Friday, January 18, 2008

Global Volunteers India Team Journal - IND0801a1

January 12, 2008 – Roma Wilson

Our first working week is now blending into our weekend off. A change of time to 7 a.m. for breakfast, in order to initiate an early departure time, was greeted by the sleepy 10.

Rick’s farewell letter created a tender moment as it was passed around and we wish him a safe journey to his interesting destinations.

7:53 a.m., and we were meeting Madu, our driver, in his AC bus, ready for departure to Pondicherry, now Puducherry, 175 km distance. From the observation post on the left side of the bus, we viewed the never ending construction, seldom appearing footpaths/sidewalks, ravens balancing on the overhead electric wires, and billboards in Tamil and English. In particular, one sign touched the funny bone. It read: “Drench Your Life With Fun,” suggesting a monsoon mood enlightenment. Ginny would probably appreciate that. National Highway #45 was an excellent road.

A large lake, Chembrabakkam, from which water is pumped to Chennai, was dry 3 years ago, causing a severe problem. A short stop was made to gate view a memorial to Rajiv Ghandi, at the site of his assassination (1991).

By 9:10 a.m., we changed directions to Kancheepuram. After a stop, waiting for a stationary train to move along, we arrived at #1 site of Dravidian architecture, Kamakshi Amman Temple. Shoes off, socks permitted, but no entry into the inner sanctorium for non-Hindu visitors. Stephen explained the many facets of the granite sculptures to this temple dedicated to the goddess Parvati. It was all very mysterious and an opening into this aspect of Indian culture and religion.

For a change of pace we viewed the three brave souls, Jan, Joann and George, who clambered up the huge elephant’s trunk to gain a rajah’s view of the temple complex, before departing for the next three Hindu temples.

10:30 – 10:55 a.m. at Ekambrarnatha Tempe, the mango tree – Shiva complex.

Onto Kailashnatha, the sandstone Shiva complex which was closed as someone had died here. By 11:35 am, we were viewing #4 complex.

Varadarajasamy Temple dedicated to Vishnu. This was an amazing 100 pillar hall with figures sculptured from a single solid block of granite. Some antics of naughty Vishnu captured Ginny’s sharp eyes – no further description.

By 12:15 p.m., we were at the Hotel Regency for lunch, departing 1:40 p.m. for the Sri Ganapathi Silk House. The shoppers were in 7th Heaven in a room stacked with gorgeous colours and designs of silk scarves, table centres and cloths, saris and other wares. Selection was difficult and time consuming. So it was 3:05 p.m. before our patient manager, Stephen, could extract us intact.

En route from Porur, we were amazed to view the excessive number of engineering colleges. They have approximately 300 students in each college and the full range of engineering divisions with no specialization in any one subject. Most of them were located some distance from the main road.

A comfort stop at a motel, with a large play ground, had us wondering how much the SEAM children would enjoy these facilities for play exercise. 5:40 p.m., we waited patiently for Madu, to obtain a permit required to enter the union state of Puducherry. A complete change of venue, orderly and clean streets, policemen in white uniform with gloves and red pillbox style cap. There was a slow down of traffic and from a side entrance, a ministerial entourage was given precedence. A funeral has to be conducted before sunset and this was the reason for the procession. However, we were not quite sure why we followed immediately behind it but we certainly arrived sooner than expected.

6:30 p.m. we arrived at the Lotus Hotel with passports at the ready and a longing for a hot shower. some made for the dining room and others enjoyed an early night . Deo gratias!

Thought for the Day:
“What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others, remains, and is immortal.”

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