Righty, well it's 18:45 local time (about 12:15 Irish time, I think), and I'm back in my spot in the Internet cafe around the corner from Loreto Sealdah. It's Day 5, I suppose, but it feels so much later with all that's been happening, and all there is to be taken in around us. It can be a tad overwhelming at times, and you need to step back to clear your head a bit. Myself and Sean were relieved when BA delivered our bags today; they'd been AWOL since Sunday, and it was a relief to have them back.
We're fairly settled into Loreto Sealdah at this stage, and we're getting used to the routine of it all. We get up about 07:30, have a quick wash (a bucket of freezing water - nothing like it to wake you up! It's be the closest I'll get to a Christmas Day swim this year), then brekkie at 08:00. After that we do different things around the school.
Yesterday we were helping sort a seemingly endless supply of chairs in the school, then put them in the right classrooms. Took longer than you'd expect! Then we visited a small village to meet some people, and get a look at the type of building project which we'll be undertaking next week - a kind of septic tank I guess.
Then today we helped the girls of Loreto Sealdah start up their own Scout troop, with an array of neckers of various colours, 'Scouting Trail' books, and games. We also talked them through the Promise and Law, some basic first aid, tent pitching and some other stuff. We finished with a brilliant campfire-style sing-along with a mix of both Irish and Indian songs, and a couple of Christmas carols thrown in.
Right now most people are just looking around the market, and we're meeting at 19:30 to go to Park Street (a big shopping area) for dinner. Then we're heading to a midnight mass which, unlike at home, is actually at midnight, and not half nine! We'll be shattered afterwards, but it's a once-in-a-lifetime thing so we can't wait.
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Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Day 2 - Bangalore
Yes that’s right Bangalore and what a day it has been. BA assured us we would get on a flight to Kolkata today. When we arrived the BA rep informed us we all were booked onto a Kingfisher flight. When we checked in only 2 of us were booked. For some reason we have 2 PNR's (booking references) and only one of them was passed onto Kingfisher. It took several hours to get something sorted out. There were various options. All going at 7pm, splitting us up on several flights, all go now - no too late. In the end we settled for a stay in a hotel and the assurance we will all go on a 09:30 flight in the morning.
Bangalore airport is definitely different. Once you go into the check in area there seems to be only one way out which is on a flight. You cannot get back out.
Transport was arranged to the hotel but security would not let us out. The BA rep had to be called again to allow us leave the check in area and to our hotel.
The journey was something else. We loaded up into the cars and it took some time and several men with various bits of paper to let us leave the car park. But once on our way it was a 45 min drive, if you could call it that. Horns blowing for everything. i.e.
I am coming through, get out of the way, go ahead I am letting you go etc. We can’t believe the cars don’t have any dints. I don’t know how many timed I was reaching for the break.
Funny part is the hotel bar name is Dublin. Were we back home. Could all of this have been a dream? No its not, a nightmare maybe but we are all here safely and with some food and rest we will be ready for the next adventure, the continuing journer to Kolkata. I think John and myself might end up in Dublin tonight.
Yes that’s right Bangalore and what a day it has been. BA assured us we would get on a flight to Kolkata today. When we arrived the BA rep informed us we all were booked onto a Kingfisher flight. When we checked in only 2 of us were booked. For some reason we have 2 PNR's (booking references) and only one of them was passed onto Kingfisher. It took several hours to get something sorted out. There were various options. All going at 7pm, splitting us up on several flights, all go now - no too late. In the end we settled for a stay in a hotel and the assurance we will all go on a 09:30 flight in the morning.Bangalore airport is definitely different. Once you go into the check in area there seems to be only one way out which is on a flight. You cannot get back out.
Transport was arranged to the hotel but security would not let us out. The BA rep had to be called again to allow us leave the check in area and to our hotel.The journey was something else. We loaded up into the cars and it took some time and several men with various bits of paper to let us leave the car park. But once on our way it was a 45 min drive, if you could call it that. Horns blowing for everything. i.e.
I am coming through, get out of the way, go ahead I am letting you go etc. We can’t believe the cars don’t have any dints. I don’t know how many timed I was reaching for the break.Funny part is the hotel bar name is Dublin. Were we back home. Could all of this have been a dream? No its not, a nightmare maybe but we are all here safely and with some food and rest we will be ready for the next adventure, the continuing journer to Kolkata. I think John and myself might end up in Dublin tonight.
Saturday 20 December, everything started OK. From that I guess you may have an idea what is coming.
We meet in Dublin airport and had a group photo. Evelyn came up trumps with the hoodies. Notepads were also distributed for those who keep the traditional diary. Security in Dublin Airport was eventful, vaccination viles and needles were a surprise but eventually accepted. Worse was the tent in cabin baggage. Who thought of that, I won’t hang the guilty “G”? John managed to get it through.
We arrived in London Heathrow and made our way to terminal 5. The self check in machines greeted us so we availed of their services. First they would not accept our passports so the ticket numbers were required. Seat numbers could not be confirmed. What’s this? BA staff advised we should go to check in area G, the group check in. When we arrived there was an issue. Just a small one, “your flight is full”. What! …… You need to go to area A from where we just came. Any to cut a long story short the aircraft on the Kolkata flight was unserviceable even Ken couldn’t fix it) and substituted with a smaller aircraft so our group and some others YES YOU GUESSED IT WE WERE NOT ON THE FLIGHT!! And could not go directly to Kolkata.
AND SO TO PLAN B After some complementary snacks we w
ere checked onto a flight to Bangalore some 4 hours later than the Kolkata flight. OK with the snacks digested the adventure through Bangalore to Kolkata could be a more interesting experience and let’s face it we were on our way. There were 2 flights from Bangalore to Kolkata which would see us at most 24 hours later than expected. Yea!!!!!!!!!!!!.
Wrong again Ken L. Memories of when I worked as an Aircraft engineer came back. “Should have offered my services on the first aircraft maintenance”CS. On board the Jumbo (not a breakfast roll) on the taxi way and approaching the runway – wait for it the Captain announced we were returning to the stand due to a technical problem with the aircraft. (Where is a good engineer when you need one?)
AND SO TO PLAN C -This would take 10 – 15 minutes to correct and we would be on our way. Well 2 hours later sitting on the aircraft, the air-conditioning not the best, we were informed all was OK and we would be airborne in half an hour. Fingers and everything else crossed we were (Carlsberg Plan in action).
Now we would arrive in Bangalore at 19:00 (01.30 tomorrow Irish time). What’s the problem with that? Just the connecting flight to Kolkata departs at the same time we arrive in Bangalore so we miss our connection and the next one is some 3 to 4 hours later.
Anyway its 19:25 Irish time now and 6 hours out of Bangalore having been fed and watered, I think some ZZZZ’s are in order. We will find out what awaits in Bangalore hopefully from the BA rep on arrival. We await safe arrival of the bags and TENTs. Maybe a nice hotel, some good rest at this stage followed by a flight to Kolkata for us all together in the morning is just what we need. The spirits are high (about 40,000 ft), the adventure has begun.
What a day or two!
We meet in Dublin airport and had a group photo. Evelyn came up trumps with the hoodies. Notepads were also distributed for those who keep the traditional diary. Security in Dublin Airport was eventful, vaccination viles and needles were a surprise but eventually accepted. Worse was the tent in cabin baggage. Who thought of that, I won’t hang the guilty “G”? John managed to get it through.
We arrived in London Heathrow and made our way to terminal 5. The self check in machines greeted us so we availed of their services. First they would not accept our passports so the ticket numbers were required. Seat numbers could not be confirmed. What’s this? BA staff advised we should go to check in area G, the group check in. When we arrived there was an issue. Just a small one, “your flight is full”. What! …… You need to go to area A from where we just came. Any to cut a long story short the aircraft on the Kolkata flight was unserviceable even Ken couldn’t fix it) and substituted with a smaller aircraft so our group and some others YES YOU GUESSED IT WE WERE NOT ON THE FLIGHT!! And could not go directly to Kolkata.AND SO TO PLAN B After some complementary snacks we w
ere checked onto a flight to Bangalore some 4 hours later than the Kolkata flight. OK with the snacks digested the adventure through Bangalore to Kolkata could be a more interesting experience and let’s face it we were on our way. There were 2 flights from Bangalore to Kolkata which would see us at most 24 hours later than expected. Yea!!!!!!!!!!!!.Wrong again Ken L. Memories of when I worked as an Aircraft engineer came back. “Should have offered my services on the first aircraft maintenance”CS. On board the Jumbo (not a breakfast roll) on the taxi way and approaching the runway – wait for it the Captain announced we were returning to the stand due to a technical problem with the aircraft. (Where is a good engineer when you need one?)
AND SO TO PLAN C -This would take 10 – 15 minutes to correct and we would be on our way. Well 2 hours later sitting on the aircraft, the air-conditioning not the best, we were informed all was OK and we would be airborne in half an hour. Fingers and everything else crossed we were (Carlsberg Plan in action).Now we would arrive in Bangalore at 19:00 (01.30 tomorrow Irish time). What’s the problem with that? Just the connecting flight to Kolkata departs at the same time we arrive in Bangalore so we miss our connection and the next one is some 3 to 4 hours later.
Anyway its 19:25 Irish time now and 6 hours out of Bangalore having been fed and watered, I think some ZZZZ’s are in order. We will find out what awaits in Bangalore hopefully from the BA rep on arrival. We await safe arrival of the bags and TENTs. Maybe a nice hotel, some good rest at this stage followed by a flight to Kolkata for us all together in the morning is just what we need. The spirits are high (about 40,000 ft), the adventure has begun.
What a day or two!
PS we landed firmly in Bangalore and I mean firmly. It was quite a thump which even shocked me.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Saturday 20 December, everything started OK. From that I guess you may have an idea what is coming.
We meet in Dublin airport and had a group photo. Evelyn came up trumps with the hoodies. Notepads were also distributed for those who keep the traditional diary. Security in Dublin Airport was eventful, vaccination viles and needles were a surprise but eventually accepted. Worse was the tent in cabin baggage. Who thought of that, I won’t hang the guilty “G”? John managed to get it through.
We arrived in London Heathrow and made our way to terminal 5. The self check in machines greeted us so we availed of their services. First they would not accept our passports so the ticket numbers were required. Seat numbers could not be confirmed. What’s this? BA staff advised we should go to check in area G, the group check in. When we arrived there was an issue. Just a small one, “your flight is full”. What! …… You need to go to area A from where we just came. Any to cut a long story short the aircraft on the Kolkata flight was unserviceable even Ken couldn’t fix it) and substituted with a smaller aircraft so our group and some others YES YOU GUESSED IT WE WERE NOT ON THE FLIGHT!! And could not go directly to Kolkata.
AND SO TO PLAN B After some complementary snacks we were checked onto a flight to Bangalore some 4 hours later than the Kolkata flight. OK with the snacks digested the adventure through Bangalore to Kolkata could be a more interesting experience and let’s face it we were on our way. There were 2 flights from Bangalore to Kolkata which would see us at most 24 hours later than expected. Yea!!!!!!!!!!!!.
Wrong again Ken L. Memories of when I worked as an Aircraft engineer came back. “Should have offered my services on the first aircraft maintenance”CS. On board the Jumbo (not a breakfast roll) on the taxi way and approaching the runway – wait for it the Captain announced we were returning to the stand due to a technical problem with the aircraft. (Where is a good engineer when you need one?)
AND SO TO PLAN C -This would take 10 – 15 minutes to correct and we would be on our way. Well 2 hours later sitting on the aircraft, the air-conditioning not the best, we were informed all was OK and we would be airborne in half an hour. Fingers and everything else crossed we were (Carlsberg Plan in action).
Now we would arrive in Bangalore at 19:00 (01.30 tomorrow Irish time). What’s the problem with that? Just the connecting flight to Kolkata departs at the same time we arrive in Bangalore so we miss our connection and the next one is some 3 to 4 hours later.
Anyway its 19:25 Irish time now and 6 hours out of Bangalore having been fed and watered, I think some ZZZZ’s are in order. We will find out what awaits in Bangalore hopefully from the BA rep on arrival. We await safe arrival of the bags and TENTs. Maybe a nice hotel, some good rest at this stage followed by a flight to Kolkata for us all together in the morning is just what we need. The spirits are high (about 40,000 ft), the adventure has begun.
What a day or two!
We meet in Dublin airport and had a group photo. Evelyn came up trumps with the hoodies. Notepads were also distributed for those who keep the traditional diary. Security in Dublin Airport was eventful, vaccination viles and needles were a surprise but eventually accepted. Worse was the tent in cabin baggage. Who thought of that, I won’t hang the guilty “G”? John managed to get it through.
We arrived in London Heathrow and made our way to terminal 5. The self check in machines greeted us so we availed of their services. First they would not accept our passports so the ticket numbers were required. Seat numbers could not be confirmed. What’s this? BA staff advised we should go to check in area G, the group check in. When we arrived there was an issue. Just a small one, “your flight is full”. What! …… You need to go to area A from where we just came. Any to cut a long story short the aircraft on the Kolkata flight was unserviceable even Ken couldn’t fix it) and substituted with a smaller aircraft so our group and some others YES YOU GUESSED IT WE WERE NOT ON THE FLIGHT!! And could not go directly to Kolkata.
AND SO TO PLAN B After some complementary snacks we were checked onto a flight to Bangalore some 4 hours later than the Kolkata flight. OK with the snacks digested the adventure through Bangalore to Kolkata could be a more interesting experience and let’s face it we were on our way. There were 2 flights from Bangalore to Kolkata which would see us at most 24 hours later than expected. Yea!!!!!!!!!!!!.
Wrong again Ken L. Memories of when I worked as an Aircraft engineer came back. “Should have offered my services on the first aircraft maintenance”CS. On board the Jumbo (not a breakfast roll) on the taxi way and approaching the runway – wait for it the Captain announced we were returning to the stand due to a technical problem with the aircraft. (Where is a good engineer when you need one?)
AND SO TO PLAN C -This would take 10 – 15 minutes to correct and we would be on our way. Well 2 hours later sitting on the aircraft, the air-conditioning not the best, we were informed all was OK and we would be airborne in half an hour. Fingers and everything else crossed we were (Carlsberg Plan in action).
Now we would arrive in Bangalore at 19:00 (01.30 tomorrow Irish time). What’s the problem with that? Just the connecting flight to Kolkata departs at the same time we arrive in Bangalore so we miss our connection and the next one is some 3 to 4 hours later.
Anyway its 19:25 Irish time now and 6 hours out of Bangalore having been fed and watered, I think some ZZZZ’s are in order. We will find out what awaits in Bangalore hopefully from the BA rep on arrival. We await safe arrival of the bags and TENTs. Maybe a nice hotel, some good rest at this stage followed by a flight to Kolkata for us all together in the morning is just what we need. The spirits are high (about 40,000 ft), the adventure has begun.
What a day or two!
2.45am.. Saturday 20th/December/2008... T-Minus 1 hour and 45 minutes and counting...
As I lie my bed, gazing around my room, struggling to keep my eyes open, wondering what I've forgotten to pack and running out of things to type, I can honestly say that I'm excited...
6 hours from now I will be in Heathrow Airport waiting for our flight to Kolkata and most definitely be wrecked! The thought of a 9 hour flight where I can catch up on missed sleep is sounding soo appealing right now..
John, I packed a sock for you just incase ;)
Glenn
As I lie my bed, gazing around my room, struggling to keep my eyes open, wondering what I've forgotten to pack and running out of things to type, I can honestly say that I'm excited...
6 hours from now I will be in Heathrow Airport waiting for our flight to Kolkata and most definitely be wrecked! The thought of a 9 hour flight where I can catch up on missed sleep is sounding soo appealing right now..
John, I packed a sock for you just incase ;)
Glenn
Friday, December 19, 2008
Rathlin Road, Friday, December 19th, 8pm:
I still haven't packed a sock. Spent the last couple of hours buzzing about like a blue-arsed fly distributing various pieces of Group equipment for people to carry. Today has been crazy, especially for myself and Ken. Right now I'm just looking forward to settling into my seat on the big BA Jumbo from London to Kolkata in the safe knowledge that everything is in order, on schedule and that we haven't left anything of any great significance behind us.
It has take an enormous effort to get us to where we are now. Tonight as 18 people embark on the adventure of a lifetime, I think of those who helped get us here. People like Marie Therese O'Higgins, Michael Donlon, my mother Nora Lawlor, John Alexander, Sister Cyril, Fr Seán McArdle, Fr Liam Lacey everyone who donated money, everyone who gave us practical support with fundraising events and in our planning and everyone else who have unfortunately escaped my mind at time of writing.
This has been a massive journey for me personally. I have learned so much from this and having the support and encouragement throughout of people like Ken, Catherine and Glenn has been my lifelblood. I hope I will not let them down. We'll do our best. I better go pack that sock.
I still haven't packed a sock. Spent the last couple of hours buzzing about like a blue-arsed fly distributing various pieces of Group equipment for people to carry. Today has been crazy, especially for myself and Ken. Right now I'm just looking forward to settling into my seat on the big BA Jumbo from London to Kolkata in the safe knowledge that everything is in order, on schedule and that we haven't left anything of any great significance behind us.
It has take an enormous effort to get us to where we are now. Tonight as 18 people embark on the adventure of a lifetime, I think of those who helped get us here. People like Marie Therese O'Higgins, Michael Donlon, my mother Nora Lawlor, John Alexander, Sister Cyril, Fr Seán McArdle, Fr Liam Lacey everyone who donated money, everyone who gave us practical support with fundraising events and in our planning and everyone else who have unfortunately escaped my mind at time of writing.
This has been a massive journey for me personally. I have learned so much from this and having the support and encouragement throughout of people like Ken, Catherine and Glenn has been my lifelblood. I hope I will not let them down. We'll do our best. I better go pack that sock.
T-Minus 26 hours and counting..
Ok.. so I'm lying on my bed at 2.05am on Friday the 19th of December 2008 - 26 hours before we are due to meet in the airport..
As I look around my room I find it hard to see either my door or my telly but I am advised that 'they're there somewhere'.. Instead, I see bags, bags and more bags. Don't get me wrong.. I'm not one of those shopaholic people but I can honestly say that I've shopped more in the last week than I have in my whole life!
Like I said 26 hours to go and the top thing on my to-do list is pack... Yes.. pack.. I don't mean finalise my check list, I don't mean double check my bag, I mean actually take my bag out of the attic and pack! I have come to terms with the fact that I am going to forget something... it's inevitable, whether it's my toothbrush or my sandals I promise you I am going to forget something!
I'm tempted to get up and start getting a move on but as I've said for the past 2 weeks.. "I'll do it tomorrow".. but now unfortunately folks, 'tomorrow' has arrived...
Tune in next time.. same bat-time, same bat-channel..
Glenn =)
As I look around my room I find it hard to see either my door or my telly but I am advised that 'they're there somewhere'.. Instead, I see bags, bags and more bags. Don't get me wrong.. I'm not one of those shopaholic people but I can honestly say that I've shopped more in the last week than I have in my whole life!
Like I said 26 hours to go and the top thing on my to-do list is pack... Yes.. pack.. I don't mean finalise my check list, I don't mean double check my bag, I mean actually take my bag out of the attic and pack! I have come to terms with the fact that I am going to forget something... it's inevitable, whether it's my toothbrush or my sandals I promise you I am going to forget something!
I'm tempted to get up and start getting a move on but as I've said for the past 2 weeks.. "I'll do it tomorrow".. but now unfortunately folks, 'tomorrow' has arrived...
Tune in next time.. same bat-time, same bat-channel..
Glenn =)
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