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Hi
Been a couple of days since my last blog. Everything is going fine here. Ok it sometimes gets too much but still enjoying myself. Random photos are being chosen for blog entry photos as haven't got much choice of photos and no photos of Kolkata on off exploring website. I haven't took any photos yet as been settling in and I've got nothing at moment to transfer photos from camera to computer as stupidly left it at home. Just looking don't think the computer station has got USBs here so not sure how I am going to put photos up. Think its only got a floppy disk drive. Screens are new though. Is better than internet parlour that US girl used as she has mice and rats scurrying across the floor. Luckily haven't seen them yet. I am pleased to say.
Climbed over some wires in road from an electricity pylon again. Saw a a horse and cart go by window round the roundabout. Traffic is still bedlam here. Met the US volunteer who was very nice and can tell has been here for longer as she is alot better that crossing roads than I am. Can tell that dogs are local here too as they can judge the traffic. Saw 3 crossing road on own today then about 10 mins later they rushed past the window of the internet parlour (which is on the roundabout). Had 3 experiences now of local buses. Been to a market today with volunteer. Was good and wasn't one that had to barter at either. Didn't buy anything as that moment got to be careful about what I buy before tour as don't want to weigh bag down. Us girl got lots of souvenirs and an outfit. Had some lovely souvenirs in shop. Got a list of things to buy which is getting quite long: trousers/long skirt as I get more stares when wear a knee length skirt and can make me feel a bit uncomfortable as most ladies are covered to ankles. Mug (as mine has rusted and hadn't realised when I was at home from all the camping trips). Watch as mine broke as fell over the other day and gave myself a bit of shock. Luckily not hurt so all fine. Just pride and ego hurt. Stand out as it being a Westerner. Books, bag as need one when take camera out with me so can hide it under a load of tat. Other than that using my little bag for work that I got as a going away present. Toilet paper and tissues. Do get toilet paper but not much so want my own personal supply. Couldn't stop sneezing the other day so went through so many tissues. Also been using them in place of toilet paper. Think wet wipes and hand sanitiser might end up going too! Was rather worried today as first time I've ate out other than homestay or volunteer project. Had a tea, vegetable cheese sandwich and a mango tango. Was concerned as mango tango came with ice in it but us girl has eaten and drank there 3 times and hasn't had any problems. Feeling a bit odd now but whether it was bus ride not sure. Also had a bit of funny stomach this morning so that could be it but had nothing major yet. Tomorrow hopefully going into city centre and meeting the Leeds volunteers lot. Looking forward to seeing the city, the maiden (lungs of the city) and memorial.
Been at project last few days. Rotating placements. First day was in family services which was looking at exercises for working with child and parents so that it is better for child and also for diagnostic purposes. Second day was in the special school and third day was working in respite and day care centre. Respite and day care centre was most challenging as staff were speaking in bengali, adults in there were used to be spoken to in Bengali and they also didn't talk but communicate by their own sign language. One said I was nice and I thought he was saying he needed the toilet. In afternoon worked in pre-school nursery with children from very disadvantageous backgrounds from in slums. They were very sweet and giving them chocolate out was very rewarding. Problem with language barrier again which is same for all placements. Had to pick between projects I was between family services and schools. Family services as its what I am very interested in but I am not much help there just sitting and observing. Schools I can be more help there. Project wanted me to be in schools but may have come to compromise to do a bit of both. Yesterday went in family services again and baby clinic as was waiting to speak to head about where I was being placed.
Going back to homestay now. Looking forward to cleaning feet as got some gunk on them. Think its only grit but still a little uncomfortable. Been raining nearly all day again today! A little hot in parlour but heat hasn't been too bad so far as rain keeps it cool. Sorry if haven't wrote in complete sentences. Always a bit of rush to write it all.
- comments
Carol n Andy Ellis Hello my lovely, You certainly have got some patience to write such a brilliant blog. It sounds very interesting there in more ways than one! :-) We all went to Simon & Dave's 30th birthday party yesterday @ Dave's house, it was fancy dress, the theme countries of the world, there were some really good costumes. I was telling Dave all about your trip, he has spent quite a bit of time in India & said to pass his email address on to you so that if you want any hints & tips - especially for Delhi airport - give him a mail, he is full of good info & would love to read your blog, his email is [email protected] I am going to attempt to upload some photo's of the party ... maybe not tonight, it is late & I am very tired. You keep your spirits up love, can't believe that you have only been there a week, it seems ages ago! Take care. Lots of love Carol & Andy xxxBIGHUGSxxx
Suzanne Hello Carol and Andy, Thanks for your message. Hope things are good with you. Wish I could have been there for party. Thank you. I will ask him for advice for Delhi airport and see whether anything he would particularly advise me seeing in Mumbai as I am only there a day. I can't believe its only been a week too. Enjoying it but also missing home. Love from Suzanne xxx
Jasmine Suzanne...you may be on the other side of the world, but you still have the ability to make me cry with laughter! The comment "One said I was nice and I thought he was saying he needed the toilet" made me erupt into crazy belly giggles! Hahaha! :) I'm reading your blogs with wide-eyes, and envy! What you're doing is incredible. Stay safe, have fun and keep smiling. Much love xx
Suzanne Thanks Jazz Glad it amused you. I had another problem with language barrier the other day. In afternoons I am working with pre-school nursery children from very disadvantaged backgrounds. I resort to sign language as don't know Bengali. Anyway with this little lad I was trying to tell him to listen to the teacher. I pointed over to teacher and then cupped my hand round my ear and pointed at my ear to listen. He thought that I wanted him to go up to other teacher. She was then like what are you doing go and sit down. Today has been a bit of a challenge at times as my left ear has blocked up and hurts a bit. Its making my hearing not as good and I really need my hearing to listen to what kids are saying. Wish you were here with me. xx