Back in the UK

Well what a crazy week I have had. It has been so busy, mixed with the crap Internet connection we had at the University that I was unable to get up to date. But now I'm back in the UK and getting used to being back in cold civilisation. Thankfully we were greeted back with some gorgeous sun so I'm not freezing cold yet.

India was incredible. Since I last wrote we have been seeing all the important sights of the city like San Thome Basilica, St George's Fort and numerous temples. We have also been to one of the lecturers home to meet his family and experience a traditional Indian home. It was a wonderful experience, so generous and kind people and we even experienced the crazy trains and buses plus a ride on the back of the lecturers motorbike. We had to do it two trips so it was a welcome break of being on my own for a little while.

We then worked at Spastn, which is the (excuse the politically incorrect wording) Spastics society of Chennai. We got involved with the Early Intervention work where 0-3 year olds where helped with different skills. The parents were actively involved so that the learning could be continued at home as well. We also went into the vocational workshops where the children and young adults learnt skills such as cooking, tailoring and handicrafts which could be sold to help fund their education. We found that alot of the active work done by charities and NGO's was very much based on self help schemes which was good as it didn't rely on people needing to come in and help. It was bad on our end though as we couldn't help out as much as we wanted. It was encouraging though.

On the Friday we decided to go visit a town called Pondicherry which has alot of French links. We travelled over at 7am and it cost us equivalent of £1.20 to travel around 160 km. The return bus cost us only 55p. Everything was so cheap. In total I worked out that I spent under £85 for the whole 2 weeks. It was incredible.

Though the actual trip was meant to be based around working with the University, it was poorly organised and alot of waiting around was common place but when we were left to get on with things our self and also when working with our NGO link Niana, we got alot of things done and we definitely made the most of the trip. It was certainly a culture shock, the fact that so many people live in utter poverty and scrape a living on under a pound a day. The clash of society with huge air conditioned shopping plaza's right next to slum areas made you feel like you were actually on a film set or something. It was hard to get your head around but then the inhabitants would still greet you with big smiles and hellos. The kids were fascinated with us and the parents always encouraged the kids to come shake our hands, as if it would make the children better people. It was heartwarming and heartbreaking. At the same time it was all that they had ever experienced. Many of the homeless people did have the opportunity to go to places where they could have a place to sleep or a place where they could get a free meal, but they chose not to go there. Why, I don't know.

It was a definite eye opener to home in how wonderfully lucky we are to live in such a developed country where poverty is very rare. India is slowly becoming quite developed though. With the large shopping plaza's, huge modern industrial estates of offices and western influences, alot of India makes you feel that you could be in London or the USA but is not just developing the country, it is also making the gap between the rich and poor wider. We were lucky to meet Niana who proved that the wealthy and poor could work together in harmony with respect but apparently the set up was rare in society.

All in all, the trip was a big eye opener, and if we forget that it was meant to be an University trip, then it was truely amazing! I just can't wait to go back and explore India in more depth.

India - NGO

Last night we went with our NGO lady Nino to a film showing relating to water as a resource. It wasn't what we expected but it was actually really interesting for us Geographers. It was a perfect example of a case study in water management and to make it even more interesting was that this morning we went to the actual village where the self help groups worked the new initiative. It was really interesting stuff and we learnt some amazing things as well as having a great insight into the workings of a self sufficient village. English people really need to come out and experience the things we did and will be so much more knowledgable on many key issues relating to employment and supposed labour problems.

We have spent the whole day with Nina today and we are currently at her house with her daughter after experiencing some amazing Punjabi food, a wonderful home cooked breakfast this morning and then we will be going out with her tomorrow to the opening of a new initiative of Roof Top Gardens and re using waste water. Now going to go to a soap shop to pick up some of the soap that is made by the community we visited this morning and then go see San Tome church along the coast. We may head over to the Fort later as well.

We are due to visit Pulikat lake in the afternoon but then hopefully do a little more sightseeing in the afternoon. Over all the trip has improved dramatically and I really dont want to be heading home next week. I feel there is so much more to see and absolutely love the culture after becoming such much more knowledgable on everything from the language, traditions, history and way of life!

Fabric Glory

Had an amazing day today. We went to the largest fabric shop you can imagine where you choose the fabric you want, the design of the clothing you want and then they make it for you for like less than 5 pounds. Unfortunately we didn't have any time to get anything made yet but we will be heading back soon. We went to an NGO today where elder ladies who have been made homeless can go and live safely . It was hard seeing it but they were all so friendly. The lady who had taken us there was Nina and she was so helpful with showing us places to go and places that we should go and see. Her daughter then acted as our chaffeur who lunch and she may be taking us out at the weekend. Hopefully going to see a film premiere type of occasion tomorrow which should be interesting. But for now we have had our itinerary confirmed and tweaked. Another University day tomorrow where we are going to finally sit in on a lesson then get introduced to our main NGO work.

India

Well I'm back at the Uni today as we were meant to be working in the Department of Geography but it turned out that it is a Holy Day today in Tamil Nadu so the lecturers said they would take us on a walk along the beach. Not really sure it's going to happen so we're going to go off and do some site seeing. The auto-rickshaw's are an amazing way of getting around Chennai, death-defying but also lots of fun.

We went out for a night meal at the Taj Commermara hotel where Hamish, our Staffs Lecturer is staying which was a shambles. There is alot of confusion between everyone as there are around 4 tutors at Madras Uni that are contradicting each other. Fun and games all the way though. It was a nice meal though and it was nice sitting in a beautiful air conditioned room :-)

We met a lady called Heena yesterday at the Uni who is going to meet us at our hostel tonight at 4pm and is going to do a tour for us. She is from up in the North of India in the mountains and has really good English making a great contact for our time in India. We also made friends with a French girl called Clementine who has given us her number if we have any problems.

Our hostel is really nice. I can actually say we are cold at night with the air conditioning which is great after we sweat constantly during the day. The city of Chennai itself is very un-touristy meaning people were looking at us all the time with surprise. Kids will come up to us and say hello and wave with huge grins. It was brilliant but as soon as it gets to the evenings all the homeless settle down on the streets getting ready to sleep and you can really see the hierarchy of the castes. You can help but feel sorry for them but there are so many that you really cant do anything for them. It really makes you appreciate the standard of life we have back in the UK.

The plans for the coming week aren’t set in stone yet but we have a guide book now (in French, but my translating has been going well) so we have some interesting local sites to look forward to.

Heading back to the beautiful air conditioned computer lab now for a chat with a Geography lecturer. Should be rather interesting! That’s all for now.

India

Just a quick note to say that I have arrived in India well. It has been a rollercoaster of an experience so far from staying in the most interesting of accommodation and finding it difficult to acclimatise the incredible heat. We are now staying in the Paradise hotel in Chepauk area of Chennai which is lovely. We have a great breakfast in the mornings and air conditioning plus a refreshing shower.

I am currently at the University of Madras in the Geography department where we are waiting for our culture seminar. It's currently 40 degrees C in the shade and is really really hot. We are heading over to the British Embassy either today or tomorrow for a little get together which should be interesting. We have found a lovely restaurant just round the corner from our hostel which speaks English and has a menu unlike many places. Getting to know the manager very well.

All for now but will hopefully grab a computer again soon. Back to the heat now

India - Chennai

It seems like only yesterday I was applying for Staffordshire University's International Programme with a huge application form the length of your arm. The trip involved going to the University of Madras to learn about the Indian way of life, culture and education system. We were given the option of staying in the University accommodation or have a home stay. We had the weekends to explore the city and then we were to get involved with an NGO (non-governmental organisation) basically a charity to give something back to the community. This was back in November and since then we have had fortnightly meetings to organise the details of the trip.

The actual timetable of events are as follows though I'm sure things will change:

Saturday - Travel Manchester - Frankfurt - Chennai. Leave 07.05am. Arrive 23.45pm

Sunday - Day free to recover, investigate the area

Monday - At the University of Madras, trip to the British Embassy in the afternoon as they are interested in British students coming over to the country

Tuesday - At the Uni again. In the evening we will be getting together a hotel for dinner with the trip organiser, a lecturer from Staffs, where there will be music and dancing.

Wednesday - Friday- Working with the charity C-Dot http://www.glinet.org/inspiredetail.asp?id=3295&CatID=1512

Saturday - A trip to Pulikat Lake

Sunday - A trip to Mahabalipuram

Monday - Tuesday - Back to uni

Wednesday - Friday - Back working with C-Dot

Saturday - Free day

Sunday - Travel back to UK. Leave 01.45am. Arrive 12.25pm

Should be an amazing experience of a new country, culture, colours, smells, foods, people....

I think I should really be having a nap at the moment as we are leaving Stoke at 3am tomorrow morning. The packing is pretty much done with some space to bring back lots of fabrics :-) Just need to pop over to Sainsburys for some last minute bits and pieces.

Summary of Dates

Here's a run down of some key dates at the moment:

April
4th - 19th April – Chennai, India at the University of Madras
21st - 24th April - Scotland field trip

May
2nd - 3rd May – Buxton for a First Aid Training Course
16th May - Deadlines and then the end of University!!
23rd weekend for climbing in Yorkshire ??
29th May – Expedition Preparation Conference for Bolivia in High Wycombe

June
1st June – Friday 5th June - Work
22nd June – Friday 26th June - Work
29th June – Friday 3rd July - Work
22nd June – Results for University

July
6th July – Graduation at 1.30 at Trentham Gardens
7th July – Move out of Stoke
8th July - 8th August - Leave for expedition to Bolivia

August
8th August – Return from expedition to Bolivia

Bolivia

The India dream had been smashed, I was gutted beyond words and I spent the evening in Barcelona really upset though I had the parents, my brother and the cat giving words of encouragement.

It wasn't all bad though as in replacement I was offered a 32 day expedition to Bolivia. I wasn't exactely the most excited about it as I was so geared up and mentally prepared for the Himalayas trip, especially after telling everyone. But on returning to England and reading through the itinerary, it actually sounded better than the Himalayas trip!

The Himalayan trip was only around 23 days long, had one aim, to get up Kang Yatse and involved a 14 day trek to get there. I would have gone to see the Taj Mahal within the Golden Triangle but it was now replaced with 32 days of trekking in the Amazon basin, seeing the salt plans, Lake Titicaca and the Isla del Sol, working in a school/orphanage for 5 days, seeing huge amounts of wildlife and plants, being on the edge of the Andes mountain range, Inca relics.......

I was routing through my bookshelf and happened to find a Lonely Planet guidebook for the Central Andes, what a concidence. I didn't even know that I had it but it is one of the key guidebooks for the expedition.

There are 15 challengers, a school leader, expedition leader and myself heading out on the 9th July, 2 days before I was originally meant to be heading out to the Himalayas so I now have the crazy antics of graduation on 6th July, move out of Stoke on the 7th July, build-up day on the 8th July and then fly on the 9th July.

Busy bee is definitely the word!

World Challenge

Back in January this year I went up to Buxton for a Potential Leaders Course for the company World Challenge Expeditions. It is an organisation that gives students between 16-18 years the opportunity to travel to far flung countries around the world and organise their own expeditions.

I, myself, had the most amazing experience with WCE back in 2004 when I travelled to Costa Rica and Panama, as a 16 year old student. It was probably the key experience in my life that has given me the passion for travelling I have now and the confidence to do everything I do such as being an Outdoor Instructor around the UK.

I was always really interested in going back to WCE, hoping to be a Leader and back in November last year, when I went to the Kendal Mountain Festival, I was made aware about the opportunity to get interviewed by the company. My friend's cousin just so happened to work for WCE and we were staying at her parents house so I talked to her and she mentioned about a new Apprenticeship Scheme. It sounded really interested so I went along to the course in January.

It turned out that just turning up to the course had put me on the scheme along with 5 men. The scheme allows the 6 of us to be trained and developed into the model of expedition leader that the company wants. We are given the opportunity to be put through developmental courses at the centre based in Buxton, training and/or assessments for key qualifications that outdoor intructors need in the industry such as Mountain Leadership (ML) and Single Pitch Award (Climbing SPA), the chance to shadow the Training Expeditions, opportunities through WCE with their Adventure Quest and Prep School Partnership work and then the most exciting part, the chance to be an Assistant Expedition Leader.

I was lucky enough to be placed straight away on an expedition back in January to the Indian Himalayas as the need for female instructors is very high. I was literally speechless (a rare occasion) when my supervisors told me the news. I thought the weekend was just going to be a mini-expedition around the Buxton Moors and then I might get a phone call some time in the year but I found myself heading to India for the 2nd time in a year to help lead an expedition to climb the mountain Kang Yatse (6200 metres). It was amazing! I had always wanted to go to the Himalayas but never thought it would happen so soon.

Lots of organisation, meetings with the school, meeting my leader plus ending up on the groups training expedition occurred over the past 2 months and then the worst news possible came whilst away in Barcelona....

Barcelona - Spain

Between 26th March and 1st April I have been in Barcelona on a University field trip. It was a core module for my Geography degree where we looked into human and physical issues found in and around the city. Here's a run down on what I got up to:

Thursday - Arrived in Barcelona at 10.30ish and was at the Agora University halls by 11.30. Unpacked and went for a wander to find some food. Weather was gorgeous and ended up having a picnic in a little park. Nap in the afternoon after having no sleep the night before. After a briefing with the lecturers we went into the city and had dinner in a little cafe/diner of traditional Spanish cuisine.

Friday - Visited Tibidabo which is the highest point of the Collserola Hills over looking Barcelona. The weather was so good I got burnt. Here was the Sagrat Cor church muddled with the oldest theme park in Spain. Such a clash! Moved onto Parc de Vallvivrera, a natural park where we visited the Vistor Centre and had lunch. Lastly we went to the Agbar Water Museum and investigated the water problems in Barcelona.

Saturday - This was the start of the group project we had designed where we looked into the use of the bike as a way of travelling around Barcelona to see the sights. The weather took a turn for the worst and rained horrifically. Saw so much of the city, the water front, Diagonal, Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllo, Casa Milo, Las Ramblas... Was a really good day with some note taking.

Sunday - The lecturers took us on a City Walking Tour where we went around the Gothic Quater, El Raval, Las Ramblas, some beautiful squares, random museums and the new water front shopping area. All very interesting and it didn't rain!

Monday - A coach tour up to Palleja to see the Llobregat River, Vilafrance de Penedes for the vineyards and lunch, the Llobregat Delta Nature Reserve and then a tour through the Zona Franca industrial estate, the Port, lower Barcelona and past Montjuic.

Tuesday - The 2nd day of our group project where the weather was reasonable for the morning. We went to Montjuic which is the hill near to the coast where a castle/fort sits overlooking Barcelona. The views were amazing, though it was a bit hazy and we also saw the Olympic stadiums. Some lunch and then to the Bicing office to be told that we couldn't use the local bike scheme so went back to Mirador de Colum to hire some bikes and then the weather turned awful again. In the evening we had an eventful trip to a bar called Raim in the Gracia district with the whole group plus lecturers moving on to have dinner in a Lebanese restaurant at 11pm. What a funny evening.

Wednesday - Follow up session getting a presentation sorted and then heading down into town for a wander, some shopping, a trip to the market on Las Ramblas again and then eventually having dinner about 4pm where I finally had my Paella :-) Back to the halls for 7pm then head to El Prat airport for our 10.25pm flight back to Liverpool.

All in all, I learnt alot about Barcelona and could probably pass myself off as a tour guide now, for some poor tourists. It was quite stressful at times like when we had to give a 5-10 minute talk on a subject we were given before we fly out. Talking out aloud isn't the easiest for me when I know I'm being assessed but it went ok. Funniest thing was some awards were given out by the lecturers at the end of the trip and I won the 'Female with the Most Potential'. Not quite sure how to interpretate that, but it sounds good to me.

Thanks to Janet, Louise and Janet for organising the field trip!

Starting Communication

So I'm constantly being asked, 'Where the hell are you?'. It was like a repeat of those video's where that guy Matt was travelling around the world dancing to that awesome music. Unfortunately I don't have a funny little dance. Instead it's normally a rather long diary which every member of the family works their way through.
So here's the next best thing I can think of to keep people up to date on my travels, coming travels and changes to itineraries. A blog! The Constant Traveller I think is very apt and hopefully it will be a way to keep everyone up to date and aware of where I am :-)