I am sure everyone will be pleased to know that today I ate some food!! Seriously, today I actually ate the most I have so far and woke up feeling a lot better too, so I am sincerely hoping that from now on in, I shall not be having concerned Indian women, whom I have never met asking me to eat and if I am OK, as through the word of the Hindu Times it has been reported that I am under eating. Phil I am hoping is taking note of my requirements for when I return to the UK.
Just finished our presentation at the Madras Central club tonight and think we are all settling into it a bit more and some of us (mentioning no names here Ben & Carl) are free styling their way through. These presentations are a double edged sword as its good practice for us and we get to share information about us and our district but we get more presents every time - I will need to purchase a new bag as for the first time ever I can't fit things in!! Val was right when she said I would get bought clothes as I have managed to get a traditional trouser suit and a Sari and we are only just on week 2!!
We are visiting a boys club tomorrow so I am really looking forward to that as the work the Madras club does sounds amazing, much like the projects we visited today run by the Madras Central. We haven't' had too much interaction either with the Indian children so I am keen to see what services are like here for children.
I have heard the weather is some what nippy over there in the UK, so I shall be thinking of you all tomorrow when we have to get into our air con bus to cool us down from the scorching heat
Monday, 31 January 2011
Rotary Projects
I haven't had much internet access until I moved to my new host that I am sharing with Hollie yesterday. My last family had two children aged 19 and 20 who were always busy studying to be architects in the room with the computer, so Ididn't want to interrupt their hard work to blog.
Today we went to visit some Rotary Projects, first we went to see the Blood Bank. I did feel a little queasy when they opened the big fridge door when I could see all the blood in the bags! The importance of the work they do was really brought to life when we saw two young children that have a condition which means that each week then need to be given blood. Without this service the children would have to pay lots of money to get the blood each week - which they couldn't afford. Each week around 90 children are given blood at the blood bank.
We also went to a hospital which is supported by the Rotary Club of Central Madras. It is asounding how many people they see and how much they have done to provide high quality medical care.
We have learned a bit more about the projects supported by the Rotary Club of Central Madras today, but tonight they are going to find out a bit more about us as we do our presentation for them. Getting nervous just thinking about it....
Today we went to visit some Rotary Projects, first we went to see the Blood Bank. I did feel a little queasy when they opened the big fridge door when I could see all the blood in the bags! The importance of the work they do was really brought to life when we saw two young children that have a condition which means that each week then need to be given blood. Without this service the children would have to pay lots of money to get the blood each week - which they couldn't afford. Each week around 90 children are given blood at the blood bank.
We also went to a hospital which is supported by the Rotary Club of Central Madras. It is asounding how many people they see and how much they have done to provide high quality medical care.
We have learned a bit more about the projects supported by the Rotary Club of Central Madras today, but tonight they are going to find out a bit more about us as we do our presentation for them. Getting nervous just thinking about it....
Sunday, 30 January 2011
My new family and shoes!
Here I am with my new family and a new culture, they only moved to Chennai 5 years ago, and I'm told every 200 miles you'll find a new way of living. We had an great evening meal, with three generations sat round the table, and a beetroot dish that was amazing.
This morning i did a short talk at a Rotary Club, followed by the wedding, then this evening I visited a small village to meet a group that are campaigning to 'save the beaches'.
Those following will have seen the comments on my new shoes, in all fairness I did not realise they were not mine until after doing a short walk and thinking to myself our much more comfort I had when walking, as before the wedding I had been sporting a £10 pair of Tesco's finest plastic shoes and now walking in style with a brand new pair of Hush Puppies. I did have a brief look to see if mine were still there - they had gone! (so it was not my fault).
Yet again we have had major issues with James, Day 1 he presented the team to the district by pointing his rear end to the crowd for 5 minutes. Botanical garden visit - he was told off for standing on a wall -so he decided to jump off that and walk over the grass, then got whistled at by yet another security guard for walking on the grass. Temple visit - he took a photograph at a temple seconds after being told he was not allowed to. Hindu charity exhibition, again told off for incorrectly addressing a woman. Then today at the wedding he met the wedding party with his shoes on, which was naughty, then again came the illegal photography. Part from all that he is a fantastic leader and friend to all of us and Rotary District 1220 could not have provided us with anyone better.
Bed time
This morning i did a short talk at a Rotary Club, followed by the wedding, then this evening I visited a small village to meet a group that are campaigning to 'save the beaches'.
Those following will have seen the comments on my new shoes, in all fairness I did not realise they were not mine until after doing a short walk and thinking to myself our much more comfort I had when walking, as before the wedding I had been sporting a £10 pair of Tesco's finest plastic shoes and now walking in style with a brand new pair of Hush Puppies. I did have a brief look to see if mine were still there - they had gone! (so it was not my fault).
Yet again we have had major issues with James, Day 1 he presented the team to the district by pointing his rear end to the crowd for 5 minutes. Botanical garden visit - he was told off for standing on a wall -so he decided to jump off that and walk over the grass, then got whistled at by yet another security guard for walking on the grass. Temple visit - he took a photograph at a temple seconds after being told he was not allowed to. Hindu charity exhibition, again told off for incorrectly addressing a woman. Then today at the wedding he met the wedding party with his shoes on, which was naughty, then again came the illegal photography. Part from all that he is a fantastic leader and friend to all of us and Rotary District 1220 could not have provided us with anyone better.
Bed time
Angels and Demons
Today saw us all attend an extravagant Indian wedding where we mingled with hundreds of guests. The event was majestic in every way. Due to the unusual pairing of the bride and groom (different regions and caste) our local friends were also not familiar with this particular type of wedding ceremony. Our attendance both enhanced the colour of the event, with our brightly coloured saris and dress-shirts, and at the same tarnished the celebration through disruptive un-ceremonial acts.
Angels:
Hollie and Marianne looked quite a picture with their fanciful saris. Here is the picture (after the event):
Their hosts had appeared to spend a great deal of time dressing them in their saris and accompanying hindu accessories. However, to my amazement, all the prep took just 20 mins! I could make a joke about how long women take to get ready before going out but I’m not much better myself! Hollie and Carrie from the USA team were decorated with incredibly detailed mehndi or henna.
I was sporting a crimson Indian dress shirt and Rudraksha chain kindly given to me by my hosts Ram and Sivagami. I would also place myself in the Angels category
Demons:
James was reportedly on form and took a photo of the main wedding platform just as the girls were being told not to take any photos of this centre-piece! Luckily for James, no one had a whistle!
However, this was surpassed by an act unlawful in almost all countries and all cultures. Without naming any names, one of the group took off his/her budget Tesco shoes off prior to stepping onto the wedding platform. On their return they mistakenly (supposedly) swapped these shoes for a pristine pair of hush puppies, which the offender proclaimed offered a superior level of comfort and style.
Obviously I am keen for these to be returned to their rightful owner so if you have found your shoes to be missing please contact me right-away. Alternatively for more detail, please contact Carl who will be able to tell you the shoe size.
Whoops!
Change is as good as a rest.
As Carl has said, we had a wedding to go today and to be fair (not that I am biased) Marianne and I did look quite fabulous with the boys not even coming close!! I have also had Henna done on both hands and am really quite impressed with how fantastic it looks. Marianne and I are now sharing our second hosts and he is the current President of the Madras club (that means we must be totally on our best behaviour!!).
For my last evening with my first hosts yesterday we visited a Jain temple near their home and had dinner together, and then finished the evening playing Indian games - I even won one!! I must say a huge thank you to Muthu and Kamala as they have been so very kind and accommodating to me, and very concerned with my health - this is the first and only time they have hosted a GSE person and they did a spectacular job, and I already look forward to seeing them at the District Conference again. Unlike the others I haven't been eating much due to the climate and early starts, which has given great concern to people, but I am sure to catch up quite soon I would think - I am at least drinking more water than I ever have done in my life so if that doesn't pay off for my skin nothing will! This evening we are going to our hosts brothers Birthday party and have District visits planned for tomorrow, and an evening meeting.
Carl and James are keeping the group more than entertained and each day is seeing us grow as a supportive and enthusiastic team to each other and our friends we have made here in India. I now also can make Chai tea!.
All Change!
It's Sunday and we start our next five nights with new hosts, I've moved away from the coast to the centre of the city, so lots of new noises and smells to take in, the place I'm staying is very nice. with three generations of family living here.
We all visited an Indian wedding today, Marianne and Hollie decided to wear traditional Indian dress, and looked amazing, Ben also made an effort by wearing an Indian top - me on the other hand decided to have some new shoes for the occasion.
All is going well - nap time!
We all visited an Indian wedding today, Marianne and Hollie decided to wear traditional Indian dress, and looked amazing, Ben also made an effort by wearing an Indian top - me on the other hand decided to have some new shoes for the occasion.
All is going well - nap time!
Saturday, 29 January 2011
Couple of snaps!
We've just got back from a wonderful day out, visited two temples (photos above) and a large Hindu event.
Having snacks now before a walk on the beach, which is the second longest in the world, then an evening visit to the tank and temple (now that's not the name of the local pub - but the local temple and the tank is a pool of water with a shrine in the middle of it) then last meal with my current hosts and a final chance for Bala to tell me about the provided community services here in India.
Friday, 28 January 2011
it's the weekend
I've really adapted to my new lifestyle here in India, and already know it's a place I want to come back to and do more work. I keep taking lots of photographs - but that can't capture the noises, smells and goings on around me, Val made a great comment that when you visit India you get hooked - it's totally true.
Well today is an early start, we're visiting a Temple, then a traditional breakfast before a shopping spree at a bangle and handicraft store, then another temple before a traditional lunch. (I was meant to loose weight here - no put it on!)
It's my last day/night with Bala, who's hospitality, guidance and support has been second to none - and his wife is wonderful, I will really miss them both next week, but will leave more knowledgeable on this wonderful place that is India.
(I do hope people are reading this blog! - I'll try and get some photos on later)
Bye for now!
Well today is an early start, we're visiting a Temple, then a traditional breakfast before a shopping spree at a bangle and handicraft store, then another temple before a traditional lunch. (I was meant to loose weight here - no put it on!)
It's my last day/night with Bala, who's hospitality, guidance and support has been second to none - and his wife is wonderful, I will really miss them both next week, but will leave more knowledgeable on this wonderful place that is India.
(I do hope people are reading this blog! - I'll try and get some photos on later)
Bye for now!
One Down!
That's it - the first presentation out the way!
It went very well indeed - and people seemed to enjoy it.
It was great for me. I'm so quiet and shy, getting up and talking was a great experience.
Well Done Team!
It went very well indeed - and people seemed to enjoy it.
It was great for me. I'm so quiet and shy, getting up and talking was a great experience.
Well Done Team!
It had to happen at somepoint!
Firstly - I admit, I got it wrong, it was Florence Nightingale that lived in Derbyshire, I knew that - I should know that. But, Hollie pointed out I spent 5 minutes trying to convince everyone it was Mother Teresa - which of course it wasn't, the statue just looked the same! They won't leave it - how on earth we'll get through the presentation tonight without laughing is the next point, especially if James does his usual presentation of the team.
Today, was at the St John Ambulance HQ in Chennai, and it really hit home, as today was the first day I met the 'locals' manual workers on a first aid course that not only couldn't speak English - but actually struggled with their own language. never less, demonstrating and imitating the recovery position saves lives without having to speak. I was so warmed that SJA are making so much progress here - but can see so many more areas we need to work in to save lives and make a difference to those that loose family members because of major bleeding or choking and no one knew what to do.
and finally...
I've been waiting for it to happen and it has. Just getting into the car earlier there was an almighty clatter, and a school boy on his push bike was under a guy on a scooter - what a reality check, thank goodness I knew what to do, as everyone else just stood looking, scared.
Today, was at the St John Ambulance HQ in Chennai, and it really hit home, as today was the first day I met the 'locals' manual workers on a first aid course that not only couldn't speak English - but actually struggled with their own language. never less, demonstrating and imitating the recovery position saves lives without having to speak. I was so warmed that SJA are making so much progress here - but can see so many more areas we need to work in to save lives and make a difference to those that loose family members because of major bleeding or choking and no one knew what to do.
and finally...
I've been waiting for it to happen and it has. Just getting into the car earlier there was an almighty clatter, and a school boy on his push bike was under a guy on a scooter - what a reality check, thank goodness I knew what to do, as everyone else just stood looking, scared.
Out of action..but now back on!!
I haven't been able to access the site for a few days so I now have some catching up to do it seems!! Yes it is true that the mozzies seem to love me more than most here but that just goes to show its only the good ones that get bitten!!
Firstly it came as a shock to us all that Mother Theresa had stayed in Derbyshire a lot, according to Carl and when asked several times if this was really true he insisted yes it was....or was it indeed Florence Nightingale that had stayed in Derbyshire...Hmm, turns out it was the latter!!
Moving swiftly on, I am being cared for by my hosts with such generosity it is unbelievable (Muthu & Kamala). They have been so accommodating and kind - this is the first time they have had a GSE visitor so lets hope its not their last - their children too have been very interested in me after some initial reservations (can't blame them!!). They do seem somewhat obsessed however with feeding me!
As the rest have said its been pretty non stop since we got here and I have seen a mixture of things with the group and with my hosts - yesterday's Chennai City Tour was very interesting and we learned a lot about the buildings and the culture - we saw the big influence the British had here. My hosts too have taken me to a women's centre that allows different women's groups/cooperatives to have stalls in the building free of charge and even pays some of their bus fare into the City to work on the stalls - we don't have things like that really in the UK so it was amazing to walk round and speak with the women - so much I wanted to buy but couldn't due to space, which was very frustrating!!
Today also I had my first vocational visit with the American team leader Chris. It was to a day centre for young people with learning disabilities that has been going for 22 years and has three centres in the area - I was amazed at how much smaller the space is they have to do their work, but just how dedicated everyone is to the organisation, given they get only a very small amount of funding from the Government. I found it really insightful. Tonight we have our first presentation so it was maybe that thought that gave me my first bout of delli belly (not bad day 5 in!!) - thank goodness for Boots!!
I leave my hosts on Sunday to change to another and will be sharing with Marianne, which I am looking forward too, but shall also miss my first host family - I cannot express enough just how very kind they have been to me. Tomorrow we head off to see our first temple which I am intrigued to see. We have also been able to spend a lot of time with the American team and got to know them really well so again, that's been a good learning experience for me.
Oh, and did I mention just how fantastic the weather has been????
Firstly it came as a shock to us all that Mother Theresa had stayed in Derbyshire a lot, according to Carl and when asked several times if this was really true he insisted yes it was....or was it indeed Florence Nightingale that had stayed in Derbyshire...Hmm, turns out it was the latter!!
Moving swiftly on, I am being cared for by my hosts with such generosity it is unbelievable (Muthu & Kamala). They have been so accommodating and kind - this is the first time they have had a GSE visitor so lets hope its not their last - their children too have been very interested in me after some initial reservations (can't blame them!!). They do seem somewhat obsessed however with feeding me!
As the rest have said its been pretty non stop since we got here and I have seen a mixture of things with the group and with my hosts - yesterday's Chennai City Tour was very interesting and we learned a lot about the buildings and the culture - we saw the big influence the British had here. My hosts too have taken me to a women's centre that allows different women's groups/cooperatives to have stalls in the building free of charge and even pays some of their bus fare into the City to work on the stalls - we don't have things like that really in the UK so it was amazing to walk round and speak with the women - so much I wanted to buy but couldn't due to space, which was very frustrating!!
Today also I had my first vocational visit with the American team leader Chris. It was to a day centre for young people with learning disabilities that has been going for 22 years and has three centres in the area - I was amazed at how much smaller the space is they have to do their work, but just how dedicated everyone is to the organisation, given they get only a very small amount of funding from the Government. I found it really insightful. Tonight we have our first presentation so it was maybe that thought that gave me my first bout of delli belly (not bad day 5 in!!) - thank goodness for Boots!!
I leave my hosts on Sunday to change to another and will be sharing with Marianne, which I am looking forward too, but shall also miss my first host family - I cannot express enough just how very kind they have been to me. Tomorrow we head off to see our first temple which I am intrigued to see. We have also been able to spend a lot of time with the American team and got to know them really well so again, that's been a good learning experience for me.
Oh, and did I mention just how fantastic the weather has been????
Thursday, 27 January 2011
Traffic Jam...
Well - here we are, having an amazing time, learning lots and eating even more.
Indian hospitality is world class, and really enjoying the way of life, the place. the people and getting answers to so many questions and thoughts.
You'll see from previous blogs that I was not well at the start - but going strong now!
Hollie seems to have very tasty skin, those little things keeping eating her, and very envious of Marianne going to the fairground!
I'm being very well looked after and getting on with my host extremely well, although two nights ago we had a slight situation in the car - they thought it would be nice to take me to a spot on the beach to see the evening atmosphere, so off we went, towards the bottom of this very busy single lane road was a roadblock, the road was not wide enough to turn, and there were cars behind us and in front of us with lots and lots of people walking either side and two wheelers (motorbikes and scooters) all over the place, after a while of sitting there, horns beeping, lights flashing and people shouting at each other to reverse back I decided to take matters into my own hands. So I got our the car, stood at the back of it, and shouted 'move back, while waving my arms - within 30 seconds the whole street cleared! My hosts could not stop laughing as they had never seen India people move so fast.
Had a great trip to the railway station yesterday - just looking at the mammoth operation that takes place was amazing, and seeing some of the British designed buildings in the city and fort St George was a real treat. Last night, I was very privileged to have dinner with Karrie from the US team and our respective hosts at the Taj Vivanta, one of Chennai's top restaurants that serve traditional South Indian cuisine on banana leaves and hand beaten crockery.
I could go on and share with you the naughty goings on of our leader at the botanical gardens yesterday afternoon - but have to get ready for my vocational visit.
Indian hospitality is world class, and really enjoying the way of life, the place. the people and getting answers to so many questions and thoughts.
You'll see from previous blogs that I was not well at the start - but going strong now!
Hollie seems to have very tasty skin, those little things keeping eating her, and very envious of Marianne going to the fairground!
I'm being very well looked after and getting on with my host extremely well, although two nights ago we had a slight situation in the car - they thought it would be nice to take me to a spot on the beach to see the evening atmosphere, so off we went, towards the bottom of this very busy single lane road was a roadblock, the road was not wide enough to turn, and there were cars behind us and in front of us with lots and lots of people walking either side and two wheelers (motorbikes and scooters) all over the place, after a while of sitting there, horns beeping, lights flashing and people shouting at each other to reverse back I decided to take matters into my own hands. So I got our the car, stood at the back of it, and shouted 'move back, while waving my arms - within 30 seconds the whole street cleared! My hosts could not stop laughing as they had never seen India people move so fast.
Had a great trip to the railway station yesterday - just looking at the mammoth operation that takes place was amazing, and seeing some of the British designed buildings in the city and fort St George was a real treat. Last night, I was very privileged to have dinner with Karrie from the US team and our respective hosts at the Taj Vivanta, one of Chennai's top restaurants that serve traditional South Indian cuisine on banana leaves and hand beaten crockery.
I could go on and share with you the naughty goings on of our leader at the botanical gardens yesterday afternoon - but have to get ready for my vocational visit.
Tuesday, 25 January 2011
The family life
Yesterday was my first taste of India, and boy did I have a taste of it. Dr Antony put us up in his hotel and introduced us to his chef who prepared a vast array of food for us all. Delicious! We were greated at the hotel with garlands and were made a real fuss of!
Today saw the GSE teams from UK and USA being introduced to the Rotary group at the swish Cosmopolitan club. Here we were all welcomed and introduced to our first hosts. Rotarian Sriram gave a really amusing presentation around the history of Chennai, which I later learned may have been embellished with a few half-truths!
My hosts, Sivagami and Ram have been looking after me with some vegetarian chickpea and cheese style dishes. All the food has been really tasty, so much so that my top trouser button flew off with excitement!
Kasturi and Lakshmi, the hosts teenage daughters, have been showing me all of the family photos and their love for fancy dress. The whole family are an absolute delight and are looking after me. I’ve had a lot of laughs this evening and everyone has been really friendly and eager to tell me about the India way of life and to hear of how it compares to life back at home.
Tomorrow I am getting up at 4am to go to a ceremony involving a cow and calf walking through a house – which I’m sure will be interesting! This will be followed by the national parade at 6am, so with that in mind I’ll be off to bed!
Monday, 24 January 2011
Well, we are here, safe and sound, after a good flight, on time with good food and service. No sleep owing to the flight time being daytime (old time), so not tired, on the first leg, then the second leg was rather too short and with breakfast in the middle! Carl not so good so slept until dinner time. Now he is up to scratch and really on form. Ben has been in swimming training and Marianne and Hollie were updating their tan.
Great meal tonight, of southern Indian food, far too much really.
So not hungry now. ! But sleepy.
Great meal tonight, of southern Indian food, far too much really.
So not hungry now. ! But sleepy.
Ben & Carl....
Ben is certainly enjoying the Indian way of life....eating, sleeping and swimming...and poor Carl although initially out of play due to feeling poorly is now totally up and running!! We have had a lovely day hosted by Anthony for us in his hotel, and been made most welcome by all the staff here. We set off tomorrow for the start of our big adventure...so watch this space!!
Sunday, 23 January 2011
all set
Sunglasses… check, suncream… check, industrial quantities of immodium… check!
At the airport sipping a cool mango and passion fruit beverage
Already had problems! Hollie with oversize baggage and Marianne’s cosmetics chemically sampled!
All set to go, all very excited with the imminent venture into the unknown…
Thursday, 13 January 2011
The GSE Programme
The Group Study Exchange (GSE) program of The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for young business and professional men and women between the ages of 25 and 40 in the initial years of their professional life. The program provides travel grants for teams of participants to exchange visits between paired areas in different countries. For four to six weeks, team members
study the host country’s institutions and ways of life, observe their own vocations as practiced abroad, develop personal and professional relationships, and exchange ideas. Team members can come from corporations, small businesses, community organizations, medical and educational facilities, government offices, and nonprofit gencies.
study the host country’s institutions and ways of life, observe their own vocations as practiced abroad, develop personal and professional relationships, and exchange ideas. Team members can come from corporations, small businesses, community organizations, medical and educational facilities, government offices, and nonprofit gencies.
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