My apologies for the recent quietness on the blog front. My reasons/ excuses for this are 3fold:
1- we'd started a new event that meant we were all very busy
2- I've not been well; I have a sinus infection that has led to my sleeping for pretty much the whole of the last 4 days
3- we had more internet/server issues, so on the one day I had when I was not too busy or too ill, I couldn't access the internet.
However, I am now determined to update you on the last week, as we're just about to launch into another event which is even longer and busier!
I'll begin with last Sunday, which was Jessica's birthday. The night before, Ellen and some helpers had slaved away long and hard in the kitchen to make Swedish Cinnamon Buns, and we (Ellen, Heidi and I) decided Jessica would receive the first ones, topped with candles, in the morning. We decided on 7:30, but were slightly delayed in the corridor as the matches wouldn't light. This apparently made our timing perfect, as Jessica's alarm had just gone off and she'd literally just got out of bed as we burst in singing 'Happy Birthday'.
The rest of the day passed fairly normally; Jessica got cake at lunchtime for her birthday and I sat on reception trying to look busy and useful. Then at 3:30, Jessica, Hayley and I departed in a rickshaw for the airport to meet our new event guests. When we got to the airport, we discovered that there were no flights due in at 4, which was met with much consternation. After multiple phone calls back to Sangam and checking online of information, we established that they'd put their departure time from Delhi on the arrival info sheet, rather than their arrival time at Pune. So we got another rickshaw home, introduced some imaginary guests to Sangam and pulled their imaginary bags up the steps, and then went into an emergency 'how do we rejig the schedule so they're not too rushed but also get fed and welcomed in a proper ceremony before bedtime' meeting. We're SVs (now stands for Super Vols) so it wasn't too much of a problem, although it did mean that our guests were a bit rushed when they FINALLY landed, came out of the airport terminal and we'd got them taxis (not rickshaws - lucky them!) to Sangam.
The welcome ceremony was also my first as a member of staff; the first of many times that I will wear the pink Sangam sari! I love the welcome ceremony, and am really pleased that we do it for every event because it's really special and a lovely way to commence one's time here.
Unfortunately, our guests had been doing some hardcore travelling for a week around India before arriving here, and so a lot of them were feeling ill either from a stomach bug or overtiredness. This meant that we had to do some more schedule shuffling in order to allow them to rest. It was a bit frustrating, but as that's generally the nature of things in India, we coped!
I also had some sessions of my own to run of course. Tours of Sangam and the neighbourhood were fine, but I was worried about my '10 million girls' session; in which we discuss WAGGGS and its current themes and programmes. I'd been working really hard on a new game to play that was inspired by this awesome video, and then wanted to introduce them to WAGGGS' new Stop the Violence campaign, as I've also been heading the project to create a wall of ideas about this issue in the dining room! My worry was that it was a bit too heavy for the group as they were tired and also mainly interested in shopping at this point, but I was wrong! Although they may not have expected it, the group responded to it really well. So well, in fact, that they began there and then to create a badge syllabus linking to Stop the Violence, as they felt that it was about time they did something really worthwhile with their meetings and guiding connections, rather than always just 'singing songs and playing games'. I felt really great as in the session the previous day, many of them had not even heard of the MDGs, and yet there they were taking on a huge role in speaking out and advocating about a huge issue. That is the reason that I wanted to come here and be a Sangam Volunteer - to be able to make a difference in the way people view the world, and the things they think they can or can't do to make a difference themselves. It was easily the most fulfilling experience I've had here - or perhaps anywhere for quite a while, and I'm excited for things to come. We have an HIV/Aids seminar coming up soon, and we've already identified it as being important in a different way from the programmes we run about discovering a new culture, and even the community project events, so I'm looking forward to it!
After that awesome day, things weren't so great for me unfortunately! I developed a headache one afternoon, and after trying to sleep it off, decided it had got much worse and so wasn't able to go to dinner at the home of the local scout leader. This was part of the programme for the participants, but also part of mine and Jessica's training that we'd never got around to in the chaos of the birthday event! I know that I'll have other opportunities, but it was disappointing at the time.
I had loads of responsibilities the next day, and I was determined to battle through my headache. I made it to about 5pm, and then having set up the rest of the evening and asked Ellen and Jessica to cover for me, I returned to my bed. Again, missing a fun evening - Maha dinner and then bollywood dancing!
The third day, I wanted to power through as I was fed up of my head claiming me, and it was - yet again - fun activities as we were out visiting community partners. Apparently I looked a lot worse than I felt even, as Christa (DWCM) put her foot down and told me that there was no way I was doing anything but returning to my bed! It turned out to be a good decision, as I then developed a very high temperature. Priya was awesome in sitting with me for quite a while, patiently placing and replacing cucumber on my eyes and a cold cloth on my forehead. I fell asleep again, until she woke me in the evening to visit the doctor. That was when I received the diagnosis of a sinus infection - around my left eye. He gave me a cocktail of pills, and warned me that it would be 3 days until I felt better. They've worked, pretty much, but have also knocked me out completely and I spent 2 of those days sleeping pretty much non-stop, and then yesterday although I felt a bit better, I was very woozy and faint so still frustratingly not 100%. I've also had the benefit of a couple of herbal remedies from Diane; Tiger balm which is amazing, and Olbas oil to help clear my head. Don't know what I'd have done without them! It meant I managed to go out for an hour on Saturday to celebrate Ellen and Jessica's birthdays, but I still wasn't well enough to join them for the dancing after the restaurant!
This morning, I feel OK, but I still don't think I'll be bouncing around Sangam. It's the first day of a 10-day event (the participants arrived yesterday) and I really want to be able to be involved, be successful, and enjoy it to the max. Hopefully I'll get there!
I know that while I was ill, I wasn't overly vocal about how grateful I was to everyone who took care of me and looked out for me over the last few days - everyone here's been awesome and so kind, so I'd like to publicly thank them here for being amazing people - especially as a few of them haven't always been feeling totally ticketyboo either! They've saved me food, sent me to bed, taken over my sessions, lent me medicines, kept me cool, cheered me up, given me hugs, checked in on me, caught me when I was feeling wobbly, and just generally been like a big, caring family. And I love them all very much :)
Other things that I haven't mentioned in the correct chronological place are:
I think that's about all I can think to update you with; it's been a long week of ups and downs, and as I literally slept through about half of it, I'm quite impressed with how long I've managed to make this post. Hopefully lots of exciting things will happen in this next event, and I'll be able to find the time to blog about them. If I don't, then you'll have to wait 10 days until it's all over and then I'll make sure I update you!
TTFN
1- we'd started a new event that meant we were all very busy
2- I've not been well; I have a sinus infection that has led to my sleeping for pretty much the whole of the last 4 days
3- we had more internet/server issues, so on the one day I had when I was not too busy or too ill, I couldn't access the internet.
However, I am now determined to update you on the last week, as we're just about to launch into another event which is even longer and busier!
I'll begin with last Sunday, which was Jessica's birthday. The night before, Ellen and some helpers had slaved away long and hard in the kitchen to make Swedish Cinnamon Buns, and we (Ellen, Heidi and I) decided Jessica would receive the first ones, topped with candles, in the morning. We decided on 7:30, but were slightly delayed in the corridor as the matches wouldn't light. This apparently made our timing perfect, as Jessica's alarm had just gone off and she'd literally just got out of bed as we burst in singing 'Happy Birthday'.
The rest of the day passed fairly normally; Jessica got cake at lunchtime for her birthday and I sat on reception trying to look busy and useful. Then at 3:30, Jessica, Hayley and I departed in a rickshaw for the airport to meet our new event guests. When we got to the airport, we discovered that there were no flights due in at 4, which was met with much consternation. After multiple phone calls back to Sangam and checking online of information, we established that they'd put their departure time from Delhi on the arrival info sheet, rather than their arrival time at Pune. So we got another rickshaw home, introduced some imaginary guests to Sangam and pulled their imaginary bags up the steps, and then went into an emergency 'how do we rejig the schedule so they're not too rushed but also get fed and welcomed in a proper ceremony before bedtime' meeting. We're SVs (now stands for Super Vols) so it wasn't too much of a problem, although it did mean that our guests were a bit rushed when they FINALLY landed, came out of the airport terminal and we'd got them taxis (not rickshaws - lucky them!) to Sangam.
The welcome ceremony was also my first as a member of staff; the first of many times that I will wear the pink Sangam sari! I love the welcome ceremony, and am really pleased that we do it for every event because it's really special and a lovely way to commence one's time here.
The SVs and VITs doing 'Snake'!
Unfortunately, our guests had been doing some hardcore travelling for a week around India before arriving here, and so a lot of them were feeling ill either from a stomach bug or overtiredness. This meant that we had to do some more schedule shuffling in order to allow them to rest. It was a bit frustrating, but as that's generally the nature of things in India, we coped!
I also had some sessions of my own to run of course. Tours of Sangam and the neighbourhood were fine, but I was worried about my '10 million girls' session; in which we discuss WAGGGS and its current themes and programmes. I'd been working really hard on a new game to play that was inspired by this awesome video, and then wanted to introduce them to WAGGGS' new Stop the Violence campaign, as I've also been heading the project to create a wall of ideas about this issue in the dining room! My worry was that it was a bit too heavy for the group as they were tired and also mainly interested in shopping at this point, but I was wrong! Although they may not have expected it, the group responded to it really well. So well, in fact, that they began there and then to create a badge syllabus linking to Stop the Violence, as they felt that it was about time they did something really worthwhile with their meetings and guiding connections, rather than always just 'singing songs and playing games'. I felt really great as in the session the previous day, many of them had not even heard of the MDGs, and yet there they were taking on a huge role in speaking out and advocating about a huge issue. That is the reason that I wanted to come here and be a Sangam Volunteer - to be able to make a difference in the way people view the world, and the things they think they can or can't do to make a difference themselves. It was easily the most fulfilling experience I've had here - or perhaps anywhere for quite a while, and I'm excited for things to come. We have an HIV/Aids seminar coming up soon, and we've already identified it as being important in a different way from the programmes we run about discovering a new culture, and even the community project events, so I'm looking forward to it!
After that awesome day, things weren't so great for me unfortunately! I developed a headache one afternoon, and after trying to sleep it off, decided it had got much worse and so wasn't able to go to dinner at the home of the local scout leader. This was part of the programme for the participants, but also part of mine and Jessica's training that we'd never got around to in the chaos of the birthday event! I know that I'll have other opportunities, but it was disappointing at the time.
I had loads of responsibilities the next day, and I was determined to battle through my headache. I made it to about 5pm, and then having set up the rest of the evening and asked Ellen and Jessica to cover for me, I returned to my bed. Again, missing a fun evening - Maha dinner and then bollywood dancing!
The third day, I wanted to power through as I was fed up of my head claiming me, and it was - yet again - fun activities as we were out visiting community partners. Apparently I looked a lot worse than I felt even, as Christa (DWCM) put her foot down and told me that there was no way I was doing anything but returning to my bed! It turned out to be a good decision, as I then developed a very high temperature. Priya was awesome in sitting with me for quite a while, patiently placing and replacing cucumber on my eyes and a cold cloth on my forehead. I fell asleep again, until she woke me in the evening to visit the doctor. That was when I received the diagnosis of a sinus infection - around my left eye. He gave me a cocktail of pills, and warned me that it would be 3 days until I felt better. They've worked, pretty much, but have also knocked me out completely and I spent 2 of those days sleeping pretty much non-stop, and then yesterday although I felt a bit better, I was very woozy and faint so still frustratingly not 100%. I've also had the benefit of a couple of herbal remedies from Diane; Tiger balm which is amazing, and Olbas oil to help clear my head. Don't know what I'd have done without them! It meant I managed to go out for an hour on Saturday to celebrate Ellen and Jessica's birthdays, but I still wasn't well enough to join them for the dancing after the restaurant!
This morning, I feel OK, but I still don't think I'll be bouncing around Sangam. It's the first day of a 10-day event (the participants arrived yesterday) and I really want to be able to be involved, be successful, and enjoy it to the max. Hopefully I'll get there!
I know that while I was ill, I wasn't overly vocal about how grateful I was to everyone who took care of me and looked out for me over the last few days - everyone here's been awesome and so kind, so I'd like to publicly thank them here for being amazing people - especially as a few of them haven't always been feeling totally ticketyboo either! They've saved me food, sent me to bed, taken over my sessions, lent me medicines, kept me cool, cheered me up, given me hugs, checked in on me, caught me when I was feeling wobbly, and just generally been like a big, caring family. And I love them all very much :)
Other things that I haven't mentioned in the correct chronological place are:
- The arrival of a new photocopier! Our old one was donated 11 years ago, and has been dying for quite some time as far as I understand. It still does basic copying, but it's more pain than it's worth. We are going to try to donate it to someone though. The new one is basically the updated model, and the main bonuses are that there are no labels on various parts saying 'do not use' or 'shut carefully', and that the feeder tray works! This means creating duplex copies of things is really easy - and we've been very excited by it for the last couple of days! When it arrived we all whooped so loudly in the middle of our Indian afternoon that Net heard us from upstairs and rushed down to join our celebrations!:
You can also see a few more photos of this amazing occurrence here.
- A lot of our new guests are guiders from Brumland! One of them very kindly brought me a bag of clothes, biscuits, pills, shower gel etc that I decided I needed since I arrived. It was a long process getting it to me, involving my father driving it to Brum and giving it to Ruth, my Brown Owl, and then asking her to get it to the travel group. But it worked and I'm very grateful to these people as well. There was nothing hugely important in the bag really, but it'll make life here more comfortable, plus it's always nice to get something from home!
- We had an international dinner on Sunday! Anyone who wanted to cooked a dish that we don't normally have here/ something from home. We had pasta bake, tuna pie, tacos, bruschetta, apple pie, 2 other desserts I can't spell and probably something else as well! I had been planning to make chocolate bread pudding, but was ill, so may do it another time. Or I may make flapjack as we've discovered that it seems only UK people understand what exactly a flapjack is, and we feel that the other staff members need educating in this area!
I think that's about all I can think to update you with; it's been a long week of ups and downs, and as I literally slept through about half of it, I'm quite impressed with how long I've managed to make this post. Hopefully lots of exciting things will happen in this next event, and I'll be able to find the time to blog about them. If I don't, then you'll have to wait 10 days until it's all over and then I'll make sure I update you!
TTFN
more photos please! :) x
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