Yesterday was a holy day here in India so us volunteers got the day off. After a great lie in I went to see a few of the city sights I hadn't ventured to yet. The palaces and monuments here are seriously impressive. Even the reluctant sightseer would have to admit that despite the general chaos of India, the architecture is beautiful. During the evening our project coordinator said we should treat ourselves to a drink at the city's best hotel...needless to say she didn't have to suggest it twice! The Rambagh Palace Hotel (look it up..) was like a mirage!! There were peacocks strolling round the grounds, flute payers under trees, tealights everywhere, and beautiful sari clad dancers. A great, 'colonial' experience, made all the sweeter with a drink!!
Back at school I have commenced my after hours girls grooming sessions! I was a bit apprehensive about how this was going to work and how many girls would come along. Generally about 10 girls turn up. Half from the school and half from the local community. Inevitably a couple of them bring their babies/toddlers along too. So I have been showing them some western hairstyles. Simple stuff like french plaits, backcombed do's. I can't tell you what fun it has been so far. The girls are all gorgeous and really fun and it's definitely less hectic having the boys out of the way, it rally feels like a litle sisterhood! It takes the format of me showing them all how to do something, then they all practise with eachother. Today I ended up being the exhibit. They were all combing my hair and smelling it (bit weird). One of them commented that I didn't have dandruff (phew!). I won't go into too much detail but the standards of hygiene are not great when it comes to the girls hair. They all have hair down to their waists and they put oil in it to condition it. Pretty gross to run your hands through..... 6 months ago I never dreamt I would be here doing all this random stuff. It feels absolutely great!
Tonight is the last night of one of my fellow volunteers so we're having a special meal. (Translates to "more vegetables" !) Then tomorrow after school we are going to Udaipur. 12hr bus but from what I am told it's spectacular. Supposedly it's the most romantic city in India....should be one to revisit soon without my young colleagues!!! Apparently there is another girl arriving on Sunday though so male domination doesn't last much longer.
I meant to send this on earlier, but my mobile number here is +917891353308 should anyone wish to call or text.
Love to you all and more after the weekend.More comments and questions gratefully received! xxx
Back at school I have commenced my after hours girls grooming sessions! I was a bit apprehensive about how this was going to work and how many girls would come along. Generally about 10 girls turn up. Half from the school and half from the local community. Inevitably a couple of them bring their babies/toddlers along too. So I have been showing them some western hairstyles. Simple stuff like french plaits, backcombed do's. I can't tell you what fun it has been so far. The girls are all gorgeous and really fun and it's definitely less hectic having the boys out of the way, it rally feels like a litle sisterhood! It takes the format of me showing them all how to do something, then they all practise with eachother. Today I ended up being the exhibit. They were all combing my hair and smelling it (bit weird). One of them commented that I didn't have dandruff (phew!). I won't go into too much detail but the standards of hygiene are not great when it comes to the girls hair. They all have hair down to their waists and they put oil in it to condition it. Pretty gross to run your hands through..... 6 months ago I never dreamt I would be here doing all this random stuff. It feels absolutely great!
Tonight is the last night of one of my fellow volunteers so we're having a special meal. (Translates to "more vegetables" !) Then tomorrow after school we are going to Udaipur. 12hr bus but from what I am told it's spectacular. Supposedly it's the most romantic city in India....should be one to revisit soon without my young colleagues!!! Apparently there is another girl arriving on Sunday though so male domination doesn't last much longer.
I meant to send this on earlier, but my mobile number here is +917891353308 should anyone wish to call or text.
Love to you all and more after the weekend.More comments and questions gratefully received! xxx
It all sounds soooo amazing. Pleased you managed to sneak in a cheeky drink! I got your message the other day and texted back but for some reason I don't think they're getting through to you.
ReplyDeleteHave you shown them your album yet?
xxxxx
Good morning/afternoon!
ReplyDeleteMaybe you have a career as a beautician/hairdresser awaiting when you get back?! Sounds like very good craic and glad you are enjoying it so much.
Also pleased to heasr you have a bit of a better male/female balance now. How have you been getting along with everyone?
Can't believe you're already half way through there! Will you be sad to leave?
Can't wait to hear about it all first hand!
xx
Dude, I am super impressed with your grooming skills. Maybe we can go into business together when you get back. Have you told them about conditioner as opposed to hair oil?! How's the tan coming along - are you blending in with the locals yet? How are you getting on with the food? Are you bored of it yet? Have you had the dreaded deli belly? What's the new girl like?
ReplyDeleteI sent you a text the other but not sure if it got through? soooooo many questions!
Can't wait to hear all about it when you get back in 2 weeks. Big hugs dude.
xxxxxx
Hi Emily...loved your diary of events...you made me feel I could see it all myself...especially the jewel like colours! Try bribing the students into behaving....offer a little prize (like hair conditioner) for the best behaved pupil! It all sounds positively surreal....a life changing event.xAnne
ReplyDeleteHello meate's growler!!!
ReplyDeleteI am so enjoying this and sounds like you're having a truly special time.
I love the idea of them smelling your hair - can't wait to smell it myself when you get back!
Oh - it all brings back so many memories for me too. It's so strange but familiar and right and wrong at the same time isn't it? cannot WAIT to see pictures.
And so glad you decided to take the 12 hour bus trip - the whole travelling experience, by train or bus, is such a big part of India - and you will see so much just on the journey. As jessy h has just rightly said in my ear -it is about the journey, not the destination.... Anyway back to our artisan salami and jacky ps. And wine. (sorry). And 90210.
Can't wait to read more and so hope the belly hasn't gone delhi yet (and doesn't). No ice, meat or salad... xxxxxxx
Hey Em,
ReplyDeleteSorry - bit of a delay in commenting on your blog.
Great to hear you're having such a great time!
My god, sounds like a completely different world out there....
Had any alcohol or meat yet btw?
Keep up the good stuff (grooming!) and looking fwd to reading your next post.
Lots of love xx
Iris