January 25 was a much needed day of rest.
The team got to sleep in a bit and then after breakfast, we completed some
tasks regarding label resorting. With this completed the team was then able to
visit a modern shopping complex complete with McDonalds and Pizza Hut on the
edge of the city. This is a complete antithesis to the small vendors that line
the streets throughout most of Kolkata. The
evening was spent aboard a small vessel cruising the grand and holy Ganges
River. This cultural experience had been arranged by our Rotarian hosts. 
The
morning of January 26 found us once again on the road to a distribution, but
with a special twist. This is the day, all of India celebrates their
independence day in 1947. We were able to witness a very pleasant ceremony at
one of the local schools. At the completion of the program, we commenced our
photography and by mid afternoon had distributed 480 bedkits.
It seemed appropriate that we should be providing children the
opportunity to experience safe and comfortable nights of sleep on this special
day when they are going to enjoy a form
of independence from poor sleeping conditions.:)
Richard for the Kolkata Team
