Today we were able to sleep in so Cristina and I had breakfast at 7am at our neighborhood hangout, Fresh and Juicy. A fresh mango juice, and toast with olive oil that Cristina brought along - very tasty. When we arrived at Kalighat, breakfast had already been served so we headed up to the rooftop to hang out the laundry. I snuck my camera in my apron pocket (don't tell the Sisters!) so tomorrow will post some pics of the laundry and sights from the top of Kalighat.
Following laundry, we sat with Sister Betatina (sp?) who shared stories of Mother Teresa and the founding of Kalighat which was very special. On Sundays, mass is held at the home at 10.00am so we headed downstairs to join in. Blankets were laid on the floor and we sat on the blankets. One of the Brothers was testing the mike saying hello, hello, hello. So I answered hello, hello, hello and was recruited to read at Mass. I do need to work on my silence a bit more! Following mass we served lunch to the patients, cleaned up the dishes, and then the Sisters invited the volunteers to join them for lunch. We had basmati rice, with a potato curry veggie dish, and a chicken curry dish. It was all really good. I have noticed that my diet is definitely weighted on the carb side - lots of white bread, rice, potatoes, and noodles - so I am eating just fine.
When we finished, a number of us decided to explore the Eden Gardens as we heard they were a lovely display of native flowers, shrubs, greenery, etc. We took a taxi and asked for the Gardens - he took us to the Government Building. We all got laughing and he didn't understand gardens so we asked a man on the street who said Eden Gardens! Then the taxi driver said Oh, Eden Gardens! It was pretty funny as our accents usually do get us into trouble. After finally arriving, we found a closed sign posted on the fence and soon learned that the gardens have been closed for two years!! So much for that experience!
A number of my Canadian friends invited me to join them for dinner tonite as it is their last evening in Kolkata. I brought the beer and while at the liquor store, was informed that Indian ladies do not drink. At which time three Indian customers said may we come to your party? It was pretty funny! There is a group of 18 young adults traveling from Canada who I have gotten to know over the last week and a half. We had pizza, get this, delivered from Domino's! And it was really good!! Dinner was on the rooftop of their hotel and it was great fun. One of the volunteers brought a surprise desert - yes, it was brownies!! And they were delicious!! Pizza, beer and brownies!! It was a taste of home!!
A rooftop pizza, beer and brownie party with a bunch of Canadians in Kolkata - how cool is that! Hmmm, how come I'm not surprise that you volunteered to supply the booze - Ha!
Posted by: Yui Chan | May 21, 2007 at 06:38 AM