On leaving England I was aware from what many people told me that India is a busy, bustling and on the move country, but merely from the taxi journey from
Bangalore airport to my home stay, nothing could prepare me for what I saw.
Having read travel guides I now completely agree, I don't think anything will compare to my first trip here, I have seen some very strange things, met some interesting people, ate a massive amount of rice and have found everything challenging, but at the same time exciting and enjoyable.
Having been in
Bangalore for about two months now, I'm getting slowly used to some of the strange quirks that India can throw at you. (I'm hoping to be able to finish this before another power cut . . .) The cows are now part of the street furniture, in fact, they seem almost as natural as the horse drawn carts, the eight lanes of cars on a duel carriage way and those fun count down timers they have on the traffic lights, very grand prix!
I have also grown to value immensely a helpful hand when lost, having back some what frustrated with conversations like; "Excuse me, do you know the way to the 'Core Complex?'" "Core Complex? Ahhhhh . . . . No boss."
And then finally the revaluations that hit you ever so often; if you sit down in the front of the bus, you may not do so for long, this is in fact that area that women are supposed to sit, and you will be laughed at by all other passengers.
I am called uncle noodles (curly hair that they've never seen before) at the local orphanage and have been accepted as if I've been there for years.
Along with three other gappers we are preparing for a production to the orphanages sponsors a week today. The children are working really hard and learning a lot, I've really enjoyed working with them and am looking forward to seeing our efforts on stage
My time being a Kid's Activity Leader has been a little easier, particularly as I work with people who are able to explain things to me. Currently, I'm been given the opportunity to help out at hockey coaching sessions, which although means waking up at six am, I love. The children we are coaching are looking forward to their city tournament and the chance to play against other teams of their own age, hopefully finding the success they deserve. We spend two hours on a Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday morning at practice and have been working on skills and shooting drills, which by many standards is commitment. It's humbling to know the children have journeyed for an hour and a half and have probably woken up at about four thirty in the morning to be there. I used to find it annoying driving across town on a Tuesday night, once a week, in a car I didn't really need.
Last weekend the Kid's Activity Leader Team were also given a free day out, complete with lunch, to a local hill station, Nadi Hills. With it's stunning views and it's own temple we were treated throughout the whole day. Again, an early rise, and a long bus ride Indian style just outside the city, the lack of sleep quickly became fully worth while as we climbed up to be able to see across the flats of Karnataka and the mountains off in the distance. Unfortunately, this really put my home landscape to shame; Bedfordshire only just touches the 240ish meter mark.