 |
| From Belgaum 2011 |
We arrived at Ranebennur at about 0930 hours after a trip through cotton fields. The roadway was full of carts piled dangerously high with cotton and all pulled by oxen. We received a royal welcome at the hands of the Rotarians and were bedecked with garlands of flowers, presented with roses, and offered incense. Lastly we received the red forehead Hindu blessing.
The children as usual were excited and entranced by the entertainment provided by the SCAW team. They even learned how to sing "We will rock you" fully accompanied by the percussion on the wooden desks offered by myself and Tamara.
The distribution itself took place in a courtyard surrounded on two sides by a balcony. The parents occupied the balcony and but for the occasional exchange with their children were perfectly behaved and provided an interesting backdrop.
We took a protracted lunch break and thus the distribution was long as we didn't finish until 1730 hours followed by a two-hour trip back to our hotel in Hubli.
It was a tiring day but the smiles of 697 children and the expressions of gratitude from the parents made it all worthwhile. As we were packing up to leave I heard some of the kids singing "We will rock you" as they left. I think we left more behind than just bedkits -- hopefully some good memories and the sense that there are those who care for them.
Tom Todd,
for Team Belgaum, 2011
More blogging at Chic Savvy Travels, A Backpacker's Guide for Grown-ups
Post your comments here.
