Today is Thursday June 4th, our day off from working at Mother Theresea's homes. Usually we get to sleep in a little extra, but today we decided to wake up at 5:15 so we could get to the park. I don't remember the last time I woke up this early, but I never feel tired in Kolkata. We went to go to a Laughing Yoga class, and I'm so glad we did. Laughing Yoga combines some yoga stretching with laughing exercises, loud and silent. It was hilarious and so much fun!
Then we went on a tour with Sampson from the Blue Sky Cafe, where we eat all our meals. We went to the Howrah Bridge and the Flower Market, where we were given beautiful necklaces made of real flowers. They smelled so good but I was so nervous about us getting stung by the bees that swarmed them! Then we went to three Jain temples which had beautiful mosaic tiles and mirrors. We went to a potters colony and saw hundreds of clay sculptures that were in the process of being put together and painted so that they could be shipped all over the world. Most of the sculptures were of Hindu gods, and are usually bought for festivals where they are then dropped back into a river, as a way of giving a gift back to the gods. We also went to the Tagore House where the Nobel Laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore was born. After a failed attempt to get into the Marble House, we went to the Indian Coffee House, where legendary intellectuals have sipped some java.
After our break, we viewed a temple from the outside because it was closed, and we went to another which was open, where Kate and Katie had a blast scaring away all the piegons. Unfortunately, poor Valerie got pooped on, but she took it like a champ. After we were done looking around we loaded all ten of us back into our cramped tour SUV and headed back to Blue Sky. It was a long and sweaty day, but I wouldn't have changed a minute of it. Kolkata is infamous for the slums and poverty, but the city has many hidden treasures, such as its temples, its spirituality, and its people. I'm glad we were able to take a day to view new parts of the city, because now I love Kolkata even more.
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2 comments:
Hi Hannah,
It sounds like you had an amazing day. I'm so pleased that you've had the chance to gain a comprehensive perspective about the city. What a gift! I'm sure Samson was a wonderful tour guide. Please give him my best!
It's hard to believe that you have only 3 days left. I've been keeping up with the blog, and this trip sounds incredible. You, Hannah, I know, have taken full advantage of this entire experience and I'm so happy that you're a part of this service experience. I'm certain that your passion, compassion, kindness, thoughtfulness and work ethic are appreciated by all you meet.
I suspect that it will be hard to say good-bye, no matter how much you're looking forward to returning home, but you're coming back changed in some powerful ways. What will you do with this experience, this privilege of serving in Kolkata. I look forward to seeing it in the next couple years.
Until then, know that I'm proud of you and that you and the entire St. Mike's group are in my thoughts and prayers. Enjoy the next few days!
Peace!
Namaste,
Jay
Reading the blog this year has been such an amazing experience -- to be able to have not only a window into each of your own journey, but also to share with you through your words all the emotions felt. thank you so much for putting the time into this!
I am so glad that you all got to do these different things; there have been many I have met in India who question why I did not also see more of the whole culture in Kolkata that exists beyond sudder street and the volunteer life. It is important to take it ALL in and thank you for doing that!
Wow, laughing yoga & a tour with the Blue Sky guys, I cannot wait to hear more!
Travel safely home -- Namaste,
Erin
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