Arrival into Kolkata

Morning all! 

I've arrived safe and well, potentially thanks to the Indian Catholic priest I sat next to from Doha. Before touching Indian soil I'd received my first invite to a family celebration.

I'm quickly settling into the bustling city of Kolkata. What a place. For the golden members of this post the living accommodation is basic but safe. We're in a guarded complex with about 500 other Indians; we're probably the only whites. One bedroom for the three of us girls (Alice and Charlotte) and as the new comer I am on the mattress on the floor. I've made it homely with the addition of the much needed mosquito net and extra padding from my sleeping bag. 

On my first night the girls took me to a local vegetarian outlet favoured by residents named Govindas where I received my first taste of curry. Its going to be a long 6 months of dhal and rice! Not as unbearable as I expected. 

First day, in fact no everyday at school has been great. Its home to about 200 kids, spread over 13 classes. They range in age from 5 - 20 years old, the majority of which are boys and all taken from the streets. Many live in boarding houses as they have no home though some attend as day scholars from the local slums. The common factor is that they all have nothing and just need a little bit of love.

As a volunteer my main responsibilities include helping to teach the kids read in English, assist in language teaching classes and (best of all) running around burning their energy either through sport or games. We eat lunch and dinner with the children, always rice and dhal. Its a good day when we get an egg! And there are no knives and forks, only my right hand. So in addition to the many mosquito bites that are littering my skin, my finger nails are stained yellow.

The streets are dirty and yes it smells but Kolkata is already starting to feel like home. I've had an amazing first week, the highlight of which was an invitation to join an Islamic family for New Year celebrations in their neighbourhood. I'll explain more in my next post and try get some photos!

Lots of Indian love 

xxx

P.s. keep your messages coming, its always good to hear from you all