Is it too late now to say Saree
For those who rose early today began with clearing up the mess made by last night’s storm. We helped as much as we could, although the culture of being a host is to prevent a guest from doing any dirty work. The children were sweeping leaves, picking up broken branches, returning displaced laundry, and clearing floodwater.
Once Udayan was again the cleanest place we’ve seen in India we sat down to breakfast to discover who was last night’s victim of the Traitors – today’s brekkie was a spicy rice with peanuts. We then got ready for our morning lessons with Udayan Vidiyala. Today we were leading the ‘lessons’ and on the curriculum was singing, dancing, nursery rhymes, literacy, numeracy and art. The children of Udayan secretly voted for their favourite lesson and the winning teachers have received immunity from murder (Traitors again!). They’ve chosen not to identify themselves so we will see how it affects the game in the morning.
After lunch, we headed to a department store for some saree shopping. The selection of fabrics in beautiful colours was quite overwhelming and some found the choice very difficult. After choosing a Saree we had to, find a matching petticoat and blouse to complete the outfit. The boys also got in on the action picking up some snazzy ‘pyjamas’ (this is what the long-style shirt is called).
The commute home was another sensory onslaught of smells, swerving and beeping which is the Kolkata way. Following an impromptu pull-up challenge/lesson with some Udayan boys, we sat down for tonight’s ’round table’. A 4-4 tie between Maddie and Emily, took us to a tie-break which saw Emily ‘banished’. But was she a faithful or traitor?
A quick cup’a chai and it was time for most to head for an early night and get packed to leave for the city in the morning via a leprosy colony. It will be a tough day but will put into context the amazing work that Udayan is doing.
Tonight’s blog was written by Michael. (Hi Patrice, I miss you loads).
A great blog Michael! Good luck and safe travels to your next destination and enjoy the experience. Loving hearing what you’ve all been up to and the photos are amazing! ❤️
Fantastic blog Michael ,😂😂😂😂 dad and I reading it loving the daily updates and the picture in your new attire , the girls look very happy too. We are very pleased you are enjoying the experience and missing the English. tea!!lol and sorry but I had to comment even though you told me not too , safe journey to the city chat tomorrow 😍