I can't say that we wined today, but we definitely dined. When the boys woke up this morning little did they know that they were in for another set of highs and lows; much of which was deliberately scheduled to throw a final series of daylight experiences at the boys to round off the first 5 legs of the trip. Transitioning now onto Leg 6, we eagerly await an arrival in Goa, with the opportunity to swim in the sea, soak in the sun's rays, and sit with a series of thoughts about what this adventure has all meant.
Tonight's train trip and the thoughts of the looming luxury of Goa couldn't be realised though until the boys lived another day in the real India. Therefore just for you, our loyal readers, this is how they fared:
Saturday 28 December
6:45am- Wake up, wake up, wake up! The boys jump out of bed knowing all too well what is in store for the first two hours this morning (amazing how a treat gets people to do just about anything; even like smiling prior to 7am in this case)
7:10am- Hahahahahahaha. After the mandatory upper body stretches led by some 80 year old male and this mid 60s female companion (what a player that fella must be), we begin laughing. Yes laughing. Like Ho Ho Ho Ha Ha Ha while marching on the spot. Then it's Ho Ho Ho Ha Ha Ha whilst throwing our hands up in the air. Still no idea what I am talking about? . . . Obviously being in Mumbai how can one not partake in the tradition of starting the day at the Mumbai Laughing Club (a club numbering about 7 members in total prior to our arrival). These charming folk meet every morning outside the Gateway of India to 'get their giggle on'. And we were there of course because 'When in Mumbai . . . '
7:30am- Unfortunately we had to leave the laughing just as it was about to get seriously funny. You must understand that as good as the above experience was, we were due for breakfast. Where? Well in remaining true to the mantra 'fake it until you make it' we were accepted into the club of fine diners. The venue- The Taj Hotel (#6 stars, #waterfalls, #men turning taps on for you in the bathrooms and then handing you the towel after you wash, #Rolexs, #swimming pools, #'Good Morning your highness', #thug life over). The buffet breakfast was of course sausages, bacon, eggs, burgers, fruit (what a novel food group), muffins, donuts, cereals, yoghurts, juices, coffees, teas, massages (oops not quite). The total cost per person approx 2400Rp (NZ$43).
8:30am- We return to reality; the Taj experience was successfully over. Maybe we were just full or maybe Mitch ruined everything when he was asked where we were staying only to respond 'The YWCA' - it was at this point you would have assumed the Taj staff were practicing members of the group we had been doing stretches with at 7:10am in the morning as their laughing filled the entire Taj Hotel lobby (and trust us when we say that it isn't a small place to fill)
8:45am- Breakfast was over and we could now focus on showering (this probably should have done prior to heading to the Taj Hotel), packing our bags and possibly even catching another 30 minutes more sleep
10:15am- Check out complete. Mr Jordan assures the Editor that all matters at the YWCA regarding accommodation costs are sorted. Fast forward to few hours later and the Editor is called 5 times to immediately report to the Main Reception. Angry, the Editor sends the Irish Ambassador back, at which point 3 pieces of paper need to be signed and filed so that their company 'policy' can be followed correctly. Why? Because they overcharged us 1 Rupee (1/2 a NZ cent) and needed to reimburse us to prove their effectiveness
10:30am- We depart to the South Mumbai Docks, the workplace of the parents of the Magician Rugby Club. These same rugby players and parents were the ones who hosted us in the slum community on the afternoon of Christmas Day. The smell is overpowering, the sea water is a thick black substance due to a layer of oil, the fisherman's faces looked hardened by the sea breeze, and the industriousness of the women stripping the shrimp is impressive but also demoralising from our perspective. A day on the docks earns these families a wage. Likewise spending 15-20 days at see in a leaky boat (yes a leaky boat) earns a wage. These wages combine to about 10,000 Rp per month per family. This morning we spent 2,500Rp per person on breakfast. The boys come to understand the purpose of the deliberate contrasting- no need for guilt men, just your awareness
12pm- A quick walk and our world is transformed again. This time we are in a school. It is uplifting, inspiring, energetic. The classrooms have children immaculately dressed, with compassionate staff prepared to teach 70 at a time. The children smile; clearly they see themselves as blessed. We are welcomed whole heartedly by the Principal. He has passion, drive, and a vision for the future. He mentions studying is the key for these children to have something more than the occupational distress their parents endure daily on the neighbouring shipping yards. His task is to prepare these students for higher education, but it is more than that; he is providing an Education on Life
1pm- Vijay and Anwar provide an excellent Q&A session on the realities that they face in the communities that they work in. Timeout- to be honest it has been a little remiss of me to not mention what the Magicians Rugby Club does. The Magicians is an offshoot of Magic Bus, a massive NGO in Mumbai. The Magicians, under their voluntary President, Vijay (who has given up paid employment for a 3 year period to dedicate himself totally to the cause), and Secretary, Anwar( also a volunteer), provide opportunities for students to play the sport of rugby. Coupled with this they strongly promote an emphasis on education, basic hygiene teaching and team work. Combined their staff work with approximately 6000 children from slum communities (hence our ability to visit the slum district on Christmas Day, plus the outing to the docks this morning and this school visit). Two massively inspiring gentlemen; a true privilege to reconnect with them
2pm- A quick cab ride and we all re-assemble at the Regal Cinema. The boys are instructed of the parameters to which they can travel, and subsequently head out to eat, shop, and explore
7pm- Everyone returns on time and the bags are collected. Things are running smoothly!
7:30pm- Being slightly ahead of schedule we flick our attention to a couple of Experts in the Field presentations. First, Mitch McLean smashes out a superb summary of the current Indian Political landscape. Then Harison Manks combines his research, with the collection of interesting facts that Sancia had given him yesterday, to provide an excellent overview of Jainism. Legendary stuff guys!
7:45pm- The taxis are loaded; Mumbai CST here we come
8pm- Arrival at the Railway Station (Victoria Terminal). We still have 14 tickets that aren't confirmed for tonight's train departure; no worries, 'Relax and Enjoy Yourself'
10:01pm- The tickets are confirmed for all 25 people. Although paid for and booked 8 months earlier, there is nothing like waiting until one is inside 10 minutes of departure before giving it the 'Ok, Ok, Ok'
10:08pm- Two bloody minutes early, the train takes off two bloody minutes early! Well you truly know how to surprise India
11pm- Most are now asleep. The early start today, and another early wake up to get off the train tomorrow morning has resulted in sensible sleeping decisions being made
So on we roll into the night. Heading deeper south tonight will bring a greater intensity in terms of the physical temperature, but much less heat by way of confrontational sights and smells.
Several of the group have mentioned over the last few days that Mumbai will hold a special place in their memory banks (right up there with Kolkata). You would have to conclude that this sentiment is not surprising considering it has been in Mumbai that we have had the second largest level of interactions with the local communities and NGOs. Isn't it always the case though that the people make the place!
Ben
MVP- Tim Burns. Today during our school visit young Timothy became completely frustrated by his own lack of understanding of the Hindi language (as a side note everyone else in the group has become totally fluent in the Hindi language, especially the conversational aspects of the dialect- "Ok, Ok, Ok, How much my friend?"). Therefore with his patience past breaking point, young Tim stood nervously in front of a classroom of 30+ students, where the Headmaster was formally introducing our group to a cohort of respectful Indian students (it would be funny to know what the students thought as they looked up in amazement at us, the Pakeha giants). Anyway, what happened next was quite shocking. Tim lost it completely and began belting out the New Zealand national anthem at the top of his vocal range, possibly in the hope of 'removing the uncomfortableness'. Consequently, on one hand he receives this award as an outcome of the nerve he showed, yet on the other hand he has been fined for not commencing our anthem in Te Reo like one would expect from an upstanding New Zealand citizen.
Thought- We all need change. Tonight as we boarded the train I looked around and saw drained faces. Physically our team is stuffed. Thankfully though a change is on it's way, with the new location of Goa set to be a welcome respite. Yet, if our change of location hadn't been scheduled would the boys have been aware of their own current energy levels? How often in life do each of us plough on and decide not to recognise a change to our daily reality/routine is in order? How often do we stand in the same spot for an unhealthy length of time and pretend that change isn't necessary?
Tonight's train trip and the thoughts of the looming luxury of Goa couldn't be realised though until the boys lived another day in the real India. Therefore just for you, our loyal readers, this is how they fared:
Saturday 28 December
6:45am- Wake up, wake up, wake up! The boys jump out of bed knowing all too well what is in store for the first two hours this morning (amazing how a treat gets people to do just about anything; even like smiling prior to 7am in this case)
7:10am- Hahahahahahaha. After the mandatory upper body stretches led by some 80 year old male and this mid 60s female companion (what a player that fella must be), we begin laughing. Yes laughing. Like Ho Ho Ho Ha Ha Ha while marching on the spot. Then it's Ho Ho Ho Ha Ha Ha whilst throwing our hands up in the air. Still no idea what I am talking about? . . . Obviously being in Mumbai how can one not partake in the tradition of starting the day at the Mumbai Laughing Club (a club numbering about 7 members in total prior to our arrival). These charming folk meet every morning outside the Gateway of India to 'get their giggle on'. And we were there of course because 'When in Mumbai . . . '
7:30am- Unfortunately we had to leave the laughing just as it was about to get seriously funny. You must understand that as good as the above experience was, we were due for breakfast. Where? Well in remaining true to the mantra 'fake it until you make it' we were accepted into the club of fine diners. The venue- The Taj Hotel (#6 stars, #waterfalls, #men turning taps on for you in the bathrooms and then handing you the towel after you wash, #Rolexs, #swimming pools, #'Good Morning your highness', #thug life over). The buffet breakfast was of course sausages, bacon, eggs, burgers, fruit (what a novel food group), muffins, donuts, cereals, yoghurts, juices, coffees, teas, massages (oops not quite). The total cost per person approx 2400Rp (NZ$43).
8:30am- We return to reality; the Taj experience was successfully over. Maybe we were just full or maybe Mitch ruined everything when he was asked where we were staying only to respond 'The YWCA' - it was at this point you would have assumed the Taj staff were practicing members of the group we had been doing stretches with at 7:10am in the morning as their laughing filled the entire Taj Hotel lobby (and trust us when we say that it isn't a small place to fill)
8:45am- Breakfast was over and we could now focus on showering (this probably should have done prior to heading to the Taj Hotel), packing our bags and possibly even catching another 30 minutes more sleep
10:15am- Check out complete. Mr Jordan assures the Editor that all matters at the YWCA regarding accommodation costs are sorted. Fast forward to few hours later and the Editor is called 5 times to immediately report to the Main Reception. Angry, the Editor sends the Irish Ambassador back, at which point 3 pieces of paper need to be signed and filed so that their company 'policy' can be followed correctly. Why? Because they overcharged us 1 Rupee (1/2 a NZ cent) and needed to reimburse us to prove their effectiveness
10:30am- We depart to the South Mumbai Docks, the workplace of the parents of the Magician Rugby Club. These same rugby players and parents were the ones who hosted us in the slum community on the afternoon of Christmas Day. The smell is overpowering, the sea water is a thick black substance due to a layer of oil, the fisherman's faces looked hardened by the sea breeze, and the industriousness of the women stripping the shrimp is impressive but also demoralising from our perspective. A day on the docks earns these families a wage. Likewise spending 15-20 days at see in a leaky boat (yes a leaky boat) earns a wage. These wages combine to about 10,000 Rp per month per family. This morning we spent 2,500Rp per person on breakfast. The boys come to understand the purpose of the deliberate contrasting- no need for guilt men, just your awareness
12pm- A quick walk and our world is transformed again. This time we are in a school. It is uplifting, inspiring, energetic. The classrooms have children immaculately dressed, with compassionate staff prepared to teach 70 at a time. The children smile; clearly they see themselves as blessed. We are welcomed whole heartedly by the Principal. He has passion, drive, and a vision for the future. He mentions studying is the key for these children to have something more than the occupational distress their parents endure daily on the neighbouring shipping yards. His task is to prepare these students for higher education, but it is more than that; he is providing an Education on Life
1pm- Vijay and Anwar provide an excellent Q&A session on the realities that they face in the communities that they work in. Timeout- to be honest it has been a little remiss of me to not mention what the Magicians Rugby Club does. The Magicians is an offshoot of Magic Bus, a massive NGO in Mumbai. The Magicians, under their voluntary President, Vijay (who has given up paid employment for a 3 year period to dedicate himself totally to the cause), and Secretary, Anwar( also a volunteer), provide opportunities for students to play the sport of rugby. Coupled with this they strongly promote an emphasis on education, basic hygiene teaching and team work. Combined their staff work with approximately 6000 children from slum communities (hence our ability to visit the slum district on Christmas Day, plus the outing to the docks this morning and this school visit). Two massively inspiring gentlemen; a true privilege to reconnect with them
2pm- A quick cab ride and we all re-assemble at the Regal Cinema. The boys are instructed of the parameters to which they can travel, and subsequently head out to eat, shop, and explore
7pm- Everyone returns on time and the bags are collected. Things are running smoothly!
7:30pm- Being slightly ahead of schedule we flick our attention to a couple of Experts in the Field presentations. First, Mitch McLean smashes out a superb summary of the current Indian Political landscape. Then Harison Manks combines his research, with the collection of interesting facts that Sancia had given him yesterday, to provide an excellent overview of Jainism. Legendary stuff guys!
7:45pm- The taxis are loaded; Mumbai CST here we come
8pm- Arrival at the Railway Station (Victoria Terminal). We still have 14 tickets that aren't confirmed for tonight's train departure; no worries, 'Relax and Enjoy Yourself'
10:01pm- The tickets are confirmed for all 25 people. Although paid for and booked 8 months earlier, there is nothing like waiting until one is inside 10 minutes of departure before giving it the 'Ok, Ok, Ok'
10:08pm- Two bloody minutes early, the train takes off two bloody minutes early! Well you truly know how to surprise India
11pm- Most are now asleep. The early start today, and another early wake up to get off the train tomorrow morning has resulted in sensible sleeping decisions being made
So on we roll into the night. Heading deeper south tonight will bring a greater intensity in terms of the physical temperature, but much less heat by way of confrontational sights and smells.
Several of the group have mentioned over the last few days that Mumbai will hold a special place in their memory banks (right up there with Kolkata). You would have to conclude that this sentiment is not surprising considering it has been in Mumbai that we have had the second largest level of interactions with the local communities and NGOs. Isn't it always the case though that the people make the place!
Ben
MVP- Tim Burns. Today during our school visit young Timothy became completely frustrated by his own lack of understanding of the Hindi language (as a side note everyone else in the group has become totally fluent in the Hindi language, especially the conversational aspects of the dialect- "Ok, Ok, Ok, How much my friend?"). Therefore with his patience past breaking point, young Tim stood nervously in front of a classroom of 30+ students, where the Headmaster was formally introducing our group to a cohort of respectful Indian students (it would be funny to know what the students thought as they looked up in amazement at us, the Pakeha giants). Anyway, what happened next was quite shocking. Tim lost it completely and began belting out the New Zealand national anthem at the top of his vocal range, possibly in the hope of 'removing the uncomfortableness'. Consequently, on one hand he receives this award as an outcome of the nerve he showed, yet on the other hand he has been fined for not commencing our anthem in Te Reo like one would expect from an upstanding New Zealand citizen.
Thought- We all need change. Tonight as we boarded the train I looked around and saw drained faces. Physically our team is stuffed. Thankfully though a change is on it's way, with the new location of Goa set to be a welcome respite. Yet, if our change of location hadn't been scheduled would the boys have been aware of their own current energy levels? How often in life do each of us plough on and decide not to recognise a change to our daily reality/routine is in order? How often do we stand in the same spot for an unhealthy length of time and pretend that change isn't necessary?
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