After such a long wait, after a year that has both flown by and dragged on, we are finally in India.
Although we have been in Kolkata for less than 24 hours, it feels like 3 days already. Whilst we have been bereft of priviledges such as mobile phones, televisions and most significantly a cold bottle of V to keep us energised, Mr Skeen seems to view sleep in the same catagory: India, it appears, is always awake, and so must we be.
After a hectic taxi ride from the airport to the wonderful Hotel Emirates, and an adventurous late night walk around the block, things really kicked off at 5am this morning with the Muslim call to prayer, and far more audibly Hockly Allen's tummy rumblings.
One down, 24 to go.
We were all extrenely excited- the energy of this city is as infectious as it is draining. After a brief telling off from Mr Skeen for our noise levels (the hotel did have other guests staying, including a mouse who chose Mitch's bag as it's home for the day), it was off to the Mother Teresa House. Although I knew she was an incredible woman, the various displays showed the work of someone who had totally sacrificed herself for something most of us believe is right, but that few of us do anything to really help... I mean, I thought I was a pretty decent person, but I just felt totally humbled by the work of the nuns, as did everyone else.
That place had a very special feeling about it.
Cliche though it sounds, although Mother Teresa is dead, there was a strong sense of immortality about the house. I was renered speechless for a few minutes, and as my family will know, that is no easy feat.
Chris
And then it was back out into the chaos of Kolkata. The city of joy, according to Mr Skeen. And I must admit, I can start to see what he is getting at.
Chris
Although we have been in Kolkata for less than 24 hours, it feels like 3 days already. Whilst we have been bereft of priviledges such as mobile phones, televisions and most significantly a cold bottle of V to keep us energised, Mr Skeen seems to view sleep in the same catagory: India, it appears, is always awake, and so must we be.
After a hectic taxi ride from the airport to the wonderful Hotel Emirates, and an adventurous late night walk around the block, things really kicked off at 5am this morning with the Muslim call to prayer, and far more audibly Hockly Allen's tummy rumblings.
One down, 24 to go.
We were all extrenely excited- the energy of this city is as infectious as it is draining. After a brief telling off from Mr Skeen for our noise levels (the hotel did have other guests staying, including a mouse who chose Mitch's bag as it's home for the day), it was off to the Mother Teresa House. Although I knew she was an incredible woman, the various displays showed the work of someone who had totally sacrificed herself for something most of us believe is right, but that few of us do anything to really help... I mean, I thought I was a pretty decent person, but I just felt totally humbled by the work of the nuns, as did everyone else.
That place had a very special feeling about it.
Cliche though it sounds, although Mother Teresa is dead, there was a strong sense of immortality about the house. I was renered speechless for a few minutes, and as my family will know, that is no easy feat.
Chris
And then it was back out into the chaos of Kolkata. The city of joy, according to Mr Skeen. And I must admit, I can start to see what he is getting at.
Chris
Chrissie we are all pretty stunned at how eloquent you are my brother. I guess those good English marks over the last few years must have come from somewhere. My last memory of communication from you was when I was boarding in 6th form when your emails were pretty much one-liners telling me about Giggs' great cross in the last Man United game. You have matured substantially since then! I am very glad that you were not the first one sick. That is very selfish of me but oh well there it is. Since I'm on holiday and have gallons of spare time on my hands please keep up the updates as they are my main source of entertainment. Over and out. Love Jess.
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