Arrival
After an emotional goodbye, confiscated shampoos and shoes, we were on our way. A slight delay on take-off let us with an hour to connect in Dubai, but other than some sweaty fingers, immigration was much smoother than last year without anyone being threatened with deportation.
The sights and sounds of the city were overwhelming to our sleep-deprived group. The stop-start of traffic and incessant beeping was an onslaught on the senses. Scenes of cows and goats in the middle of the road seemed so stereotypical it was surreal to witnessing it in person.
Udayan welcomed us with cries of ‘Bachchan’ (Dcn Liam’s Bollywood alter-ego) and ‘Bicky’ (Miss Bowden’s miss-pronounced name). We were greeted with carnation petals and ceremonial head paint. Siblings Macie and Carmen were instantly recognised and the whole group felt welcome and familiar as the girls of Udayan led them off by the hand as if they were being reunited with family members.
To the new visitors Udayan was much more than they expected. A huge campus, with colourful buildings, beautiful plants and plenty of outdoor playing spaces was so different to the cramped and bustling city we had driven through, and a world apart from the streets and slums some of these children call home outside of Udayan.
A long, tiring day brought our first taste of Bengali cuisine and bucket showers which we’re sure will feature in future updates.
Some of team already never want to leave, such is the infectious joy and sincere welcome we’ve received. All that’s left is dinner and early-ish night.
