Sunday 29 January 2012

Kolkata: Rest & Guskara

A Day of Rest ...


And on Day 7 the SCAW team rested ... we did some sightseeing ... Deb and Suman ventured early in the morning to the KALI Matha Temple on the banks of the Ganges River ... we went to see the Supreme Shiva. Yes, both Deb and Suman put their feet in the Ganges ... a holy blessing ... upon leaving Deb spied wild monkeys ...

Returning to town, they picked up the rest of the team and travelled to a school site where it was the day of celebration for the Godness of Knowledge, Sarawasdi. The school was preparing for a day of festivities, but had time to show us around.

The kids enjoyed receiving bouncy balls, Canadian pencils, and having their picture taken. We were also informed that at the school they train the parents in sewing -- so they have a skill for employment! A good thing!

We followed that with a small bit of souvenir-shopping before we journeyed northwest to the outskirts of nowhere .. a three-hour drive.

We stayed overnight at a government travel site and in the morning we did a quick side trip to the jungle to see where the King of years ago would hunt bears. He had tunnels from his castle leading out to his hunting grounds.

Pomp and Circumstance ...


From Kolkata 2012
Mid morning Sunday, we arrived at the girl's school in Guskara where the distribution would be held. We were greeted by the schoolgirls throwing marigold petals at us, while we were serenaded by a girl blowing a conch shell. As well, we each received a rose corsage. After singing 'O Canada' we were given Chai tea and then started our day's event.

Once again the children surprised us with their beauty and their smiles, the distribution flowed smoothly and on the drive back we realized we only have three more days before we come home ... we are sad at the thought of leaving.

'till tomorrow

Team Kolkata 2012

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