Our return to Udayan

This morning was difficult to say the least. We were told to be ready at 5:30 in the morning. Although it was hard, it did allow us to see a different Kolkata. There was barely any people around and it was much less noisy aside from the inevitable beeping from cars. Mrs Weldon ended up knocking on taxi windows and waking up the taxi drivers to take us to church as the coach was running a bit late. The taxi ride certainly woke us up a bit but we arrived in one piece at the Missionaries of Charity Mother House for 6am mass. rnrnSitting in the mass, seeing the famous white cloth with blue stripes on the sisters’ saris that we had seen being made at the Leper Colony in Titagarh, was quite a surreal experience. After mass, we were allowed to visit Mother Teresa’s bedroom. It was humble room with only the bare necessities. There was also a crucifix and a crown of thorns that Blessed Theresa gazed at whilst she was dying. We then saw a small museum devoted to her memory including her earlier life, the projects she was involved in and some of the few possessions she owned. Finally we visited her tomb which was simple but poignant at the same time; it was a moving experience.rnrnBack at the Fairlawn, we packed up our stuff to make our way to Udayan again. At the start of the minibus journey we were excited but half way through the lack of sleep got to us and we all tried to sleep (this is very hard when swerving in and out of cars constantly). rnrn

rnrnAt Udayan, we were given the warmest of welcomes. The girls, especially, ran towards us in a stampede shouting ‘aunty, aunty!’ The girls then brought us to the sports centre, sponsored by AC Milan, to watch the younger girls in a dance lesson. It was adorable! The older girls then showed us a routine to ‘Jai Ho’, which was like Bollywood meets Zumba! All of us were then told we had to perform the routine we had just seen, which was not quite as professional as the girls but it was certainly funny for us and for everyone watching! This then brought us to lunch so we parted ways with the girls and went off to eat. After lunch we noticed that some family members had arrived at Udayan. As today is Sunday, the children have no school so it is the one day in the week where family members are brought to Udayan so this was an exciting day for some of the children here.rnrn

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rnrnAfter eating we needed a nap so we retired to our rooms for an afternoon siesta. Ole! The JOA girls woke up to two Udayan girls who managed to open the locked door to our room. How, we still have no idea. It was then cinema time for the Udayan children, and tonight was ‘Happy New Year!’ This is Bollywood movie filled with action, romance, comedy and dance, starring Rohan, who looks exactly like Pedro. He now has the older Udayan ladies fan-girling over him! It was very entertaining, despite the language difference and the fact it was almost 4 hours long!rnrnThis brought us to the end of the day and a well-deserved early night so that we can be up, bright eyed and bushy tailed for the kids tomorrow!rn

3 replies
  1. Frances Black
    Frances Black says:

    Each day sounds so amazing, it is also brilliant that you have this blog as a diary for when you return. I am sure you will all return with so many stories of your own but this will certainly help to remind you of your wonderful adventures. We are looking forward to your safe return on Thursday in the meantime the Black family send our best wishes and love to you all (especially Finn) Frances Black

  2. Susan and Martin Gamble
    Susan and Martin Gamble says:

    It’s so great to read your blog each day and to see the photos of all your happy faces it all looks and sounds amazing.I would of loved to see your dancing girls! Maybe when you get home you can all give us a dance lesson. Enjoy yourselves and take care love Susan and Martin Gamble xxxx

  3. Peter Sweeney
    Peter Sweeney says:

    It all sounds amazing (apart from the taxi ride!) and those that are managing to remain awake are obviously reaping the rewards. Liam should be well prepared for this with the lack of sleep he has had with Noah – where are those morning warm up shuffles from the Road 2 Rouen Liam, let’s see you in action and get ready for the “R2R2” in October 2015!
    nWishing you all the very best for your last few days in Udayan,
    nMr Sweeney.

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