Our travels are over, and we are now getting ready to leave Kolkata. Margaret and Mary-Jo have already gone, Irene and Katharine leave tonight, and Jane leaves late tomorrow, Jan 31st.
On our trips to and from distribution sites, it was interesting to see the activities in the countryside. We saw fields of sugarcane, rice paddies, garden vegetables (onions, potatoes, cauliflower), bright colourful flowers (huge dahlias, gladioli, mums), and yellow mustard, which provides a spice and cooking oil for frying fish and the most delicious french fries I have ever had! The odd vineyard could also be seen in some areas.
We drove past groves of mango and orange trees, banana trees and coconut trees. The coconut provides not only juice and the actual coconut as we know it, but the hairy part of the coconut provides filler for mattresses, cattle bedding, and brooms.
Teams of water buffalo ploughed through the soil, driven by men in bare feet, of course. Cattle and goats wondered freely on the roads and streets. Everywhere we looked there were dogs searching for food or lounging in the sun. Any horses we saw were quite emaciated and were used in the tourist areas to pull buggies and provide rides, for a price. While we saw many chickens wandering around, the outbreak of avian flu forbids the selling or buying of chicken and chicken products. However, as one person noted, it is not illegal to eat chicken. Hmmm.....
In the small villages could be seen women working cow dung into small patties and sticking them to the walls of houses, to dry in the sun. These patties are then used for fuel. I think that I will stick to making the simple mudpies as opposed to cowpies.
We noted that India is having the same problem as Canada, in that good agricultural land is being used for large developments, displacing not only animals but also the poor people who have set up a rudimentary shack in which to live.
Brick making was seen, and men, women, and children were involved in some way in the making of the bricks. Loads of bricks were carried on the head, to central areas where they were piled for sale. If you worked really hard, you could make as much as 50 rupees a day, which is the equivalent of about $1.25 a day.
Furniture making was also seen in small shops, and the variety of items showed intricate carving and work. I am sure that only the elite classes would be able to afford, or have the space, to use these items.
This trip has been an educational and rewarding adventure, and I shall certainly miss the wonderful, hospitable Rotary friends we have made. However, I think we have convinced one lady to travel to our country and so we shall perhaps see her soon.
Kathy Watt
... submitted on behalf of the Kolkata Team 2008
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