January 22nd, 2008 Roma A. Wilson
In transit from Mysore to Chennai commencing around 8.05 p.m. on the 21st, Stephenraj had a busy time rearranging our bunks to make us comfortable. During the early hours I was awakened by the conductor pushing my back several times to question my right to the bottom bunk. I kept muttering “Stephenraj” and “No. 55”. He eventually gave up and I returned to a sound sleep till 6.30 a.m. My five Indian male compartment companions were still sleeping and no-one snored!.
As the train reached Chennai, an 11 &1/2 hours journey, Stephenraj came to collect and direct us to our trusty van driver Stephen at 7.35 am. Jan, with wide eyes and compelling gestures related the breathtaking tale of the train stop at Bangalore for the collection of her lost digital camera around 11.30 pm. Stephenraj had commandeered the air conditioning engineer to prevent the train from leaving befor they had completed all the significant papers to be signed . The carbonless paper trail was an adventure in itself. The morale of the story was never leave home without carbon paper and always attach your camera firmly to your clothing.
The joy of fresh cool air relaxations, hot showers and the sound of silence rapidly disappeared. The missing key for the No. 2 guest house was finally located by Stephenraj from brother Stephen. Ann and I made a quick dash under the cold water and a change of clothes returning to breakfast by 9.10 am.
3 journals were read to cover Saturday, Sunday and Monday ny Christine, Jan and Ruth respectively. Ruth expanded on her joyful attendance at the Monday wedding of Stephenraj’ s cousin. Another cultural experience beside her visit to the museum.
By 10 am we were at Grace Primary school. George introduced us to Esther, the school principal before going to his class for the day. Then Christine was deposited at St. Thomas hospital to check on the results of non-examination of her student nurses. They evidently evaded the exam by pounding her with questions re nursing training in U.S.A. Smart girls!
Ann, Elyse and I continued on to Assisi Illam where the youngsters kept us busy with their inattention, desire to do their “own thing” with vivid determination, and enjoyment of songs and actions. The alphabet chalked on the outside board with individual assistance was a winner. Elyse had been seconded with 12 children marching upstairs for peace and quiet!
There was a surprise arrival of a woman fish vendor with 3 different containers of fish and tiny prawns. She sat inside the gate until a selection was made. The prawns were spiced up and added to our lunch menu.
Another surprise was the toilet and tap repair for our use. Now we have a green tap and no further waste of water.
By 3.15 we were on our way home again. Stephenraj suggested helping our the tired group by showing his photos on the computer at SEAM time this evening. It was received with great enthusiasm by George and others.
Thought for the day
Good ends can never be attained by evil methods; the end itself is distorted if the method pursued in bad. – Mahatma Gandhi
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