So Kolkata is now over, and with the first stage of the tour already written, we have a chance to reflect. After a rocky start, Kolkata really started to impress. The happiness and smiles have all been noted, and they are worth noting as the people are what make the city. With a significant portion of the population living with little disposable income and creature comforts, the fact that they are able to smile at a passing stranger, or strike up a conversation with a tourist makes Kolkata a true joy to visit.
The thing that made me smile most, however, was the tireless work of a few individuals who have often moved half way across the world to help people (mostly children) who are born into less fortunate circumstances than themselves. But among many notable candidates such as Freeset and Future Hope, the organisation that I believe is doing the best work is the Jungle Crows. Paul, Zaffir and Tutu are three of the most selfless people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Most days in Kolkata were spent with them, and others, giving poor or orphaned children fresh hope through rugby. The Jungle Crow boys have become close friends, and I sincerely hope I will see them again, whether in India or New Zealand.
However, by the end of our stay in the City of Joy I found myself becoming comfortable with my surroundings. The beggars were no longer given a second look and crossing the road became routine. I found myself switching off to all the things that made me fall in love with the city, and this made me sad. Being comfortable made the insane become sane, the abnormal became normal. I was starting to miss the craziness of the city as the days became almost routine.
This has helped me come to the realisation that we all need variation and surprises in our lives. Routine is boring. Routine makes us comfortable. Routine means that we never push the boundaries of what is physically and mentally possible.
Therefore if everybody's lives were never ending routines with no spontaneity, would humans be where we are today?
Somehow, I think not.
Hamish Fox
The thing that made me smile most, however, was the tireless work of a few individuals who have often moved half way across the world to help people (mostly children) who are born into less fortunate circumstances than themselves. But among many notable candidates such as Freeset and Future Hope, the organisation that I believe is doing the best work is the Jungle Crows. Paul, Zaffir and Tutu are three of the most selfless people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Most days in Kolkata were spent with them, and others, giving poor or orphaned children fresh hope through rugby. The Jungle Crow boys have become close friends, and I sincerely hope I will see them again, whether in India or New Zealand.
However, by the end of our stay in the City of Joy I found myself becoming comfortable with my surroundings. The beggars were no longer given a second look and crossing the road became routine. I found myself switching off to all the things that made me fall in love with the city, and this made me sad. Being comfortable made the insane become sane, the abnormal became normal. I was starting to miss the craziness of the city as the days became almost routine.
This has helped me come to the realisation that we all need variation and surprises in our lives. Routine is boring. Routine makes us comfortable. Routine means that we never push the boundaries of what is physically and mentally possible.
Therefore if everybody's lives were never ending routines with no spontaneity, would humans be where we are today?
Somehow, I think not.
Hamish Fox
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