After posting my blog last week, I witnessed quite a spectacle. It was the
first time I think my jaw dropped. I was visiting some temples with my house
mother and her friends. As we drove through Vellore, there were police vans and
men, slowing down the traffic. We slowly drove past, a young man walking with a
large arrow through one cheek and out of the other. Drums were beating.
Followed by a lorry, at the front of this lorry, 4 men were suspended in the
air by hooks in their backs. Their legs were secured with orange ribbon. The
men were flying. This was all part of a celebration for one of the gods at the
temple. I felt quite gob-smacked.
We continued our evening at an Iskcan where I joined in the celebrations of
Hare Krisnas birthday. ALOT of singing. I have always seen Hare Krishna
celebrations along the streets of the UK. This was exactly the same , but in a
confined space. I was given an education.
It's been another good week in workshop land! Though not as messy as last
week. We got snappy happy, making paper chain men and other designs as well as
paper snowflakes. It was a success all round. Some of the designs were so
intricate. I can definitely learn from the kids. Other kids took longer to
learn about the importance of how we connect the chain. But after 2 or 3
attempts they got it.
Fruity Tooty Tribal fun! Up to the hills bright and early on Thursday,
another school that I had not yet visited. The road was the worst that I have
experienced yet! The workshops in the hills can be a lot more experimental, as
there is more support from teachers and helpers. When we visit, everything is
put aside. I could do a workshop for the whole day if I wanted.
Best way not to get dust in your hair!
We had great fun, as I introduced the children to printing. Learning about
textures and colours. When I was younger I remember printing with potatoes. I
remember how fun it was. So I carved some potatoes, chopped apples, a long
spiky vegetable and grapes. The kids probably wondered why we were painting and
not eating them. I did 2 workshops, one either side of lunch, and then I sang a
rather fabulous 'Head, shoulders, knees and toes' before heading back down the
mountain.
Lunch cooking on the fire
People seemed surprised that on Tuesdays and Wednesdays I travel to Arni.
It takes 1hour and half each way, 1 change. So 6 hours traveling in 2 days.
But to me I rather enjoy this time. It gives me time to zone out and forget
everything. The scenery is ever changing, I know the best way to get a seat and
I can daydream. Well there is only one thing I ever daydream about.
This Wednesday I was very tired. Struggling to keep my eyes open in the
morning. DO NOT FALL ASLEEP. Missing my stop would be a game changer. But
heading home my stop would be the last stop, so I decided to just rest my
eyes...
Now you will all know what happens next, we have all have done it, fallen
asleep on public transport, waking ourselves up as our head drops heavily
towards our laps. Each time I woke myself up I had a different person sitting
next to me. I found this quite amusing.
The girls enjoyed over an hour of salt dough modelling.
I have enjoyed quite a few mountains of rice this week. Fresh papaya,
pomegranate, watermelon and jackfruit. My favourite Indian dish is Upma. It is
just so good on so many levels.
It is hot! Sweat pours off me. It's incredible how much there is and
probably rather gross. As I was with class 6 at Arni. I was showing them a
demonstration when one student, pointed at the sweat on my forehead and
generally looked really concerned.
Down to the learning disability school again on Friday. More kids appeared
today. We decorated snakes, which I then cut and hung off and alcove and the
fan. Some of the children couldn't really engage.
There was one little boy who just enjoyed trying to eat everything. I
turned round and he was sucking the felt tip. Then I gave them dough to play
with and he was attempting to eat this. When the snakes were finished, we
stayed around for abit. The little boy who eats everything, seemed to take a
liking to me and came to hug me. Next thing he was pretty much climbing up me.
He wrapped himself around me and we just hugged for ages. The staff were
surprised. He has not done this before, but he is a Muslim and apparently they
hug a lot. He could sense the cuddle in me a think. I think we both really
enjoyed the warmth of the hug.
Henna, I have always thought how beautiful henna designs are. So my Saturday morning was me decorating my arm, hand and feet with henna. Then sitting for ages waiting for it to do its thing and develop. It lasts for about 10 days. I love it! Perhaps if I get good enough I can set up my own stall. I think I may be covered head to toe by the time I return for my brothers wedding in the summer. Now a Sunday dip in the pool to cool down in think!
Oh hey ! Cheeky selfie!
