Into the city
We started the day early by waking up at 5am to join the children of Udayan in prayer. After prayer we resumed playing an Indian game called “Alo-Alo” until they eagerly ushered us to join them in yoga (although there was a lot more smiling and giggling rather than yoga positions!)
We made our way down to the Charinda (the little boys housing). Inside the hall, the older boys were doing karate, however as we did karate yesterday, we asked if we could visit the younger boys upstairs. As we walked in, they were very shy however as soon as we waved and sat down with them, they started getting very excited! We played lots of games, some that the girls taught us and some new ones. Lots of cuddles were also given to the new boys who were crying from being homesick and missing their mothers. While sitting down with the children we had a sneak peek of the housemother, Gita, in the corner tailoring the outfits that we bought yesterday.
On our way to breakfast we saw the 5 class 10 girls who are sadly leaving today. It was a very emotional interaction, and tears were shed as even though it has only been 2 days since meeting each other it feels like a lifetime of love and friendship.
After a breakfast of more toast and jam with a lovely nut and raisin rice, we left our rooms to pack our bags for our 5 day stay in Kolkata City.
With all our bags down in the courtyard, we were greeted by the Udyan children all ready for school and waiting for their bus. More tears were shed as we departed. We set off on the yellow bus to the Leprosy Colony in Titagarh. Everyone was feeling nervous, not only to visit the leprosy colony, but also to walk on the bustling streets we were seeing from the windows of the yellow bus. We were fortunate to have Swapan with us who led us around the streets and the leprosy colony. However, he did at one time try to make us walk on the road in busy traffic, but Liam quickly guided us along a safer pathway!
To reach the colony, we first had to walk across the train tracks. The people who had leprosy had to walk along railway tracks to avoid the crowded streets due to the stigma and embarrassment. We quickly walked across scared a train would come! We began our tour passing through the weaving workshop, saying namaste and smiling to everyone. We also walked the wards of those with more debilitating effects of leprosy greeting patients as we went. We then explored the beautiful grounds of Titagarh which consisted of home-grown crops and ended the visit in some tea and biscuits.
Fun fact that I learnt today: Did you know that Armadillos are the only animal that other than humans can catch leprosy?
After another hour of “Who am I?” on the bus to Kolkata, we finally arrived at The Elgin Fairlawn Hotel. As soon as we arrived, we ate lunch and ordering as much European food as we could!
Once freshened up, we headed out to explore the streets and market square in the busy hustle. We all stayed tightly together as we walked down the streets linking arms. Many eyes were fixed on us and there were lots of sneaky photos taken too. Around the market we saw so many stalls with traders shouting to us to come over and see their merchandise, whilst others pursued us and literally shoved their goods in our faces.
We ended the night still full of our huge lunch, and playing Mafia and Wink Murder with some fizzy drinks which we sadly cannot have ice with. TikToks were filmed as we began to plan our Gala performance. After ten years of filmed performances the pressure is on!
