Delhi Car Park. Most of the cars looked as if they had been there for years, and all the roadways had cars double parked, nose to tail, in them, blocking in all aother cars. Thankfully it all went well, and we did eventually emerge.
Roger, Lorraine, Stuart and Pauline have all returned from the far reaches of the jungle with excited tales of Tigers, Deer, Elephants etc etc, determined to make a return trip.
Freddy reports Louis as alive and well, thoroughly enjoying every minute of being with the long term volunteers.
Ian and Frances survived their train trip, full of tales of the Indian Railways. Will they make a return trip in the future…………..
Dick and I both have reports to write when we get back, reviewing the areas we looked at this week, and Kiran would like mine in a format to present to the Home Minister for India, better check the spelling carefully.
Well, signing off for the evening, getting a bit sleepy.
Nigel.
Everyone beginning to regroup.
Having learned the lesson of remembering to keep your fluids up or end up feeling weird, nauseatic and detached, I now find myself feeling more human after a cup of tea, two mango-flavoured biscuits and 1 1/2 hours sleep. The price I paid was having to send my apologies with Dick, Sue and Nigel as we had been invited to attend a function hosted by the New Zealand High Commission, this evening. They will be able to explain more later, but it appears that part of the proceeds of the evening will go to a charity and they have selected asha. Four of the students from Asha have also been invited. No doubt I shall understand more when they return back...whenever that may be!
The Tiger lot have now joined us, but as I was doing my weird thing, I haven't heard any details of their trip except what I have read on here! Breakfast will be animated! Nigel and Sue managed a coffee with Frances and Ian at the Cottage Emporium this afternoon (they have returned from Jodpur and are staying at the YMCA for the last night. We'll meet them at the airport tomorrow.)whilst Dick and I searched for a suitable bedspread to convert into a front door curtain. We got exactly what I had in mind so now all Dick needs to do is create a rail, I shall do the sewing which should be minimal. Before Nigel makes the comment that he had to wait for us to finish....I hasten to add that all remaining purchases were gifts and NOT for me... (A little defensive is she not?)
We shall be picking Louis up on the way to the airport, he seems to be staying in a superb flat with some other longterm volunteers teaching English in Seelampur. It will be good to hear how his week has gone.
Yesterday I managed to meet up with Reena and her children at the Asha Polyclinic as we were unable to visit her in her home due to the prevoius episode. I think it actually worked out better as we had at least an hour together, exchanging gifts, praying together and generally attempting communication although hugs and smiles spoke volumes. We had bought a number of items for the family which included two pairs of shorts for Ashish (almost 3yrs)(which came down to his ankles, but still looked fine as trousers!) and a London double decker bus, which went down well!
For Sakshi (18 months)I made a dress, which I think she would trip over at the moment! She'll grow into it! We also bought her a small soft teddy which was an instant hit! I had forgotten how small the Indian children are, they both looked a year younger size-wise. It was lovely to see them playing with their toys whilst Reena and I talked and Sue and I took photos.
So here I sit, sipping tomato soup...with a definite "bite" to it, feeling a little better although it took me ages to get into the packet which was foil wrapped and sealed...In the end I remembered a sharp piece of metal I had snagged my dress on earlier....sliced open and job done! Remember to ask me about a similar tale re trying to open other Family Planning items from packets....with razor blades....
So much to say, but I don't want to hog all the news! Only one more thing though (!) the children at Tigri have all written back to the children at Birchfield. We are so pleased with their efforts, all written in English...impressive eh? I think the school will be delighted. They even reciprocated by doing two formal group photos!
So home tomorrow, very late...seems strange to be leaving, but it has definitely been a worthwhile trip!
The Tiger lot have now joined us, but as I was doing my weird thing, I haven't heard any details of their trip except what I have read on here! Breakfast will be animated! Nigel and Sue managed a coffee with Frances and Ian at the Cottage Emporium this afternoon (they have returned from Jodpur and are staying at the YMCA for the last night. We'll meet them at the airport tomorrow.)whilst Dick and I searched for a suitable bedspread to convert into a front door curtain. We got exactly what I had in mind so now all Dick needs to do is create a rail, I shall do the sewing which should be minimal. Before Nigel makes the comment that he had to wait for us to finish....I hasten to add that all remaining purchases were gifts and NOT for me... (A little defensive is she not?)
We shall be picking Louis up on the way to the airport, he seems to be staying in a superb flat with some other longterm volunteers teaching English in Seelampur. It will be good to hear how his week has gone.
Yesterday I managed to meet up with Reena and her children at the Asha Polyclinic as we were unable to visit her in her home due to the prevoius episode. I think it actually worked out better as we had at least an hour together, exchanging gifts, praying together and generally attempting communication although hugs and smiles spoke volumes. We had bought a number of items for the family which included two pairs of shorts for Ashish (almost 3yrs)(which came down to his ankles, but still looked fine as trousers!) and a London double decker bus, which went down well!
For Sakshi (18 months)I made a dress, which I think she would trip over at the moment! She'll grow into it! We also bought her a small soft teddy which was an instant hit! I had forgotten how small the Indian children are, they both looked a year younger size-wise. It was lovely to see them playing with their toys whilst Reena and I talked and Sue and I took photos.
So here I sit, sipping tomato soup...with a definite "bite" to it, feeling a little better although it took me ages to get into the packet which was foil wrapped and sealed...In the end I remembered a sharp piece of metal I had snagged my dress on earlier....sliced open and job done! Remember to ask me about a similar tale re trying to open other Family Planning items from packets....with razor blades....
So much to say, but I don't want to hog all the news! Only one more thing though (!) the children at Tigri have all written back to the children at Birchfield. We are so pleased with their efforts, all written in English...impressive eh? I think the school will be delighted. They even reciprocated by doing two formal group photos!
So home tomorrow, very late...seems strange to be leaving, but it has definitely been a worthwhile trip!
Many pics and vids
For everyone who wants to have a look at some pictures and videos from the first week, please look here: www.facebook.com/anemdo (you need to have a Facebook account)
- reactions to Harry the monkey
- pictures of Taj Mahal
- and more...
- reactions to Harry the monkey
- pictures of Taj Mahal
- and more...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)